Session establishment methods, devices, systems, AMF units, and UEs for network slicing

Abstract

This application relates to a method, apparatus, system, AMF unit, and UE for establishing a network slice session. The method includes: receiving a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user terminal (UE); establishing a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit; and running the established PDU session on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information. This method can improve the efficiency of network slice session establishment, thereby improving the utilization rate of network slices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, system, AMF unit, and UE for establishing a network slice session. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of Internet technology, network slicing technology has emerged. Slicing technology can divide a physical network into multiple virtual networks, resulting in multiple isolated and independent network slices. Furthermore, a user equipment (UE) can select one of these network slices and establish a PUD session between the UE and the data network (DN) for data communication.

[0003] Currently, network slicing technology requires UE development support, resulting in relatively low utilization of network slices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method, apparatus, system, AMF unit, and UE for establishing a network slice session that can improve the utilization rate of network slices, addressing the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a session establishment method for network slicing, applied to an Access Management Function (AMF) unit, the method comprising:

[0006] Receive a PDU session establishment request initiated by the user terminal (UE);

[0007] Based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established, and the established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0008] In one embodiment, receiving the PDU session establishment request initiated by the user terminal UE includes: receiving the PDU session establishment request forwarded by the user terminal UE through the base station BS.

[0009] In one embodiment, establishing a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit includes:

[0010] The PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE are sent to the Session Management (SMF) unit so that the SMF unit can select the User Plane Function (UPF) unit based on the Data Network DN and the network slice information corresponding to the UE.

[0011] The UPF unit sends the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice to the UPF unit so that the UPF unit can establish a communication tunnel between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE based on the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice.

[0012] Based on the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established.

[0013] In one embodiment, establishing a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE includes:

[0014] Based on the communication tunnel established between the UE and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, the communication tunnel established between the UPF unit and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, and the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the data network DN, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0016] The SMF unit obtains the session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request, and the session establishment request response is used to indicate that the SMF unit has successfully received the PDU session establishment request.

[0017] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0018] Secondly, this application also provides a session establishment method for network slicing, applied to a UE, the method comprising:

[0019] Send a PDU session establishment request; the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit;

[0020] The subscription slice information corresponding to the UE is received. The subscription slice information is obtained during the process of establishing the PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

[0021] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0022] Thirdly, this application also provides a session establishment apparatus for network slicing. The apparatus includes:

[0023] The receiving module is used to receive PDU session establishment requests initiated by the user terminal UE;

[0024] The session establishment module is used to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit. The established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0025] Fourthly, this application also provides a session establishment apparatus for network slicing, the apparatus comprising:

[0026] The sending module is used to send a PDU session establishment request; the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit.

[0027] The receiving module is used to receive the subscription slice information corresponding to the UE, which is obtained during the process of establishing the PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

[0028] Fifthly, this application also provides a network slicing session establishment system, which includes a UE, a base station BS, an AMF unit, an SMF unit, a UDM unit, and a data network DN;

[0029] This AMF unit is used to execute the session establishment method for network slicing described above;

[0030] This UE is used to execute the network slice session establishment method described above.

[0031] Sixthly, this application also provides an AMF unit, which includes a transceiver, a processor, and a memory, the memory storing a computer program;

[0032] The transceiver is used to receive PDU session establishment requests initiated by the user terminal UE;

[0033] The processor executes the computer program to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit. The established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0034] Seventhly, this application also provides a UE, which includes a transceiver;

[0035] The transceiver is used to send a PDU session establishment request; the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit.

[0036] The transceiver is also used to receive subscription slice information corresponding to the UE, which is obtained during the process of establishing the PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

[0037] Eighthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above methods.

[0038] Ninthly, this application also provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above methods. The aforementioned network slicing session establishment method, apparatus, system, AMF unit, and UE receive a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user terminal UE, and determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, and establish a PDU session corresponding to the target network slice. Currently, because slicing technology in traditional technologies requires UE development support, the UE needs to store its corresponding network slice information in advance. Then, based on its stored network slice information, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment request carrying relevant information about the network slice to the AMF unit, and determines the target network slice based on the content returned by the AMF unit. However, in the method provided in this embodiment, since the network slice information corresponding to the UE is stored in the AMF unit, the PDU session establishment request initiated by the UE does not need to carry the relevant information about the network slice. Furthermore, the AMF unit can determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request initiated by the UE and the stored network slice information. Therefore, the UE does not need development support for the slicing technology to establish the corresponding session for the network slice, avoiding the slicing technology's dependence on the UE, improving the flexibility of network slice usage, and thus increasing the utilization rate of network slices. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of the session establishment method for network slicing in this embodiment of the application.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the session establishment method for network slicing in this embodiment of the application.

[0041] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the process for extracting S-NSSAI in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of establishing a tunnel between the UE and the UPF in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a session establishment method for network slicing in another embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a network slicing session establishment method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a network slicing session establishment device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of another network slicing session establishment device in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AMF unit in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UE according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0050] Currently, when a UE establishes a PDU session for a network slice, it needs to support functions such as initiating a PDU session establishment request for the network slice and accessing the network slice. Therefore, slicing technology requires UE development support. In other words, if a UE does not support slicing technology, it cannot establish a PDU session for a network slice, and consequently cannot use the corresponding network slice. This results in low network slice utilization. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method for establishing a network slice session that can improve network slice utilization, addressing the aforementioned technical issues. This method will be described below.

[0051] Figure 1 This is an application environment diagram of the session establishment method for network slicing in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1As shown, this scenario includes a user terminal 101, a base station 102, an Access and Mobility Management function (AMF) unit 103, a Session Management Function (SMF) unit 104, a User Plane Function (UPF) unit 105, a Unified Data Management (UDM) unit 106, and a Data Network (DN) 107.

[0052] The user terminal 101 may be, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets and portable wearable devices, and the portable wearable devices may be smartwatches, smart bracelets, head-mounted devices, etc.

[0053] Base station 102 can be a base station (BTS) in Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a relay station or access point, or a base station in a 5G network, etc. The AMF unit 103, SMF unit, UPF unit 105, and UDM unit 106 can be implemented using independent servers or a server cluster consisting of multiple servers.

[0054] It is understood that the above only illustrates one possible application environment, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the session establishment method for network slicing in this embodiment of the application. The method is applied to... Figure 1 In the AMF unit shown, in one embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0056] S201, Receive PDU session establishment request initiated by user terminal UE.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the UE needs to establish a PDU session corresponding to a network slice, it will initiate a PDU session establishment request. Then, the Access and Mobility Management function (AMF) will receive the PDU session establishment request initiated by the UE. Here, PDU (Protocol Data Unit) is the information exchanged between peer layers of the protocol layer. In the 5G network, the path established between the user terminal and the data network DN is called a PDU Session, which is used to realize data interaction between the UE and the data network DN.

[0058] Optionally, the PDU session establishment request may include: Data Network Name (DNN) information, terminal identification information, and PDU session identification information. The terminal identification information allows the AMF unit to determine which terminal initiated the PDU session request. The Data Network DN refers to the operator's network that provides data transmission services to users, such as IP Multimedia Service (IMS) and the Internet. Access to the Data Network DN is achieved by establishing PDU sessions between the UE and the access network equipment (e.g., a base station), between the base station and the UPF unit, and between the UPF unit and the Data Network DN.

[0059] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0060] Currently, in traditional technologies, when a UE initiates a PDU session establishment request, it includes network slice information in the request. In other words, in the traditional network PDU session establishment process, the UE needs to store the network slice information in advance and possess the ability to identify and process this information, thus requiring corresponding development support from the UE. However, in this embodiment, since the PDU session establishment request does not carry network slice information, the UE does not need to store it in advance, nor does it need the ability to identify and process it. Therefore, in the network PDU session establishment method provided in this embodiment, the UE does not require corresponding development support.

[0061] Among them, the network slice related information includes, but is not limited to, Allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, Requested Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, or Configured Network Slice Selection Assistance Information.

[0062] S202, Based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, establish the PDU session corresponding to the network slice information.

[0063] The established PUD session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0064] In this embodiment, the network slice information can be pre-stored in the AMF unit corresponding to the UE. For example, the network slice information may include configuring NSSAI, allowing NSSAI, and subscribing to NSSAI. The PDU session establishment request includes a terminal identifier. The AMF unit stores network slice information corresponding to different terminal identifiers. Therefore, when the AMF unit receives a PDU session establishment request, it can determine the network slice information corresponding to the terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, which is the network slice information corresponding to the UE.

[0065] Furthermore, the AMF unit can determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit. For example, after receiving the PDU session establishment request, the AMF unit can select S-NSSIA (Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information) from Configure NSSAI, Allow NSSAI, and Subscribe to NSSAI, based on the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE. In this way, the UE can then use the AMF unit to establish a PDU session corresponding to the target network slice, thereby accessing the target network slice (the corresponding network slice in the data network DN).

[0066] Optionally, when establishing a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information, the AMF unit first performs an SMF unit and sends a PDU session establishment request (containing the network slice information corresponding to the user terminal) to the SMF unit. Then, the SMF unit selects a UPF based on the network slice information and data network DN corresponding to the UE, and establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the UE (including a communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the base station BS, and a communication tunnel between the base station BS and the UE). Then, based on the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the UE, and the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the data network DN, the steps of establishing a PDU session corresponding to the target network slice are completed.

[0067] It is understandable that the selected SMF unit is primarily responsible for all control plane functions of terminal device session management, including UPF selection, control, and redirection; Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management; session QoS management; obtaining policy and charging control (PCC) policies from the PCF; and bearer or session establishment, modification, and release. The selected UPF unit, as the anchor point for PDU session connections, is responsible for data packet filtering, data transmission / forwarding, rate control, generating charging information, user plane QoS processing, uplink transmission authentication, transmission level verification, downlink packet buffering, and downlink data notification triggering for the terminal device. The UPF unit can also serve as a branch point for multi-homed PDU sessions. The transmission resources and scheduling functions providing services to the terminal device (UE) within the UPF unit are managed and controlled by the SMF unit.

[0068] The network slice session establishment method provided in this embodiment receives a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user terminal (UE), determines the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, and establishes a PDU session corresponding to the target network slice. Currently, because traditional slicing technology requires UE development support, the UE needs to store its corresponding network slice information in advance. Then, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment request carrying relevant information about the network slice to the AMF unit based on its stored network slice information, and determines the target network slice based on the content returned by the AMF unit. However, in the method provided in this embodiment, since the network slice information corresponding to the UE is stored in the AMF unit, the PDU session establishment request initiated by the UE does not need to carry the relevant information about the network slice. Furthermore, the AMF unit can determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request initiated by the UE and the stored network slice information. Therefore, the UE does not need development support for the slicing technology to establish a session corresponding to the network slice, avoiding the UE's dependence on the slicing technology, improving the flexibility of network slice usage, and thus increasing the utilization rate of network slices.

[0069] In one embodiment, this embodiment provides an optional method for receiving a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user terminal UE, that is, a method for refining S201. The specific implementation process may include: receiving a PDU session establishment request forwarded by the user terminal UE through a base station BS.

[0070] In this embodiment, the AMF unit and the SMF unit do not communicate directly, but rather indirectly through the base station (BS). That is, when the UE needs to perform network slicing, it sends a PDU session establishment request to the base station BS. After receiving the PDU session establishment request, the base station BS forwards it to the AMF unit.

[0071] The relationship between the UE and the base station (BS) may be many-to-many. Optionally, the UE can determine the final base station to use based on the signal strength with different candidate base stations. For example, if the UE simultaneously searches for base stations BS1 and BS2, and the signal strength between the UE and base station BS1 is the strongest, then the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to base station BS1. The UE can also pre-configure the mapping between user identifiers and base stations; for example, user identifier 1 corresponds to base station BS1. When user 1 initiates a PDU session establishment request through the UE, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to base station BS1. It is understood that each UE has a unique terminal identifier and user identifier.

[0072] The relationship between a base station (BS) and an AMF (Active Mobile Subscription) unit may be one-to-many. Optionally, when a UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the base station (BS), it may carry an indication such as 5G-S-TMSI (5G S-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier) ​​or GUAM (Globally Unique AMF Unit Identifier). The base station (BS) will then determine the corresponding AMF unit based on the indication in the PDU session establishment request and forward the PDU session establishment request to that AMF unit.

[0073] In some embodiments, the base station (BS) can also pre-configure AMF units, that is, the base station (BS) stores the correspondence between itself or the user identifier and the AMF unit. Then, after receiving a PDU session establishment request, the base station (BS) forwards the PDU session establishment request to the corresponding AMF unit according to the pre-configured correspondence. Further details are omitted here.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an optional method for establishing a PDU session corresponding to a network slice based on a PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, that is, providing a way to refine S202. The specific implementation process may include:

[0075] S301, based on the PDU session establishment request, query the network slice information corresponding to the user terminal UE in the AMF unit.

[0076] The AMF unit stores the network slice information corresponding to each UE.

[0077] Specifically, based on the terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, the network slice information corresponding to the user terminal UE is queried in the AMF unit.

[0078] S302, extract the S-NSSAI corresponding to the UE from the network slice information corresponding to the UE.

[0079] It's understandable that while both configuring NSSAI and allowing NSSAI are pre-stored in the AMF unit, configuring NSSAI indicates the network slices supported by default for the user, but it's not equivalent to subscribing to NSSAI. For example, if user 1's region supports service 2, then configuring NSSAI includes the network slice identifier 2 corresponding to service 2. Generally, configuring NSSAI remains static. Allowing NSSAI, on the other hand, indicates the network slices that the user can use. Allowing NSSAI is continuously updated based on the user's service needs, the status of network slices, and other factors; that is, it is dynamically updated with each PDU session establishment request initiated by the UE.

[0080] NSSAI includes S-NSSAI. In other words, S-NSSAI is used to identify network slices and can be understood as network slice identifiers; therefore, NSSAI is a set of network slice identifiers. For example, configuring NSSAI includes S-NSSAI1, S-NSSAI2, and S-NSSAI3; signing up NSSAI includes S-NSSAI1 and S-NSSAI2; and allowing NSSAI includes S-NSSAI1, S-NSSAI4, and S-NSSAI5. S-NSSAI1, S-NSSAI2, S-NSSAI3, S-NSSAI4, and S-NSSAI5 correspond to network slice 1, network slice 2, network slice 3, network slice 4, and network slice 5, respectively. In this embodiment, the corresponding S-NSSAI is selected from the allowed NSSAIs.

[0081] S303: Based on the PDU session establishment request and the S-NSSAI corresponding to the UE, establish the PDU session corresponding to the network slice information.

[0082] In this embodiment, the PDU establishment request sent by the AMF unit to the SMF unit contains S-NSSAI information. In this way, the SMF unit configures resources according to the requirements of S-NSSAI, completes the establishment of core network user plane and radio resources, and finally completes the entire process of slice establishment without terminal participation.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides an optional method for establishing a PDU session corresponding to a network slice based on a PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, that is, providing a way to refine S202. The specific implementation process may include:

[0084] S401, send a PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to the Session Management (SMF) unit.

[0085] The PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE are used by the SMF unit to select the user plane function based on the data network DN and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, so as to determine the user plane function UPF unit.

[0086] In this process, the AMF cell performs SMF selection to obtain the SMF cell.

[0087] Specifically, the AMF initiates the control plane slice selection signaling procedure to select the SMF. Then, the SMF determines which UPF to select based on the slice identifier (S-NSSIA), data network DN, etc. It's understandable that the SMF considers many factors when selecting a UPF unit, such as the DN list supported by the UPF, the UPF's service range (TAC list), the SSC modes supported by the UPF, the UPF load, the UE's current location, etc. The selection strategy may not be static. Further, the AMF unit sends the corresponding tunnel information for the target network slice to the SMF unit, and the SMF unit sends the corresponding tunnel information to the UPF unit. The UPF unit establishes a tunnel with the UE based on this tunnel information. Then, based on the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the UE, and the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the data network DN, the establishment of the PDU session corresponding to the target network slice is completed.

[0088] Furthermore, the SMF unit performs subscription verification on the network slice information corresponding to the UE. If the verification fails, the updated subscription information corresponding to the UE is obtained from the User Data Unit (UDM).

[0089] Understandably, if the SMF unit finds inconsistencies in the information sent by the AMF unit, such as the data network DN and S-NSSAI, it will initiate the subscription retrieval / subscription forupdates function, that is, obtain the latest subscription information of the UE from the Unified Data Repository (UDR) function.

[0090] Optionally, the SMF unit returns a session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request to the AMF unit. The session establishment request response indicates that the PDU session establishment request was successfully received. Correspondingly, the AMF unit obtains the session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request from the SMF unit.

[0091] In addition, after receiving the PDU session establishment request, the SMF unit initiates session authentication between the UE and the data network DN according to the requirements of the data network DN, and generates the authentication result.

[0092] It is understandable that the above session establishment authentication steps are performed according to the requirements of the DN. If the DN accessed by the UE has authentication requirements, the SMF unit will initiate authentication between the UE and the DN. This embodiment does not limit the specific authentication process, as long as it can achieve authentication of the UE based on the data network DN.

[0093] S402, sends the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice to the UPF unit.

[0094] The tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice is used by the UPF unit to establish a communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the base station (BS) corresponding to the UE based on the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice.

[0095] Specifically, the target session management sends the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice to the SMF unit, and sends the downlink tunnel information in the tunnel information to the user plane function UPF unit, so that the UPF unit can establish a communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the base station BS corresponding to the UE based on the downlink tunnel information, and return a tunnel establishment success response to the AMF unit.

[0096] It is understandable that the UPF unit establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the base station BS corresponding to the UE based on the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice. The specific process of tunnel establishment may include: N4 session establishment request, N4 session establishment response, radio related interface establishment, N2 interface session management request, radio network resource establishment, N2 interface session management response, etc.

[0097] S403, based on the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, establish the PDU session corresponding to the network slice information.

[0098] Specifically, based on the communication tunnels established between the UE and its corresponding base station BS, the communication tunnels established between the UPF unit and the UE's corresponding base station BS, and the communication tunnels between the UPF unit and the data network DN, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established.

[0099] It is understandable that the established PUD session runs on the target network slice. The UE initiates an access request to the data network DN through the PDU session, and the UE service access request is received by the data network DN; the data network DN returns service data to the UE service, and the service data reaches the UE return service data through the PDU session, thus realizing the function of using the target network slice corresponding to the UE for service data transmission.

[0100] In this embodiment, a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user terminal (UE) is received. Based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, the target network slice corresponding to the UE is determined. The PDU session corresponding to the target network slice is established through the SMF unit and the target UPF unit. The establishment of the network slice corresponding session can be achieved without the need for development support for the slice technology.

[0101] The above mainly introduced the process of the network slicing session establishment method being executed in the AMF unit. Next, we will introduce the process of the network slicing session establishment method being executed in the user terminal (UE) unit. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the session establishment method for network slicing in this embodiment of the application. The method is applied to... Figure 1 In one embodiment of the user terminal shown, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0102] S501, send a PDU session establishment request.

[0103] The PDU session establishment request is issued by the UE; and the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit.

[0104] It is understandable that the network slice information corresponding to the user terminal (UE) is pre-stored in the AMF unit and obtained through a session establishment request from the user terminal (UE) corresponding to the PDU.

[0105] Optionally, in one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0106] S502, receive the subscription slice information corresponding to the user terminal UE.

[0107] The contracted slice information is obtained during the PDU session establishment process.

[0108] Specifically, during the PDU session establishment process, the UDM unit queries the subscription information corresponding to the target terminal UE (the user) based on the terminal identifier (the terminal identifier corresponds to the user identifier corresponding to the terminal) in the PDU session request. This subscription information includes subscription slice information.

[0109] The subscribed slice information reflects the network slices a user can use, and may be pre-stored in the UDM (User Data Unit). For example, the UDM stores subscribed slice information corresponding to different user identifiers. Assuming user 1 purchases service 1 and service 2, user 1 can use network slice 1 corresponding to service 1 and network slice 2 corresponding to service 2. Thus, the user data unit stores subscribed slice information 1 corresponding to user identifier 1, which indicates network slice 1 and network slice 2. In some implementations, the subscribed slice information may also include other information such as network slice utilization rate and congestion rate.

[0110] In this embodiment, since the AMF unit can respond to the PDU session establishment request and obtain the subscription slice information from the UDM unit, the dependence of the existing PDU session establishment process on the UE is reduced. The PDU session establishment process of the UE can be realized without corresponding development support for the UE, thereby improving the utilization rate of network slices.

[0111] To more clearly illustrate the session establishment method for network slicing in this application, this paper combines... Figure 6 illustrate. Figure 6 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a network slicing session establishment method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0112] like Figure 6 As shown, the session establishment method for this network slice includes the following steps:

[0113] S601, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the BS.

[0114] The PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0115] S602, BS selects the AMF unit.

[0116] S603, the BS forwards the PDU session establishment request to the AMF unit.

[0117] S604, AMF queries the network slice information corresponding to the UE.

[0118] The network slice information includes each S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI corresponding to the UE.

[0119] S605, AMF selects SMF unit.

[0120] S606, the AMF sends a PDU session establishment request carrying the network slice information corresponding to the UE to the SMF unit.

[0121] S607, the SMF unit performs session authentication on the PDU session establishment request and the data network DN.

[0122] S608, the SMF unit returns a session establishment response to the AMF unit.

[0123] S609, the SMF unit performs session establishment authentication according to the requirements of the data network DN.

[0124] S6010, SMF cells are selected from UPF cells.

[0125] S6011, the SMF unit initiates an N4 establishment request to the UPF unit.

[0126] S6012, the UPF unit returns N4 to the SMF unit to establish a response.

[0127] S6013, the UDM unit returns the UE's subscription information to the AMF unit.

[0128] The contract information includes the slice information of the contract.

[0129] S6014, the AMF unit notifies the SMF unit of the corresponding tunnel information.

[0130] S6015, the SMF unit notifies the UPF unit of downlink tunnel information.

[0131] S6016, the SMF unit confirms to the AMF unit that the tunnel has been established.

[0132] S6017, PDU session established.

[0133] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0134] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a network slice session establishment apparatus for implementing the network slice session establishment method described above. The solution provided by this apparatus is similar to the implementation described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in the network slice session establishment apparatus embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the network slice session establishment method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0135] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a network slicing session establishment apparatus according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, this application embodiment provides a network slicing session establishment apparatus 700, including: a receiving module 701 and a session establishment module 702, wherein:

[0136] The receiving module 701 is used to receive a PDU session establishment request initiated by the user terminal UE.

[0137] The session establishment module 702 is used to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit. The established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0138] Optionally, the receiving module 701 is also configured to: receive a PDU session establishment request forwarded by the user terminal UE through the base station BS.

[0139] Optionally, the session establishment module 702 includes:

[0140] The user plane selection submodule is used to send a PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to the session management SMF unit, so that the SMF unit can select the user plane function based on the data network DN and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, and determine the user plane function UPF unit.

[0141] The tunnel submodule is used to send the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit can establish a communication tunnel between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE based on the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice.

[0142] The session establishment submodule is used to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the UE's corresponding base station BS.

[0143] Optionally, the session establishment submodule is also used to: establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the communication tunnel established between the UE and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, the communication tunnel established between the UPF unit and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, and the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the data network DN.

[0144] The network slice session establishment device 700 also includes a response module, which is used to: obtain the session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request from the SMF unit. The session establishment request response is used to indicate that the SMF unit has successfully received the PDU session establishment request.

[0145] Optionally, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0146] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of another network slicing session establishment device in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 8 As shown, this application embodiment provides a network slicing session establishment apparatus 800, including: a sending module 801 and a receiving module 802, wherein:

[0147] The sending module 801 is used to send a PDU session establishment request; the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit.

[0148] The receiving module 802 is used to receive the subscription slice information corresponding to the UE. The subscription slice information is obtained during the process of establishing a PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

[0149] Optionally, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0150] The modules in the aforementioned network slicing session establishment device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0151] In one embodiment, a network slicing session establishment system is provided. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 The network slice session establishment system includes a UE, a base station (BS), an AMF unit, an SMF unit, a UDM unit, and a data network (DN). The AMF unit and the SMF unit execute the network slice session establishment method described in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AMF unit in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the AMF unit 180 includes at least one transceiver 901, a processor 902, a memory 903, and at least one bus system 904.

[0153] Bus system 904 is used to implement communication connections between components. Memory 903 may include high-speed RAM and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device. The memory stores computer programs. Transceiver 901 may be coupled to processor 902, and can perform receiving or sending operations under the instruction or control of processor 902.

[0154] In this embodiment, transceiver 901 is used to receive PDU session establishment requests initiated by user terminal UE.

[0155] The processor 902 executes a computer program to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit. The established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0156] In one embodiment, transceiver 901 is further configured to receive a PDU session establishment request forwarded by user terminal UE through base station BS.

[0157] In one embodiment, the processor 902 is further configured to send a PDU session establishment request and network slice information corresponding to the UE to the session management SMF unit, so that the SMF unit can select the user plane function based on the data network DN and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, thereby determining the user plane function UPF unit.

[0158] The UPF unit sends the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice to the UPF unit so that the UPF unit can establish a communication tunnel between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE based on the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice.

[0159] Based on the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station (BS) corresponding to the UE, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established.

[0160] In one embodiment, the processor 902 is further configured to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the communication tunnel established between the UE and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, the communication tunnel established between the UPF unit and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, and the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the data network DN.

[0161] In one embodiment, the processor 902 is further configured to obtain a session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request from the SMF unit, wherein the session establishment request response is used to indicate that the SMF unit has successfully received the PDU session establishment request.

[0162] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0163] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UE according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, UE1000 may include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, at least one network interface 1003 and a user interface 1003, a bus system 1005 and a transceiver 1006.

[0164] The various components in UE1000 are coupled together via bus system 1005. It is understood that bus system 1005 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 1005 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 1 Various buses are labeled as bus system 1005. In addition, this embodiment of the invention also includes a transceiver 1006, which may be multiple elements, including transceivers and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium.

[0165] The user interface 1003 may include a display, keyboard, or clicking device (e.g., mouse, trackball, touchpad, or touchscreen).

[0166] It is understood that the memory 1002 in the embodiments of the present invention can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 1002 of the systems and methods described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0167] In some implementations, memory 1002 stores elements such as executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof: operating system 1007 and application program 1008.

[0168] The operating system 1007 includes various system programs, such as the framework layer, core library layer, and driver layer, used to implement various basic business functions and handle hardware-based tasks. The application program 1008 includes various applications, such as a media player and a browser, used to implement various application functions. The program implementing the method of this embodiment can be included in the application program 1008.

[0169] In this embodiment of the invention, the program or instructions stored in the memory 1002 are invoked, specifically, the program or instructions stored in the application program 1008.

[0170] The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present invention, in part or in all of them, can also be applied to processor 1001, implemented by processor 1001, or implemented by processor 1001 in conjunction with other components (e.g., transceivers). Processor 1001 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above methods can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in processor 1001 or by instructions in the form of software. The processor 1001 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can reside in a mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory 1002. Processor 1001 reads the information in memory 1002 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0171] It is understood that the embodiments described in these embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions of this application, or combinations thereof.

[0172] For software implementation, the techniques of the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions of the embodiments of the present invention. The software code can be stored in memory and executed by processor 1001. The memory can be implemented in processor 1001 or external to processor 1001.

[0173] In this embodiment, transceiver 1006 is used to send a PDU session establishment request; the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit; and to receive the subscription slice information corresponding to the UE, which is obtained during the process of establishing the PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

[0174] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0175] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 9 and Figure 10 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the AMF and SMF units applied thereto. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0176] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0177] Receive a PDU session establishment request initiated by the user terminal (UE);

[0178] Based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established, and the established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0179] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, it further performs the following steps: receiving a PDU session establishment request forwarded by the user terminal UE through the base station BS.

[0180] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, it further performs the following steps: sending a PDU session establishment request and network slice information corresponding to the UE to the Session Management (SMF) unit, so that the SMF unit can select the User Plane Function (UPF) unit based on the Data Network (DN) and the network slice information corresponding to the UE; sending tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit can establish a communication tunnel between the UPF and the base station (BS) corresponding to the UE based on the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice; and establishing a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station (BS) corresponding to the UE.

[0181] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, it further implements the following steps: establishing a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information based on the communication tunnel established between the UE and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, the communication tunnel established between the UPF unit and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, and the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the data network DN.

[0182] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by the processor, it further performs the following steps: obtaining a session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request from the SMF unit, wherein the session establishment request response is used to indicate that the SMF unit has successfully received the PDU session establishment request.

[0183] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0184] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0185] Receive a PDU session establishment request initiated by the user terminal (UE);

[0186] Based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established, and the established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

[0187] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0188] Receives a PDU session establishment request forwarded by the user terminal (UE) through the base station (BS).

[0189] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0190] Send a PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to the Session Management (SMF) unit, so that the SMF unit can select the user plane function based on the data network DN and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, and determine the user plane function UPF unit.

[0191] The UPF unit sends the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice to the UPF unit so that the UPF unit can establish a communication tunnel between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE based on the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice.

[0192] Based on the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station (BS) corresponding to the UE, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established.

[0193] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0194] Based on the communication tunnels established between the UE and its corresponding base station BS, the communication tunnels established between the UPF unit and the UE's corresponding base station BS, and the communication tunnels between the UPF unit and the data network DN, a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information is established.

[0195] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0196] Obtain the session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request from the SMF unit. The session establishment request response indicates that the SMF unit has successfully received the PDU session establishment request.

[0197] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0198] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0199] Send a PDU session establishment request; the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit.

[0200] Receive the subscription slice information corresponding to the UE. The subscription slice information is obtained during the PDU session establishment process corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

[0201] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0202] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0203] Send a PDU session establishment request; the PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to determine the target network slice corresponding to the UE based on the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE stored in the AMF unit.

[0204] Receive the subscription slice information corresponding to the UE. The subscription slice information is obtained during the PDU session establishment process corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

[0205] In one embodiment, the PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to network slicing.

[0206] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0207] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0208] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for session establishment of a network slice, characterized in that, A method applied to an access management AMF unit, the method comprising: receiving a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user terminal UE; wherein the PDU session establishment request is forwarded to the AMF unit according to an indication carried in the PDU session establishment request by a selected base station BS, and the BS is selected by the UE from different candidate BSs according to signal strengths between the UE and the different candidate BSs; querying network slice information corresponding to the UE in the AMF unit according to a terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, and sending the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to a session management SMF unit, so that the SMF unit performs user plane function selection according to a data network DN and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to determine a user plane function UPF unit; downlink target network slice corresponding tunnel information to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF and a base station BS corresponding to the UE according to the target network slice corresponding tunnel information; wherein the network slice information includes allowed network slice selection assistance information NSSAI, and the target network slice is determined by the AMF unit according to a single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI selected from the allowed NSSAI; establishing a PDU session corresponding to the target network slice according to the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE; and the established PDU session runs on the target network slice.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: establishing a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information according to the communication tunnel established between the UE and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, the communication tunnel established between the UPF unit and the base station BS corresponding to the UE, and the communication tunnel between the UPF unit and the data network DN.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: obtaining a session establishment request response corresponding to the PDU session establishment request from the SMF unit, the session establishment request response being used to indicate that the SMF unit successfully receives the PDU session establishment request.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to a network slice. 5.A method for session establishment of a network slice, characterized in that, A method applied to a user terminal UE, comprising: The sending PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to query network slice information corresponding to a user terminal UE in the AMF unit according to a terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, and send the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to a session management SMF unit, so that the SMF unit selects a user plane function according to a data network DN and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, determines a user plane function UPF unit, and instructs the AMF unit to issue tunnel information corresponding to a target network slice to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF and a base station BS corresponding to the UE according to the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice, and further instructs the AMF unit to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information according to the established communication tunnel between the UPF and the base station BS corresponding to the UE. The PDU session establishment request is forwarded to the AMF unit by the selected base station BS according to an indication carried in the PDU session establishment request, the BS is selected by the UE from different candidate BSs according to signal strengths between the UE and the different candidate BSs, the network slice information includes allowed network slice selection assistance information NSSAI, and the target network slice is determined by the AMF unit according to a single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI selected from the allowed NSSAI. The receiving module is configured to receive subscription slice information corresponding to the UE, which is obtained during establishment of a PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The PDU session establishment request does not carry information related to a network slice. 7.A session establishment apparatus of a network slice, characterized by comprising: The apparatus includes: The receiving module is configured to receive a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user terminal UE; wherein the PDU session establishment request is forwarded to an AMF unit by a selected base station BS according to an indication carried in the PDU session establishment request, and the BS is selected by the UE from different candidate BSs according to signal strengths between the UE and the different candidate BSs. The session establishment module is configured to query the network slice information corresponding to the UE in the AMF unit according to the terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, send the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to a session management (SMF) unit, and instruct the SMF unit to select a user plane function (UPF) unit according to a data network (DN) and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, and instruct the AMF unit to issue tunnel information corresponding to a target network slice to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF and a base station (BS) corresponding to the UE according to the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice, and instruct the AMF unit to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information according to the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the BS corresponding to the UE. The PDU session established is run on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information. 8.A session establishment apparatus of a network slice, characterized in that, The apparatus comprises: The sending module is configured to send a PDU session establishment request, the PDU session establishment request being used to instruct an AMF unit to query network slice information corresponding to a user terminal (UE) in the AMF unit according to a terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, and send the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to a session management (SMF) unit, so that the SMF unit selects a user plane function (UPF) unit according to a data network (DN) and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, and instructs the AMF unit to issue tunnel information corresponding to a target network slice to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF and a base station (BS) corresponding to the UE according to the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice, and instructs the AMF unit to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information according to the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the BS corresponding to the UE. The PDU session established is run on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information. The PDU session establishment request is forwarded to the AMF unit by a BS selected by the UE according to an indication carried in the PDU session establishment request, and the BS is selected by the UE from different candidate BSs according to signal strengths between the UE and the different candidate BSs. The network slice information includes allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), and the target network slice is determined by the AMF unit according to a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) selected from the allowed NSSAI. The receiving module is configured to receive subscription slice information corresponding to the UE, the subscription slice information being obtained in a process of establishing a PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request. 9.A session establishment system of a network slice, characterized by, The session establishment system of the network slice comprises a UE, a base station (BS), an AMF unit, an SMF unit, a UDM unit and a data network (DN); The AMF unit is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-4; The UE is configured to perform the method of claim 5 or 6.

10. An AMF unit characterized by The AMF unit comprises a transceiver, a processor and a memory, and the memory stores a computer program; The transceiver is configured to receive a PDU session establishment request initiated by a user equipment (UE); wherein the PDU session establishment request is forwarded to the AMF unit by a selected base station (BS) according to an indication carried in the PDU session establishment request, and the BS is selected by the UE from different candidate BSs according to signal strengths between the UE and the different candidate BSs; The processor executes the computer program and is configured to query network slice information corresponding to the UE in the AMF unit according to a terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, send the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to a session management (SMF) unit, and select a user plane function (UPF) unit according to a data network (DN) and the network slice information corresponding to the UE by the SMF unit; send tunnel information corresponding to a target network slice to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF and a base station (BS) corresponding to the UE according to the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice; wherein the network slice information comprises allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), and the target network slice is determined by the AMF unit according to a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) selected from the allowed NSSAI; establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information according to the communication tunnel established between the UPF and the base station (BS) corresponding to the UE; and the established PDU session runs on the target network slice corresponding to the network slice information.

11. A UE, comprising: The UE comprises a transceiver; The transceiver is configured to send a PDU session establishment request. The PDU session establishment request is used to instruct the AMF unit to query network slice information corresponding to a user terminal (UE) in the AMF unit according to a terminal identifier in the PDU session establishment request, and send the PDU session establishment request and the network slice information corresponding to the UE to a session management (SMF) unit, so that the SMF unit selects a user plane function (UPF) according to a data network (DN) and the network slice information corresponding to the UE, and instructs the AMF unit to issue tunnel information corresponding to a target network slice to the UPF unit, so that the UPF unit establishes a communication tunnel between the UPF and a base station (BS) corresponding to the UE according to the tunnel information corresponding to the target network slice, and further instructs the AMF unit to establish a PDU session corresponding to the network slice information according to the established communication tunnel between the UPF and the BS corresponding to the UE. The PDU session establishment request is forwarded to the AMF unit by a base station (BS) selected by the UE according to an indication carried in the PDU session establishment request. The BS is selected by the UE from different candidate BSs according to signal strengths between the UE and the different candidate BSs. The network slice information includes allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), and the target network slice is determined by the AMF unit according to a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) selected from the allowed NSSAI. The transceiver is further configured to receive subscription slice information corresponding to the UE, which is obtained during establishment of a PDU session corresponding to the PDU session establishment request.

12. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

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