Terminal policy association processing method, device and communication equipment

Abstract

The application discloses a terminal policy association processing method, device and communication equipment. The terminal policy association processing method comprises the following steps: after a terminal reenters a first network from a second network, a first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation comprises one of the following: activating and modifying a first terminal policy association, releasing or deactivating a second terminal policy association; modifying the second terminal policy association; activating the first terminal policy association, releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; newly establishing a third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; newly establishing the third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; wherein the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to acquire terminal policy information in the first network; the second terminal policy association is used for the terminal to acquire terminal policy information in the second network; and the first communication device is located in the first network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wireless communication technology, and specifically relates to a terminal strategy association processing method, apparatus and communication equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A UE policy association is an association established by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to provide UE policy information (such as UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules) to the UE. Each UE policy association has a unique association ID. Each User Equipment (UE, also known as a terminal) has an Access and Mobility Management Policy Control Function (AM-PCF) that provides it with UE policy information; the association ID and UE policy are generated by the AM-PCF.

[0003] If a terminal switches from 4G to 5G, it needs to re-register under 5G. This registration process involves establishing a terminal policy association, which involves selecting between the AMF (Advanced Management Function) and AM-PCF (Advanced Processing Function). If the UE selects a different AM-PCF after switching back to 5G and establishes a new terminal policy association, while the old terminal policy association from 4G is not released, a situation arises where a single terminal has two terminal policy associations simultaneously. Currently, it is not supported for a single terminal to have two terminal policy associations to provide terminal policy information. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, apparatus, and communication device for processing terminal policy association, which can solve the problem of how to process terminal policy association for terminals switching between two networks.

[0005] Firstly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, including:

[0006] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation including one of the following:

[0007] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0008] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0009] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0010] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0011] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0012] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0013] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0014] The first communication device is located in the first network;

[0015] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0016] Secondly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, including:

[0017] After a terminal enters a second network from a first network, the first communication device triggers a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0018] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0019] Retain terminal policy information;

[0020] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0021] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0022] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0023] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0024] The first communication device is located in the first network;

[0025] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0026] Thirdly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, characterized in that it includes:

[0027] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device triggers a third operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0028] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0029] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0030] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0031] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0032] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0033] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0034] Fourthly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, including:

[0035] After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second communication device sends a location update request to the fourth communication device. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following:

[0036] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[0037] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0038] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0039] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0040] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0041] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0042] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0043] Fifthly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, including:

[0044] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the third communication device performs a first operation, the first operation including one of the following:

[0045] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0046] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0047] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0048] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0049] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0050] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0051] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0052] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0053] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0054] Sixthly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, including:

[0055] After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the third communication device performs a second operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0056] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0057] Retain terminal policy information;

[0058] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0059] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0060] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0061] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0062] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0063] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0064] Seventhly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, including:

[0065] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the fourth communication device sends triggering information to trigger the old first communication device to perform at least one of the following: release the first terminal policy association; release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0066] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0067] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0068] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0069] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0070] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0071] Eighthly, a method for processing terminal policy association is provided, including:

[0072] After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the fourth communication device receives a location update request sent by the second communication device. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following:

[0073] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[0074] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: retain, release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0075] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0076] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0077] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0078] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0079] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0080] Ninthly, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0081] The triggering module is configured to trigger a first operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first operation including one of the following:

[0082] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0083] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0084] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0085] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0086] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0087] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0088] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0089] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0090] In a tenth aspect, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0091] The triggering module is configured to trigger a second operation after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0092] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0093] Retain terminal policy information;

[0094] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0095] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0096] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0097] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0098] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0099] Eleventhly, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0100] The notification module is configured to trigger a third operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the third operation including at least one of the following:

[0101] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0102] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0103] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0104] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0105] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0106] In a twelfth aspect, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0107] The first sending module is configured to send a location update request to the fourth communication device after the terminal enters the second network from the first network. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following:

[0108] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[0109] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0110] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0111] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0112] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0113] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0114] In a thirteenth aspect, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0115] An execution module is configured to perform a first operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first operation including one of the following:

[0116] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0117] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0118] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0119] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0120] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0121] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0122] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0123] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0124] In a fourteenth aspect, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0125] An execution module is configured to perform a second operation after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0126] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0127] Retain terminal policy information;

[0128] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0129] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0130] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0131] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0132] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0133] In a fifteenth aspect, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0134] The first sending module is configured to send triggering information after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network. The triggering information is used to trigger the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: release the first terminal policy association; release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0135] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0136] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0137] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0138] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0139] In a sixteenth aspect, a terminal policy association processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0140] The receiving module is configured to receive a location update request sent by a second communication device after the terminal enters the second network from the first network. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following:

[0141] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[0142] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: retain, release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0143] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0144] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0145] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0146] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0147] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the terminal including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the methods described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth aspects.

[0148] Eighteenthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to trigger a first operation after a terminal re-enters a first network from a second network, the first operation including one of the following:

[0149] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0150] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0151] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0152] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0153] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0154] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0155] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0156] The first communication device is located in the first network;

[0157] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0158] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to trigger a second operation after a terminal enters a second network from a first network, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0159] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0160] Retain terminal policy information;

[0161] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0162] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0163] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0164] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0165] The first communication device is located in the first network;

[0166] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0167] In a twentieth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to trigger a third operation after a terminal re-enters a first network from a second network, the third operation including at least one of the following:

[0168] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0169] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0170] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0171] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0172] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0173] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0174] In a twenty-first aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to send a location update request to a fourth communication device after a terminal enters a second network from a first network, the location update request carrying first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate one of the following:

[0175] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[0176] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0177] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0178] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0179] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0180] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0181] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0182] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to perform a first operation after a terminal re-enters a first network from a second network, the first operation including one of the following:

[0183] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0184] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0185] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0186] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0187] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0188] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0189] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0190] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0191] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0192] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to perform a second operation after a terminal enters a second network from a first network, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0193] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0194] Retain terminal policy information;

[0195] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0196] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0197] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0198] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0199] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0200] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0201] In a twentieth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to send triggering information after a terminal re-enters a first network from a second network, the triggering information being configured to trigger an old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: releasing a first terminal policy association; releasing or deactivating a second terminal policy association;

[0202] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0203] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0204] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0205] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0206] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0207] In a twenty-fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a location update request sent by a second communication device after a terminal enters a second network from a first network, the location update request carrying first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate one of the following:

[0208] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[0209] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: retain, release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0210] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0211] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0212] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0213] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0214] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0215] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first communication device, a second communication device, a third communication device, and a fourth communication device, wherein the first communication device is configured to perform the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in the first or second aspect, the second communication device is configured to perform the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in the third or fourth aspect, the third communication device is configured to perform the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in the fifth or sixth aspect, and the fourth communication device is configured to perform the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in the seventh or eighth aspect.

[0216] In a twenty-seventh aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth aspects.

[0217] In a twenty-eighth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run programs or instructions to implement the terminal policy association processing method as described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth aspects.

[0218] In a twenty-ninth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, the computer program / program product being stored in a storage medium, the computer program / program product being executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth aspects.

[0219] In this application embodiment, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal entering the second network from the first network, or a terminal re-entering the first network from the second network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after entering the second network from the first network or re-entering the first network from the second network. Attached Figure Description

[0220] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0221] Figure 2 This is one of the schematic diagrams of a terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0222] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a terminal policy association processing method in an embodiment of this application, where the AMF and AM-PCF remain unchanged after the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network.

[0223] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method when the AMF remains unchanged but the AM-PCF changes after the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0224] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a terminal policy association processing method in an embodiment of this application when the AMF changes but the AM-PCF remains unchanged after the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network.

[0225] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method when the AMF and AM-PCF change after the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0226] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0227] Figure 8 This is a third schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0228] Figure 9 This is a fourth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0229] Figure 10 This is a fifth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0230] Figure 11 This is a sixth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0231] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram (seventh) of the terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0232] Figure 13 This is the eighth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0233] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0234] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0235] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0236] Figure 17 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0237] Figure 18 This is a second schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0238] Figure 19 This is the third schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0239] Figure 20 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0240] Figure 21 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0241] Figure 22 This is the sixth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0242] Figure 23 This is the seventh schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0243] Figure 24 This is the eighth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0244] Figure 25 This is diagram nine of the terminal policy association processing method in embodiment two of this application;

[0245] Figure 26 This is the tenth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0246] Figure 27 This is illustrative diagram eleven of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0247] Figure 28A This is 12th schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0248] Figure 28B This is 13th schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0249] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0250] Figure 30 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0251] Figure 31 This is the second schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0252] Figure 32 This is the third schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in the third embodiment of this application;

[0253] Figure 33 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0254] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method according to Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0255] Figure 35 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0256] Figure 36 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0257] Figure 37 This is a third schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0258] Figure 38 This is a fourth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0259] Figure 39 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0260] Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram (sixth) of the terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0261] Figure 41 This is the seventh schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0262] Figure 42 This is the eighth schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0263] Figure 43 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0264] Figure 44 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0265] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0266] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0267] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to applications beyond NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0268] Figure 1This diagram illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. Terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, vehicle-mounted device (VUE), pedestrian terminal (PUE), smart home (home devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game console, personal computer (PC), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this embodiment. Network-side equipment 12 may include access network equipment or core network equipment. Access network equipment 12 may also be referred to as radio access network equipment, radio access network (RAN), radio access network function, or radio access network unit. Access network equipment 12 may include base stations, WLAN access points, or WiFi nodes, etc. Base stations may be referred to as Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), access point, base transceiver station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), home B node, home evolved B node, Transmitting Receiving Point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The base station is not limited to specific technical terms. It should be noted that in this application embodiment, only a base station in an NR system is used as an example for description, and the specific type of base station is not limited.Core network equipment may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), Binding Support Function (BSF), and Application Function. Function (AF), etc. It should be noted that the embodiments of this application only use the core network equipment in the NR system as an example for introduction, and do not limit the specific type of core network equipment.

[0269] The relevant technical points involved in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0270] 1. UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules

[0271] URSP rules are a type of terminal policy defined by 3GPP. According to URSP rules, the UE can match the traffic of the application (APP) to a specific Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0272] For example, when an application on the UE needs to send traffic to the server, the application can send its traffic characteristics to the UE. These characteristics may include, for example, the destination Internet Protocol (IP) address and the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN). The UE then matches these traffic characteristics against the UE's internal URSPrules.

[0273] The traffic characteristics or traffic descriptions specified in URSP rules include the following:

[0274] Table 1

[0275]

[0276] For example, an app can send an IP descriptor (such as a destination IP triple) to describe its traffic. For instance, the app's traffic might be destined for IP address 10.1.1.1 and port number 80. Then, if the URSP rules contain this traffic descriptor, it means that the app's traffic matches a specific URSP rule.

[0277] After finding that the APP's traffic matches URSP rules, the next step is to select which PDU session to use to send the APP's traffic.

[0278] Generally, a given traffic descriptor contains multiple route selection descriptors (RSDs). Each RSD represents a set of attributes or parameters for a PDU session. For example, if an app's traffic matches the traffic descriptor with destination IP = 10.1.1.1 and port number = 80, this traffic descriptor set might have the following RSDs:

[0279] 1) RSD precedence = 1

[0280] 11)S-NSSAI-a

[0281] 12) Non-3GPP Access

[0282] 2) RSD precedence = 2

[0283] 21)S-NSSAI-a

[0284] 22) 3GPP Access

[0285] 23) DNN = Internet

[0286] 24) SSC mode = 3

[0287] For example, the characteristics of the PDU session corresponding to RSD1 are: S-NSSAI = S-NSSAI-a, using non-3GPP access.

[0288] 2. The necessity for terminals to obtain terminal policy information (such as URSP rules) under 4G.

[0289] Terminal policy information is a concept introduced under 5G, mainly used by terminals to establish PDU sessions to a specific data network name (DNN).

[0290] However, there is no concept of terminal policy information in 4G. But currently, terminals can use terminal policy information to map some parameters into a PDU session established by the terminal in 4G to a specific access point name (APN) according to some mapping rules.

[0291] For example, after receiving terminal policy information, the terminal can map or convert the DNN in the terminal policy information into APN according to some mapping rules, and then establish a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection to the APN.

[0292] Therefore, terminals also need to obtain terminal policy information under 4G. However, there is currently no such method to provide terminal policy information to terminals under 4G.

[0293] The terminal policy association processing method, apparatus, and communication device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0294] Please refer to Figure 2 This application provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0295] Step 21: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation including one of the following:

[0296] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0297] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0298] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0299] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0300] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0301] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0302] The third terminal policy association refers to the terminal policy association established by the first communication device (e.g., AMF) after the terminal enters or switches from the second network (e.g., 4G) to the first network (e.g., 5G).

[0303] The first terminal policy association refers to a terminal policy association that the terminal retains in the original first network (e.g., 5G) after it enters or switches from the first network (e.g., 5G) to the second network (e.g., 4G). This policy association may remain after the terminal enters the second network (e.g., 4G) and is not released.

[0304] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, wherein releasing the second terminal policy association may also mean terminating the second terminal policy association.

[0305] In this patent, the release of terminal policy association can also be written as termination of terminal policy association.

[0306] The triggering of the first operation can also be the execution of the first operation. In this patent, "triggering" can be understood as "execution".

[0307] In one embodiment, the triggering of the first operation occurs after the first communication device re-enters the first network from the second network. Alternatively, the triggering of the first operation can be considered to occur when the first communication device re-enters the first network from the second network.

[0308] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the re-entry of the first communication device can be understood as follows:

[0309] The terminal enters the first network for the first time, or;

[0310] After the terminal is powered on, it enters the first network, and then switches to or enters the second network due to business or other reasons. Then, it returns from the second network to or enters the first network.

[0311] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0312] The first communication device is located in the first network;

[0313] The first network and the second network use different Radio Access Technology (RAT).

[0314] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device is a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, and provides a terminal policy association processing method so that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, it can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side.

[0315] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may optionally be an AMF (Advanced Communication Device). Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0316] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0317] In this embodiment of the invention, modifying the second terminal policy association means changing the second terminal policy association to one that can provide terminal policy information to the terminal in the first network. For example, when the terminal is in the second network (4G), the second terminal policy association is established between SM-PCF and AM-PCF. When the terminal re-enters the first network (5G network), if the service provider for the terminal is still AM-PCF, then AMF can trigger a terminal policy association modification request (such as Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update) to AM-PCF to change the associated user from SM-PCF to AMF. This means that after the terminal enters the first network from the second network, it still reuses the second terminal policy association, but the associated user changes from SM-PCF to AMF. Thus, when the terminal needs to update terminal policy information in the first network, it will send it to the UE through AMF instead of through SM-PCF as in the 4G network.

[0318] In this embodiment of the invention, the execution order of the three actions in "creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association" is not limited. For example, the third terminal policy association can be created first, followed by the release of the first terminal policy association and then the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association. Alternatively, the first terminal policy association can be released first, followed by the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association, and then the third terminal policy association can be created. For instance, if a terminal can only have one UE policy association, then the second terminal policy association must be released or deactivated first, and then the third terminal policy association to the new AM-PCF can be created. If the same terminal is allowed to have multiple policy associations in multiple networks, then the third terminal policy association can be created first, and then the second terminal policy association can be released or deactivated.

[0319] In this embodiment of the invention, the execution order of the two actions in "creating a new third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association" is not limited. For example, the third terminal policy association can be created first, and then the second terminal policy association can be released or deactivated. Of course, the second terminal policy association can also be released or deactivated first, and then the third terminal policy association can be created.

[0320] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, triggering the first operation includes: the first communication device acquiring first information; the first communication device triggering the first operation based on the first information;

[0321] The first information includes at least one of the following:

[0322] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[0323] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[0324] The identifier (ID) associated with the first terminal policy;

[0325] Terminal identifiers; such as Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) or GPSI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier).

[0326] The old first communication device and the old third communication device are communication devices that maintain terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[0327] Optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address. The address may be, for example, an IP address, FQDN, URL, etc.

[0328] The first operation is mainly used to generate new terminal policy associations to AM-PCF; or to release and reactivate policy associations to old AM-PCFs. However, the first communication device does not know the address of the AM-PCF where the terminal maintains its policy associations in the network, therefore, it needs the first information.

[0329] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, obtaining the first information includes: receiving the first information sent by a second communication device; wherein the second communication device is located in the second network. The second communication device may be, for example, an MME. Of course, other communication devices are also possible. In this embodiment, it should be noted that the first communication device and the second communication device have a communication interface. When the first communication device is an AMF and the second communication device is an MME, the communication interface between them is an N26 interface. The N26 interface supports signaling interaction between the MME and the AMF. If the N26 interface is not supported, the MME and the AMF will not communicate with each other. The second communication device (e.g., the MME) can send the first information to the first communication device (AMF) through the following signaling: forward relocation request, context response, and context request.

[0330] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, obtaining the first information includes: receiving the first information sent by a fourth communication device, wherein the fourth communication device simultaneously provides unified data management services for the first network and the second network. The fourth communication device may be, for example, a UDM, an HSS, or a combined UDM and HSS communication device. Of course, other communication devices are also possible. In this embodiment, it should be noted that the first communication device and the second communication device may or may not have a communication interface. For example, in a UDM+HSS, the first information can be saved as UE context in the manner shown in Table 2 below:

[0331] Table 2

[0332]

[0333] Then, the UDM+HSS (represented as UDM, or HSS, or a combined communication device of UDM and HSS) can send the first information to the AMF via the following signaling: Nudm_SubscriberDataManagement(SDM)Getresponse (that is, the AMF sends Nudm_SDM_Get request to the UDM+HSS, and then the UDM+HSS sends the response to the AMF).

[0334] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, obtaining the first information includes: receiving the first information sent by the old first communication device, that is, the first information is transferred between the two AMFs, for example, through Namf_Communication_UEContextTransfer. The old first communication device maintains its terminal context and does not de-attach to the terminal. The terminal's context includes the first information (for example, as described in Table 2 above, the first information is stored in the UE context within the UDM+HSS). When the terminal returns to the first network from the second network, if the first communication device changes, the new first communication device obtains the first information from the old first communication device. The new first communication device can find the old first communication device through the terminal's globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI). If the first communication device has not changed, the first information can be directly obtained.

[0335] In this embodiment, the first information can be used to locate the old third communication device. As can be seen from the above embodiments, when the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the old third communication device can be located in the following way:

[0336] 1) When there is a communication interface between the first communication device and the second communication device, after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the old first communication device can provide the first information to the second communication device. After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device can provide the first information to the new first communication device.

[0337] 2) In the absence of a communication interface between the first communication device and the second communication device, after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the old first communication device can save the first information to the fourth communication device. After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device can obtain the first information from the fourth communication device.

[0338] 3) The old first communication device maintains the terminal context and does not de-attach to the terminal. The terminal's context includes the first information. When the terminal returns to the first network from the second network, if the first communication device changes, the new first communication device obtains the first information from the old first communication device. The new first communication device can find the old first communication device through the terminal's globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI). If the first communication device has not changed, the first information can be obtained directly.

[0339] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the triggering of the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0340] 1) If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged and the third communication device remains unchanged, the first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation including one of the following:

[0341] Modify the second terminal policy association; that is, modify the second terminal policy association to a policy association that can provide terminal policy information in the first network; at this time, the third communication device only maintains one terminal policy association.

[0342] Activate the first terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; at this time, the third communication device maintains one or two terminal policy associations.

[0343] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; at this time, the third communication device maintains one or two terminal policy associations.

[0344] A new third terminal policy association is established, and the second terminal policy association is released or deactivated. At this point, the third communication device maintains one or two terminal policy associations. In this scenario, the first terminal policy may have already been released when the terminal transitioned from a 5G network to a 4G network.

[0345] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, if it is determined based on the first information that the first communication device and the third communication device remain unchanged after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including: triggering the third communication device to perform one of the following:

[0346] Modify the second terminal policy association; that is, modify the second terminal policy association to a policy association that can provide terminal policy information in the first network.

[0347] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0348] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0349] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0350] In this embodiment of the application, the third communication device may be, for example, an AM-PCF. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0351] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This illustration shows a terminal policy association processing method in this application embodiment when the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network, with both the AMF and AM-PCF remaining unchanged. After the terminal re-enters the 4G network from the 5G network, AMF1 deactivates or releases the first terminal policy association and creates a new second terminal policy association. After the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network, AMF1 can trigger AM-PCF1 to reactivate the first terminal policy association and deactivate or release the second terminal policy association. Here, deactivating the association means retaining the terminal policy association for future use after re-entering the network, but this terminal policy association is not used to provide terminal policy information to the terminal. When AM-PCF needs to update terminal policy information for the UE, it does not send the terminal policy information through the deactivated terminal policy association. For example, AM-PCF can set the association corresponding to a certain UE policy association ID to "disabled," that is, deactivated and not used.

[0352] 2) If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged while the third communication device changes, the first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation including one of the following:

[0353] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0354] Create a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0355] Due to the change in the third communication device, a new terminal policy association will definitely be created. Older associations, such as the first or second terminal policy association, may be released. The policy association can be released using the following signaling: Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete.

[0356] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, if it is determined based on the first information that the first communication device remains unchanged and the third communication device changes after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including one of the following:

[0357] Trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0358] Trigger the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association by the old third communication device; trigger the creation of a new third terminal policy association by the newly selected third communication device.

[0359] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a terminal policy association processing method when the AMF remains unchanged but the AM-PCF changes after the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network, according to an embodiment of this application. AMF1 can trigger AM-PCF1 to release the first terminal policy association, release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; trigger AM-PCF2 to create a third terminal policy association; or trigger AM-PCF1 to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association (in this case, the first terminal policy may have been released when the terminal enters the 4G network from the 5G network); trigger AM-PCF2 to create a third terminal policy association.

[0360] 3) If, based on the first information, it is determined that the first communication device changes after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, while the third communication device remains unchanged, the first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation including one of the following:

[0361] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0362] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0363] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0364] Create a new third terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association (in this case, the first terminal policy may have been released when the terminal enters the 4G network from the 5G network).

[0365] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, if it is determined based on the first information that the first communication device changes after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, while the third communication device remains unchanged, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including one of the following:

[0366] The third communication device is triggered to activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0367] Trigger the third communication device to modify the second terminal policy association;

[0368] Trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, create a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0369] The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association; the third communication device is triggered to create a new third terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0370] The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association; the third communication device is triggered to create a new third terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0371] The third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; a registration request (such as Nudm_UECM_Registration request) is sent to the fourth communication device, the registration request being used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association;

[0372] After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released the first terminal policy association.

[0373] Trigger the third communication device to establish a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0374] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to activate and modify the first terminal policy association.

[0375] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association and create a new third terminal policy association.

[0376] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0377] The instruction to the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association includes one of the following: the first communication device directly instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; or the first communication device instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association through the second communication device.

[0378] The seventh communication device can be an SM-PCF.

[0379] The path by which the first communication device instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association via the second communication device can be as follows: The AMF sends a context request to the MME. The context request includes an indication to deactivate or release the second terminal policy association. The context request also includes AM-PCF index information (such as AM-PCF ID, AM-PCF IP address), the second terminal policy association ID (i.e., UE policy association ID), and / or UE SUPI. After receiving the context request, the MME triggers a session creation request to the S-GW. The aforementioned information (indication, AM-PCF index information, etc.) is also included in the session creation request. The S-GW then triggers a load change request to the SMF+PGW-C. The load change request also includes the aforementioned information (indication, AM-PCF index information, etc.). Then, SMF+PGW-C triggers a session policy association modification request (SM policy associationmodification(Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update)) to SM-PCF. This session policy association modification request also includes the aforementioned indication information and AM-PCF index information, that is, instructing SM-PCF to activate or release the second terminal policy association. Finally, SM-PCF triggers association deactivation or release: for example, by triggering a terminal policy association termination request (UE policyassociation termination(Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete)) to release the second terminal policy association, or by triggering a terminal policy modification request (UE policy association modification(Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update)) to modify the second terminal policy association.

[0380] This application provides another terminal policy association processing method, including:

[0381] The sixth communication device sends second information to the seventh communication device. The second information includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the seventh communication device to perform a fourth operation. The fourth operation is an operation related to releasing or terminating the terminal under a policy in a second network (e.g., a 4G network).

[0382] Optionally, the sixth communication device may be a network element with session management function (e.g., SMF), or a network element with packet data gateway control function (e.g., PGW-C), or a communication device with session management function and SMF and packet data gateway control function (e.g., a communication device that combines SMF and PGW-C). Of course, other communication devices are also not excluded.

[0383] Optionally, the seventh communication device can be a network element that issues session policies (e.g., SM-PCF).

[0384] In one embodiment, the sixth communication device sending the second information to the seventh communication device includes: the sixth communication device sending a second indication message to the seventh communication device when it determines that the terminal has entered the first network (e.g., a 5G network).

[0385] Optionally, the sixth communication device determining that the terminal enters the first network includes the sixth communication device determining that the terminal enters the first network from the second network.

[0386] Optionally, upon receiving the fifth information, the sixth communication device determines that the terminal has entered the first network. The fifth information is used to instruct the terminal to enter the first network.

[0387] Optionally, the sixth communication device determines that the terminal has entered the first network upon receiving a context establishment request. The context establishment request includes: Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request (i.e., the PDU session generates a session management context operation). It should be noted that Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request includes the UE's identification information (e.g., UE SUPI).

[0388] Optionally, after determining that the terminal has entered the first network, the sixth communication device triggers the acquisition of third information from the BindingSupport Function (BSF). The third information includes at least one of the following: index information of the AM-PCF or UE-PCF serving the terminal (e.g., AM-PCF ID, AM-PCF IP address, UE-PCF ID, UE-PCF IP address); and a terminal identifier (e.g., UE SUPI, or UE GPSI). The sixth communication device acquires the third information from the BSF via Nbsf_Management discovery signaling.

[0389] In another embodiment, the sixth communication device sending the second information to the seventh communication device includes: the sixth communication device sending the second information to the seventh communication device upon receiving the fourth information; wherein the fourth information includes third indication information, the third indication information being used to instruct the sixth communication device to trigger the execution of the fourth operation. It can be understood that the third indication information instructs the sixth communication device to trigger the release or termination of the terminal's policy association under the second network (e.g., a 4G network). It can also be understood that the third indication information instructs the sixth communication device to locate the seventh communication device in order to send the second indication information to the seventh communication device. It can also be understood that the third indication information is used to instruct the sixth communication device to send the second indication information to the seventh communication device.

[0390] Optionally, the fourth information may further include at least one of the following: index information of the AM-PCF or UE-PCF serving the terminal (e.g., AM-PCF ID, AM-PCF IP address, UE-PCF ID, UE-PCF IP address); and terminal identifier (e.g., UE SUPI, or UE GPSI).

[0391] Optionally, the sixth communication device obtains the fourth information from the BSF via the Nbsf_Management discovery signaling.

[0392] In one embodiment, the sixth communication device receiving the fourth indication information includes the sixth communication device receiving fourth indication information sent by the first communication device (e.g., AMF). The fourth indication information may be carried in at least one of the following signaling methods:

[0393] Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request;

[0394] Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request;

[0395] It can also be any other core network signaling.

[0396] Optionally, after receiving the second information, the seventh communication device determines the third communication device or the UE policy association ID. It can be understood that after receiving the second information, the seventh communication device determines the policy association ID or identifies the AM-PCF or UE-PCF serving the terminal.

[0397] Optionally, the second information may include a terminal identifier (e.g., UE SUPI, or UE GPSI). The seventh communication device can determine the third communication device or policy association ID (e.g., UE policy association ID) based on the terminal identifier and the first correspondence. The first correspondence is either a correspondence between the terminal identifier and the index information of the AM-PCF or UE-PCF serving the terminal, or a correspondence between the terminal identifier and the policy association ID. In one implementation, the seventh communication device stores the first correspondence.

[0398] In another optional implementation, the second information further includes at least one of the following: a terminal identifier (e.g., UESUPI, or UE GPSI), index information of the AM-PCF or UE-PCF serving the terminal, and a policy association ID. The seventh communication device can directly determine the third communication device or the policy association ID based on the second information.

[0399] Optionally, the aforementioned second information may be sent in at least one of the following signaling:

[0400] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request;

[0401] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request;

[0402] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Delete request.

[0403] In another alternative implementation, the second indication information can also be provided by sending at least one of the following signaling messages (it can be understood that the seventh communication device receives the second indication information upon receiving at least one of the following signaling messages):

[0404] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create request;

[0405] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request;

[0406] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Delete request.

[0407] Optionally, after the seventh communication device determines the third communication device, it performs the fourth operation.

[0408] Optionally, the fourth operation includes: the seventh communication device sending a fourth indication message to the third communication device, the fourth indication message being used to instruct the third communication device to release or terminate the policy association of the terminal under the second network; or, the fourth operation may also be that the seventh communication device sends a terminal policy control deletion signaling to the third communication device, or sends a terminal policy association termination signaling, or triggers a terminal policy association termination or release request.

[0409] Optionally, the seventh communication device sending the fourth indication information to the third communication device includes: the seventh communication device sending an Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete signaling message to the third communication device to instruct the third communication device to release or terminate the policy association of the terminal in the second network. The signaling message carries the terminal policy association ID and the UE identifier (SUPI, or GPSI).

[0410] Optionally, the seventh communication device sends a terminal policy control deletion signaling message to the third communication device, or sends a terminal policy association termination signaling message, or triggers a terminal policy association termination or release request, including: the seventh communication device sending an Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete signaling message to the third communication device. The signaling message carries the terminal policy association ID and the UE identifier (SUPI, or GPSI).

[0411] Optionally, after receiving the fourth indication information, the third communication device releases or terminates the policy association of the terminal under the second network. In an optional implementation, after the policy association of the terminal under the second network has been released or terminated, the seventh communication device sends a terminal policy association termination or release response (success response) to the sixth communication device, which then forwards the response to the first communication device (e.g., AMF). Upon receiving the response, the first communication device performs at least one of the following:

[0412] The first communication device selects the UE-PCF under the first network for the terminal (for example, the AMF triggers the NRF's Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request, and then receives the address information or ID of the UE-PCF or AM-PCF under the 5G network from the NRF through Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response).

[0413] The first communication device establishes a terminal policy association for the terminal under the second network (for example, after the AMF triggers the establishment of a terminal policy association with the UE-PCF or AM-PCF queried from the NRF: Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create, and then receives Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Response from the AM-PCF or UE-PCF).

[0414] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a terminal policy association processing method in an embodiment of this application when the AMF changes but the AM-PCF remains unchanged after the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network. AMF2 (the new first communication device) can trigger a first operation, which can be to modify the second terminal policy association; that is, to modify the SM-PCF in the second terminal policy to AMF2, for example, by using the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update signaling, which carries the UE policy association ID (indicating to the AM-PCF which policy association needs to be modified), thereby providing terminal policy information for the terminal in the first network.

[0415] 4) If, based on the first information, it is determined that the first communication device and the third communication device have changed after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation including one of the following:

[0416] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0417] Create a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0418] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, if it is determined based on the first information that the first communication device changes and the third communication device changes after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including one of the following:

[0419] Trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0420] The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0421] The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0422] The newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and send a registration request (such as Nudm_UECM_Registration request) to the fourth communication device. The registration request is used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) to the old first communication device. The deregistration notification is used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0423] After receiving the registration response (such as Nudm_UECM_Registration response) sent by the fourth communication device, the newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released the first terminal policy association and released or deactivated the second terminal policy association.

[0424] Trigger the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association by the old third communication device; trigger the creation of a new third terminal policy association by the newly selected third communication device.

[0425] The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the old third communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association.

[0426] The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association.

[0427] The newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and send a registration request to the fourth communication device. The registration request is used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device. The deregistration notification is used to instruct the old first device to trigger the old third device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0428] After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released or deactivated the second terminal policy association.

[0429] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and triggering the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0430] Instruct the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, instruct the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0431] Instruct the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association;

[0432] The instruction to the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association includes one of the following: the first communication device directly instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; or the first communication device instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association through the second communication device.

[0433] The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

[0434] The path by which the first communication device instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association via the second communication device can be as follows: The AMF sends a context request to the MME. The context request includes an indication to deactivate or release the second terminal policy association. The context request also includes AM-PCF index information (such as AM-PCF ID, AM-PCF IP address), the second terminal policy association ID (i.e., UE policy association ID), and / or UE SUPI. After receiving the context request, the MME triggers a session creation request to the S-GW. The aforementioned information (indication, AM-PCF index information, etc.) is also included in the session creation request. The S-GW then triggers a load change request to the SMF+PGW-C. The load change request also includes the aforementioned information (indication, AM-PCF index information, etc.). Then, SMF+PGW-C triggers a session policy association modification request (SM policy associationmodification(Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update)) to SM-PCF. This session policy association modification request also includes the aforementioned indication information and AM-PCF index information, that is, instructing SM-PCF to activate or release the second terminal policy association. Finally, SM-PCF triggers association deactivation or release: for example, by triggering a terminal policy association termination request (UE policyassociation termination(Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete)) to release the second terminal policy association, or by triggering a terminal policy modification request (UE policy association modification(Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update)) to modify the second terminal policy association.

[0435] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal policy association processing method when the AMF changes and the AM-PCF changes after the terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network according to an embodiment of this application. AMF2 (the new first communication device) can trigger a first operation, which includes creating a third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating a second terminal policy association (in this case, the first terminal policy may have been released when the terminal enters the 4G network from the 5G network).

[0436] Please refer to Figure 7 This application also provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0437] Step 71: After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the first communication device triggers a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0438] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0439] Retain terminal policy information;

[0440] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0441] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0442] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0443] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0444] The first communication device is located in the first network;

[0445] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0446] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device provides a terminal policy association processing method for a terminal entering the second network from the first network, so that after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, it can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side.

[0447] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may optionally be an AMF (Advanced Communication Device). Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0448] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0449] In a 5G system, a terminal policy association needs to be established for each terminal in order to send terminal policy information. However, when a terminal enters a 4G network, since it is no longer under 5G, a registration issue may occur. This registration process could result in the release of the terminal policy association and the deletion of the terminal policy information. In this embodiment, after the terminal enters a 4G network from a 5G network, the terminal policy information can be retained, thereby providing terminal policy information to the terminal under the 4G network.

[0450] In this embodiment of the invention, modifying the first terminal policy association means modifying the first terminal policy association to a terminal policy association that can provide terminal policy information to the terminal in the second network.

[0451] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0452] The first communication device receives a terminal policy acquisition request sent by the second communication device, the terminal policy acquisition request being used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal;

[0453] Send the terminal policy control acquisition request to the third communication device;

[0454] Receive terminal policy information sent by the third communication device and send it to the second communication device;

[0455] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0456] The second communication device is located in the second network.

[0457] Optionally, the second communication device may be, for example, an MME. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0458] Optionally, the third communication device may be, for example, an AM-PCF. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0459] In this embodiment of the application, after the terminal enters the second network (e.g., 4G network) from the first network (e.g., 5G network), it can also obtain terminal policy information from the third communication device, thereby providing terminal policy services to the terminal.

[0460] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0461] The first communication device sends first information to the second or fourth communication device, the first information including at least one of the following:

[0462] Index information of the first communication device;

[0463] Index information of the third communication device;

[0464] The identifier (ID) associated with the first terminal policy;

[0465] Terminal identifier;

[0466] Wherein, the first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0467] Establish a second terminal policy association or modify a first terminal policy association;

[0468] Obtain terminal policy information;

[0469] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0470] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth communication device may be, for example, a UDM, or an HSS, or a combined UDM and HSS communication device. Of course, other communication devices are also not excluded.

[0471] In this embodiment, it should be noted that when the first communication device and the second communication device have a communication interface, for example, when the first communication device is an AMF and the second communication device is an MME, and the communication interface between them is an N26 interface, the first communication device can send first information to the second communication device. If the first communication device and the second communication device do not have a communication interface, the first communication device can send first information to a fourth communication device. Of course, when the first communication device and the second communication device have a communication interface, the first communication device can also send first information to the fourth communication device.

[0472] Optionally, the index information of the first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address. The address may be, for example, an IP address, FQDN, URL, etc.

[0473] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, before triggering the second operation, the method further includes: receiving a deregistration notification (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) sent by a fourth communication device, wherein the deregistration notification is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger the second operation; wherein the fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0474] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the process of triggering the second operation may include:

[0475] The system receives a first request sent by a sixth communication device, the first request being used for at least one of the following: triggering the second operation; obtaining terminal policy information; and requesting the AMF via SMF+PGW-C to perform the second operation to establish a terminal policy association and obtain terminal policy information.

[0476] The method further includes: receiving terminal policy information sent by the third communication terminal and sending it to the sixth communication device;

[0477] The sixth communication device provides session management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0478] In this embodiment of the application, the sixth communication device may optionally be an SMF, or a PGW-C (Packet Data Gateway Control Plane Function), or a communication device that combines SMF and PGW-C. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0479] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the process of triggering the second operation may include:

[0480] The system receives a first request sent by a seventh communication device, the first request being used for at least one of the following: triggering the second operation; obtaining terminal policy information; the SM-PCF requests the AMF to perform the second operation to establish a terminal policy association (e.g., through Npcf_UEPolicyControl Create Request) and obtain terminal policy information.

[0481] The method further includes: receiving terminal policy information sent by the third communication terminal and sending it to the seventh communication device;

[0482] The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

[0483] In this embodiment of the application, the seventh communication device may optionally be an SM-PCF. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0484] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the step of triggering the second operation further includes:

[0485] Obtain the triggering condition that triggers the second operation, wherein the triggering condition includes at least one of the following:

[0486] The terminal receives a context request sent by a second communication device, the context request including at least one of the following: an indication of the terminal's ability to receive terminal policy information under the second network; or an indication that the terminal requests to obtain terminal policy information.

[0487] The system receives a terminal policy acquisition request sent by a second communication device. The terminal policy acquisition request is used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal. The MME requests the AMF to acquire the terminal policy information. For example, the MME sends a context request to the AMF to acquire the terminal policy information, and the AMF sends the policy information to the MME through a context response.

[0488] Received a tracking area update or attachment request from the terminal;

[0489] The terminal was detected to have entered the second network from the first network. Upon entering the second network, the acquisition of terminal policy information was triggered.

[0490] Please refer to Figure 8 This invention also provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0491] Step 81: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device triggers a third operation, the third operation including at least one of the following:

[0492] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0493] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0494] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0495] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0496] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0497] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0498] In this embodiment of the application, the second communication device is a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, and provides a terminal policy association processing method so that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, it can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side.

[0499] In this embodiment of the application, the second communication device may optionally be an MME. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0500] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0501] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the triggering of the third operation includes: the second communication device triggering the third operation according to the instruction of the new first communication device; wherein, the new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network.

[0502] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the third operation triggered by the second communication device after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network includes:

[0503] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device instructs the old first communication device to trigger a third operation, the third operation including at least one of the following:

[0504] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0505] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; and / or

[0506] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device instructs the seventh communication device to trigger a third operation, the third operation including at least one of the following:

[0507] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0508] The first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0509] The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

[0510] In this embodiment, optionally, the first communication device may be an AMF (Advanced Management Function). Of course, other communication devices are also possible. In this embodiment, the path by which the second communication device, according to the new instruction of the first communication device, instructs the first communication device to trigger a third operation can be as follows: The AMF sends a context request to the MME. The context request includes an instruction to deactivate or release the second terminal policy association. The context request also includes AM-PCF index information (e.g., AM-PCF ID, AM-PCF IP address), the second terminal policy association ID (i.e., UE policy association ID), and / or UE SUPI. After receiving the context request, the MME triggers a session creation request to the S-GW (System-to-GW). The aforementioned information (instruction, AM-PCF index information, etc.) is also included in the session creation request. The S-GW then triggers a load change request to the SMF+PGW-C (System-to-Power-Concurrent Utility), which also includes the aforementioned information (instruction, AM-PCF index information, etc.). Then, SMF+PGW-C triggers a session policy association modification request (SM policy associationmodification(Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update)) to SM-PCF. This session policy association modification request also includes the aforementioned indication information and AM-PCF index information, that is, instructing SM-PCF to activate or release the second terminal policy association. Finally, SM-PCF triggers association deactivation or release: for example, by triggering a terminal policy association termination request (UE policyassociation termination(Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete)) to release the second terminal policy association, or by triggering a terminal policy modification request (UE policy association modification(Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update)) to modify the second terminal policy association.

[0511] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes: the second communication device sending first information to a new first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following:

[0512] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[0513] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[0514] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[0515] Terminal identifier;

[0516] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0517] The old third communication device was located;

[0518] Used to modify or release the terminal policy associations maintained by the old third-party communication device;

[0519] The new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network;

[0520] The old third communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[0521] In this embodiment of the application, the third communication device may be, for example, an AM-PCF. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0522] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address. The address is, for example, an IP address, FQDN, URL, etc.

[0523] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, sending the first information to the new first communication device includes:

[0524] The second communication device receives a context request sent by the new first communication device; the context request is used to request the acquisition of the first information;

[0525] The second communication device sends a context response to the new first communication device, the context response carrying the first information.

[0526] The second communication device sends a forward relocation request, which carries the first information.

[0527] Please refer to Figure 9 This application also provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0528] Step 91: After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second communication device sends a location update request to the fourth communication device. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following:

[0529] Do not send deregistration notifications to older first communication devices (e.g., do not send Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification);

[0530] Send a deregistration notification (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information; that is, although a deregistration notification is sent, the terminal policy information is to be saved.

[0531] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0532] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0533] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0534] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0535] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0536] In this embodiment of the application, the second communication device is a terminal that enters the second network from the first network, and provides a terminal policy association processing method so that after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, it can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side.

[0537] In this embodiment of the application, the second communication device may optionally be an MME. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0538] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may optionally be an AMF (Advanced Communication Device). Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0539] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth communication device may optionally be, for example, a UDM, or an HSS, or a combined UDM and HSS communication device. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0540] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0541] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0542] The second communication device sends a terminal policy acquisition request to the old first communication device, the terminal policy acquisition request being used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal;

[0543] Receive terminal policy information sent by the old second communication device and send it to the terminal;

[0544] or

[0545] The second communication device sends a session establishment request to the sixth communication device. This session establishment request includes an instruction to obtain terminal policy information. For example, the MME sends a session establishment request (create session request) to the SMF+PGW-C, which includes an instruction for the terminal to obtain UE policy information. Then, the SMF+PGW-C instructs the SM-PCF to establish a terminal policy association to obtain the terminal policy. To establish the policy association, the AM-PCF's ID and IP address are required. This information is included in the first information and is obtained by the MME from the AMF, or instructed by the MME to the SMF+PGW-C, which in turn instructs the SMF+PGW-C to the SM-PCF.

[0546] The second communication device receives the terminal policy information sent by the sixth communication device and sends it to the terminal;

[0547] The sixth communication device provides session management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0548] In this embodiment of the application, the sixth communication device may optionally be an SMF, a PGW-C, or a communication device combining SMF and PGW-C. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0549] In this embodiment of the application, after the terminal enters the second network (e.g., 4G network) from the first network (e.g., 5G network), it can also obtain terminal policy information, thereby providing terminal policy services to the terminal.

[0550] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the second communication device sending a terminal policy acquisition request to the older first communication device includes:

[0551] The second communication device receives a Tracking Area Update Request (TAU update request) sent by the terminal, the TAU update request carrying at least one of the following: an indication that the terminal supports receiving terminal policy information under the second network; or an indication that the terminal requests to obtain terminal policy information.

[0552] The second communication device sends a context request to the old first communication device according to the tracking area update request, the context request carrying the terminal policy acquisition request.

[0553] In some embodiments of this application, optionally, the second communication device sending a terminal policy acquisition request to the old first communication device includes: after receiving a session creation response, the second communication device sends a terminal policy acquisition request to the old first communication device.

[0554] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes: the second communication device receiving first information sent by the old first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following:

[0555] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[0556] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[0557] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[0558] Terminal identifier;

[0559] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0560] Establish a second terminal policy association or modify a first terminal policy association;

[0561] Obtain terminal policy information;

[0562] The old third communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0563] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network.

[0564] Optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address. The address may be, for example, an IP address, FQDN, URL, etc.

[0565] Please refer to Figure 10 This application also provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0566] Step 101: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the third communication device performs a first operation, which includes one of the following:

[0567] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0568] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0569] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0570] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0571] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0572] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0573] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0574] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0575] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0576] In this embodiment of the application, the third communication device provides a terminal policy association processing method for a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after re-entering the first network from the second network.

[0577] In this embodiment of the application, the third communication device may optionally be, for example, an AM-PCF. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0578] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0579] In this embodiment of the invention, modifying the second terminal policy association means changing the second terminal policy association to one that can provide terminal policy information to the terminal in the first network. For example, the second terminal policy association can be modified through Npcf_UEPolicyControlUpdate.

[0580] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the execution of the first operation includes: the third communication device executing the first operation based on the trigger information sent by the first communication device; wherein, the first communication device is a communication device that maintains terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network.

[0581] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may optionally be an AMF (Advanced Communication Device). Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0582] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the triggering information includes at least one of the following:

[0583] Terminal policy association establishment request (e.g., Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create); the terminal policy association establishment request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0584] Terminal policy association modification request (such as Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update); the terminal policy association modification request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0585] Terminal policy association termination request (e.g., Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete); the terminal policy association termination request is used to terminate the third communication device from providing terminal policy information.

[0586] Please refer to Figure 11 This application also provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0587] Step 111: After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the third communication device performs a second operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0588] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0589] Retain terminal policy information;

[0590] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0591] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0592] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0593] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0594] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0595] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0596] In this embodiment of the application, the third communication device is a terminal that enters the second network from the first network, and provides a terminal policy association processing method, so that after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, it can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side.

[0597] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0598] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the execution of the second operation includes: the third communication device executing the second operation based on the trigger information sent by the first communication device; wherein, the first communication device is located in the first network and is a communication device that maintains terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[0599] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may optionally be an AMF (Advanced Communication Device). Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0600] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the triggering information includes at least one of the following:

[0601] Terminal policy association establishment request (e.g., Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create); the terminal policy association establishment request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0602] Terminal policy association modification request (such as Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update); the terminal policy association modification request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0603] Terminal policy association termination request (e.g., Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete); the terminal policy association termination request is used to terminate the third communication device from providing terminal policy information.

[0604] Please refer to Figure 12 This application also provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0605] Step 121: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the fourth communication device sends trigger information, which is used to trigger the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following:

[0606] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0607] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0608] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0609] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0610] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0611] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0612] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0613] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth communication device is a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, and provides a terminal policy association processing method so that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, it can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side.

[0614] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0615] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth communication device may optionally be, for example, a UDM, or an HSS, or a combined UDM and HSS communication device. Of course, other communication devices are also not excluded.

[0616] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may optionally be an AMF (Advanced Communication Device). Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0617] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the sending of trigger information includes: the fourth communication device sending the trigger information to the second communication device, the new first communication device, or the old first communication device;

[0618] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0619] The new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network.

[0620] In this embodiment of the application, the second communication device may optionally be an MME. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0621] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes: the fourth communication device sending the first information to a new first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following:

[0622] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[0623] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[0624] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[0625] Terminal identifier;

[0626] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0627] The old third communication device was located;

[0628] Used to modify or release the terminal policy associations maintained by the old third-party communication device;

[0629] The old first communication device and the old third communication device are communication devices that maintain terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[0630] In this embodiment of the application, the third communication device may optionally be, for example, an AM-PCF. Of course, other communication devices are not excluded.

[0631] Optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address. The address may be, for example, an IP address, FQDN, URL, etc.

[0632] Please refer to Figure 13 This application also provides a method for processing terminal policy association, including:

[0633] Step 131: After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the fourth communication device receives a location update request sent by the second communication device. The location update request carries first indication information, which is used to indicate one of the following:

[0634] Do not send deregistration notifications to older first communication devices (e.g., do not send Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification);

[0635] Send a deregistration notification (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: retain, release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain terminal policy information;

[0636] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0637] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0638] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0639] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0640] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0641] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth communication device provides a terminal policy association processing method for a terminal entering the second network from the first network, so that after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, it can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side.

[0642] In this embodiment of the application, optionally, the first network can be a 5G network and the second network can be a 4G network. Of course, the possibility of using other networks is not excluded.

[0643] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth communication device may optionally be, for example, a UDM, or an HSS, or a combined UDM and HSS communication device. Of course, other communication devices are also not excluded.

[0644] In this embodiment of the application, the first communication device may optionally be an AMF (Advanced Communication Device). Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0645] In this embodiment of the application, the second communication device may optionally be an MME. Of course, other communication devices are also possible.

[0646] The following example illustrates the terminal policy association processing method of this application embodiment, using specific application scenarios as examples.

[0647] Embodiment 1 of the present invention:

[0648] In this embodiment, the terminal is in an idle state. The terminal enters the 4G network from the 5G network. The AMF in the 5G network and the MME in the 4G network support the N26 interface and can communicate with each other.

[0649] In this embodiment of the application, after the terminal enters the 4G network from the 5G network, it will first trigger the Tracking Area Update (TAU) in the idle state. During the TAU process, firstly, we need to provide the terminal with URSP rules; secondly, we need to consider the UE policy association problem.

[0650] Please refer to Figure 14 The terminal policy association processing method in this application embodiment includes:

[0651] Step 1: The terminal triggers TAU (TAU trigger).

[0652] Step 2: The terminal sends a TAU request to the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), which is the name of the base station in the 4G network. The TAU request includes at least one of the following: an indication that the terminal supports receiving URSP rules in the 4G network; or the terminal requests to obtain the indication information of the URSP rules.

[0653] Step 3: The E-UTRAN (4G base station) sends the TAU request to the MME; the TAU request includes at least one of the following: an indication of the terminal's ability to receive URSP rules under the 4G network; the terminal requests to obtain the indication information of URSP rules.

[0654] Step 4: The MME sends a context request to the AMF, which includes at least one of the following: an indication that the terminal supports receiving URSP rules under a 4G network; or the terminal requests to obtain indication information of URSP rules.

[0655] Steps 5-7: The process of establishing a session management context.

[0656] Step 8: After receiving the context request, the AMF learns that the terminal needs to obtain URSP rules. The AMF then triggers a UE policy control update to the AM-PCF to obtain URSP rules for the terminal. In this embodiment, the AMF triggers a UE policy control update to the AM-PCF through the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update request.

[0657] Step 9: AM-PCF sends URSP rules to AMF via the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update response.

[0658] In this embodiment of the application, steps 8 and 9 can also be executed after step 16. That is, after the MME receives the session creation response in step 16, the MME triggers another URSP rule to obtain a request to the AMF, and then the AMF executes steps 8 and 9.

[0659] Step 10: Verification and security process.

[0660] Step 11: The AMF sends a context ACK to the MME (also called a context response, sending the first information), wherein the context ACK carries the URSP rules to be sent to the terminal. Simultaneously, the AMF may also send the first information to the MME, which includes at least one of the following: AM-PCF index information, AMF index information, UE policy association ID, and terminal identifier; wherein the terminal identifier can be, for example, a UE Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI). The AM-PCF index information includes at least one of the following: AM-PCF ID, AM-PCF IP address, and AM-PCF FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name).

[0661] Steps 12-16: Used to establish a session.

[0662] If steps 8-9 have not yet been executed, i.e., URSP rules have not been obtained, then after step 16, the MME, upon receiving the create session response, can instruct the AMF (e.g., via a context request) to obtain URSP rules. Upon receiving the MME's instruction, the AMF will send an Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update request to the AM-PCF to obtain the URSP rules.

[0663] After step 15a, the SM-PCF can establish a terminal policy association with the AM-PCF in 4G. For example, when the SM-PCF triggers an Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create request to the AM-PCF, the AM-PCF's index information, such as the AM-PCF ID and AM-PCF IP address, is sent from the AMF to the MME (context response), and then the MME sends it to the SM-PCF.

[0664] Step 17: The MME triggers a location update request to the UDM+HSS (originally used to trigger the AMF in the 5G network to release all contexts of the UE). This location update request includes a new first indication message, indicating at least one of the following:

[0665] 1. Do not send registration notifications (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) to AMF;

[0666] 2. Send a deregistration notification to the AMF, the deregistration notification being used to instruct at least one of the following: retain, release, or deactivate the first terminal policy association (terminal policy association in the 5G network), retaining terminal policy information;

[0667] Deactivation means that when AM-PCF receives new terminal policy information, such as URSP rules, it deactivates because AM-PCF is associated with AMF and UE's terminal policy. This means that the terminal policy information cannot be sent to the UE.

[0668] Please refer to Figure 15 , Figure 15 In this process, after a terminal enters a 4G network from a 5G network, it triggers the release or deactivation of the first terminal policy association (the terminal policy association in the 5G network) and creates a new second terminal policy association (the terminal policy association in the 4G network).

[0669] Additionally, in step 17, the MME can also send the first information to the UDM+HSS via an update location request for later retrieval. The first information can be stored in the UDM.

[0670] Steps 18 and 19: After UDM+HSS receives the update location request, if there is a first indication message, one of the following can be executed:

[0671] One approach is that UDM+HSS can avoid triggering step 19, i.e., avoid triggering the registration process.

[0672] One approach is that UDM+HSS still triggers step 19, where UDM sends a deregistration notification (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification, which may include the first information) to AMF. The deregistration notification may instruct AMF to deactivate the terminal's first terminal policy association in the 5G network while retaining the terminal policy information (such as UE policycontext).

[0673] Step 20: After receiving the deregistration notification, the AMF triggers the AM-PCF to deactivate the first terminal policy association in the 5G network. This allows the AM-PCF to know that the first terminal policy association in the 5G network has been deactivated. Alternatively, it can release the first terminal policy association.

[0674] Step 21: UDM+HSS sends a location update ACK to MME.

[0675] Step 22: The MME sends the URSP rules to the UE via Tracking Area Accept (TAU Accept).

[0676] Embodiment 2 of the present invention:

[0677] In this embodiment, the terminal is in an idle state. The terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network. The AMF in the 5G network and the MME in the 4G network support the N26 interface and can communicate with each other.

[0678] In this embodiment, after a terminal re-enters the 5G network from the 4G network, it needs to register and reselect the AMF and AM-PCF, which involves establishing a new terminal policy association. This creates a conflict with the existing terminal policy association in the 4G network. This embodiment solves the above problem.

[0679] Please refer to Figure 16 The terminal policy association processing method in this application embodiment includes:

[0680] Step 1: The UE triggers the registration process.

[0681] Step 2: The UE sends a registration request to the NG-RAN (5G base station).

[0682] Step 3: NG-RAN selects the AMF. The AMF selected at this time can be called the initial AMF; the initial AMF may be the same as or different from the AMF used by the terminal to provide URSP rules for its service under the 4G network.

[0683] Step 4: NG-RAN sends a registration request to the initial AMF.

[0684] Step 5: The initial AMF sends a context request to the MME.

[0685] Step 6: The MME sends a context response to the initial AMF. The context response carries first information, which includes at least one of the following: AM-PCF index information, AMF index information, UE policyassociation ID, and terminal identifier, wherein the terminal identifier may be, for example, a UE Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI). The AM-PCF index information includes at least one of the following: AM-PCF ID, AM-PCF IP address, and AM-PCF FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name).

[0686] At this point, the UE selects an AMF under the 5G network. Whether this AMF is the same as or different from the UE's previous AMF in the 5G network, it is necessary to perform AM-PCF selection and UE policy association establishment for the UE.

[0687] Step 7: Safety procedures.

[0688] Step 8: The initial AMF sends a context ACK to the MME.

[0689] Steps 9 and 10: The AMF requests an ID from the UE and registers the AMF with the UDM, respectively.

[0690] Steps 11-14: The process of establishing new UE policy associations and modifying, releasing, or deactivating old UE policy associations. These will be explained in detail below.

[0691] In steps 11-14, the initial AMF performs different operations depending on the old AMF (the AMF that the UE originally had in 5G), the new AM-PCF (the newly selected AMF), and the old AM-PCF (the AM-PCF that the UE originally had in 5G). Examples are given below to illustrate this.

[0692] Method 1: Please refer to Figure 17 (AMF changes, AM-PCF remains unchanged) If the new AMF after the UE re-enters the 5G network is different from the old AMF in the 5G network, and the newly selected AM-PCF is the same as the old AM-PCF in the 5G network, then the new AMF can trigger the AM-PCF to modify the terminal policy association (through Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update request) based on the first information obtained, replacing the old AMF with itself; at the same time, it will trigger the AM-PCF to release or deactivate the terminal policy association with the SM-PCF.

[0693] Method 2: Please refer to Figure 18 (AMF changes, AM-PCF remains unchanged) The new AMF triggers a UE policy association termination request (via Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Deleterequest) to the AM-PCF. This termination request carries information such as the association ID and UE SUPI. In other words, the new AMF requests the AM-PCF to first release the UE policy association from the previous 5G network. After release, the new AMF then triggers a UE policy association establishment request (via Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create request) to the AM-PCF to establish a new UE policy association. Simultaneously, the AM-PCF releases or deactivates the UE policy association with the SM-PCF in the 4G network.

[0694] Method 3: Please refer to Figure 19(AMF changes, AM-PCF remains unchanged) The new AMF notifies the old AMF providing services to the UE under 4G to trigger a UE policy association termination request to release the terminal policy association previously established by the UE in 5G. After the terminal policy association previously established by the UE in 5G is released, the new AMF then triggers the AM-PCF to establish a new terminal policy association (via the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create request); simultaneously, it triggers the AM-PCF to release or deactivate the terminal policy association with the SM-PCF in the 4G network.

[0695] Method 4: Please refer to Figure 20 (AMF changes, AM-PCF remains unchanged) The new AMF triggers a request to the MME, instructing the MME, which then instructs the old AMF to trigger the release of the terminal policy association previously established by the terminal in 5G. After the terminal policy association in 5G is released, the new AMF triggers the AM-PCF to establish a new terminal policy association (via the Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create request); simultaneously, it triggers the AM-PCF to release or deactivate the terminal policy association with the SM-PCF in the 4G network.

[0696] Method 5: The new AMF triggers the establishment of a new terminal policy association in the AM-PCF. This way, the UE maintains three terminal policy associations simultaneously within the same AM-PCF:

[0697] 1) First terminal policy association, that is, the association between the UE's old AMF and AM-PCF in the 5G network;

[0698] 2) Second terminal strategy association, that is, the association between SM-PCF and AM-PCF for UE in 4G;

[0699] 3) Third terminal policy association, that is, the association between the new AMF and AM-PCF in the UE in the 5G network.

[0700] Method 5-1: In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 21 (AMF changes, AM-PCF remains unchanged). After AM-PCF establishes the third terminal policy association in the 5G network for the UE, there are three associations. Among them, the association with SM-PCF (the second terminal policy association) will be released or deactivated.

[0701] The first terminal policy association is handled as follows: The new AMF will trigger a registration request to UDM+HSS (such as Nudm_UECM_Registration update) (step 4). After registration, UDM+HSS will trigger a deregistration notification to the old AMF (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) (step 6). Based on the deregistration notification, the old AMF will trigger UE policy association termination (Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete) to AM-PCF to release the first terminal policy association (steps 7 and 8).

[0702] Method 5-2: In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 22 (AMF changes, AM-PCF remains unchanged) After the new AMF registers with UDM+HSS, UDM+HSS triggers the old AMF to release the first terminal policy association (step 3); after the first terminal policy association is released, UDM+HSS notifies the new AMF to establish a third terminal policy association for the UE. The new AMF triggers AM-PCF to release or deactivate the terminal policy association with SM-PCF in the 4G network (steps 8 and 9).

[0703] Method 5-3: Please refer to Figure 28B (AMF changes, AM-PCF remains unchanged) In one embodiment, the AMF notifies the SM-PCF to release or deactivate the AM-PCF's second terminal policy association, and then the AMF triggers the AM-PCF to establish a new third terminal policy association. That is, this method is executed by the SM-PCF triggered by the AMF, where the signaling relationship is as follows: Figure 28B As shown. The AMF can directly instruct the SM-PCF to terminate the terminal policy association, with the SM-PCF's ID, IP address, and other information provided by the MME. Alternatively, the AMF can instruct the SM-PCF to terminate the terminal policy association via the path: MME, S-GW, SMF+PGW-C, SM-PCF.

[0704] For example, the AMF sends a context request to the MME. This context request includes an indication to deactivate or release the second terminal policy association. The context request also includes AM-PCF index information (such as AM-PCF ID and AM-PCF IP address), the second terminal policy association ID (i.e., UE policy association ID), and / or the UE SUPI. Upon receiving the context request, the MME triggers a create session request to the S-GW. The aforementioned information (indicator, AM-PCF index information, etc.) is also included in the create session request. The S-GW then triggers a modify bearer request to the SMF+PGW-C. This modify bearer request also includes the aforementioned information (indicator, AM-PCF index information, etc.). Then, SMF+PGW-C triggers a session policy association modification request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update) to SM-PCF. This session policy association modification request also includes the aforementioned indication information and AM-PCF index information, that is, instructing SM-PCF to activate or release the second terminal policy association. Finally, SM-PCF triggers association deactivation or release: for example, by triggering a terminal policy association termination request (Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete) to release the second terminal policy association, or by triggering a terminal policy modification request (Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update) to modify the second terminal policy association.

[0705] In the above embodiments, the AM-PCF remains unchanged after the terminal re-enters the 5G network. The following describes the handling method for terminal policy association when the AM-PCF changes after the terminal re-enters the 5G network. Specifically, the AMF can obtain the terminal policy association ID of the terminal in the 4G network (this terminal policy association ID is sent by the SM-PCF to the SMF+PGW-C, then by the SMF+PGW-C to the S-GW, then by the S-GW to the MME, and finally by the MME to the new AMF). That is, the AMF triggers the old AM-PCF to release the terminal policy association of the terminal in the 4G network in the following process based on the policy association ID sent by the SM-PCF.

[0706] Method 1: Please refer to Figure 23 (AMF changes, AM-PCF changes) The new AMF first triggers the old AM-PCF to execute a UE policy association termination (via Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete request) (steps 2 and 3) to release the first and second terminal policy associations. After the first and second terminal policy associations are released, the new AMF then triggers UE policy association creation to the new AM-PCF (via Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update request) to establish a third terminal policy association (steps 4 and 5).

[0707] Method 2: Please refer to Figure 24(AMF changes, AM-PCF changes) The new AMF first instructs the old AMF to trigger a UE policy association termination (via Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete request) to the old AM-PCF (step 2). The termination of the UE policy association carries information such as association ID and UE SUPI. That is, the new AMF requests the old AMF, and then the old AMF requests the old AM-PCF to release the first UE policy association. After the old AM-PCF releases the first UE policy association, it releases the second UE policy association or deactivates the second UE policy association. Then, the new AMF triggers a UE policy association establishment (via Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Create request) to the new AM-PCF to establish a third UE policy association (steps 6 and 7).

[0708] Method 3: Please refer to Figure 25 (AMF changes, AM-PCF changes) The new AMF triggers a request to the MME, instructing the MME to support the old AMF and triggering the release of the first terminal policy association. After completion, the new AMF triggers a new AM-PCF to establish a UE policy association with the new AM-PCF, establishing a third terminal policy association. Then, the old AM-PCF is triggered to either activate or release the second terminal policy association (steps after 8 are not shown).

[0709] Method 4: The new AMF triggers the establishment of a new UE policy association (third-party terminal policy association) in the new AM-PCF. This way, the UE maintains three terminal policy associations simultaneously in two AM-PCFs:

[0710] 1) First terminal policy association, that is, the association between the UE's old AMF and AM-PCF in the 5G network;

[0711] 2) Second terminal strategy association, that is, the association between SM-PCF and AM-PCF for UE in 4G;

[0712] 3) Third terminal policy association, that is, the association between the new AMF and AM-PCF in the UE in the 5G network.

[0713] Method 4-1: Please refer to Figure 26(AMF change, AM-PCF change), in one embodiment, the first terminal policy association is released; the second terminal policy association is designed to be deactivated; and the third terminal policy association is designed to be activated.

[0714] Method 4-2: Please refer to Figure 27 (AMF changes, AM-PCF changes) In one embodiment, after the new AMF triggers the new AM-PCF to establish a third terminal policy association for the UE (steps 2 and 3), the new AMF will trigger a registration request (such as Nudm_UECM_Registration) to the UDM+HSS (steps 4 and 5); after registration, the UDM+HSS triggers a deregistration notification (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) to the old AMF, and the old AMF triggers a UE policy association termination (Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete) to the old AM-PCF according to the deregistration notification to release the first terminal policy association. At the same time, the second terminal policy association can also be released.

[0715] Method 4-3: Please refer to Figure 28 (AMF change, AM-PCF change). In one embodiment, after the new AMF is registered to UDM+HSS, UDM+HSS triggers the UE of the old AMF to release the first terminal policy association; after the release of the first terminal policy association is completed, the new AMF triggers the new AMF to establish a third terminal policy association for the UE.

[0716] Method 4-4: Please refer to Figure 28B (AMF changes, AM-PCF changes), in one embodiment, the AMF notifies the SM-PCF to release or deactivate the old AM-PCF's terminal second-terminal policy association, and then the AMF triggers the new AM-PCF to establish a new third-terminal policy association. That is, this method is executed by the SM-PCF triggered by the AMF, where the signaling relationship is as follows: Figure 28B As shown, the AMF directly instructs the SM-PCF to terminate the terminal policy association. The SM-PCF's ID, IP address, and other information are provided by the MME. Alternatively, the AMF can instruct the SM-PCF to terminate the terminal policy association via the path: MME, S-GW, SMF+PGW-C, SM-PCF.

[0717] For example, the AMF sends a context request to the MME. This context request includes an indication to deactivate or release the second terminal policy association. The context request also includes AM-PCF index information (such as AM-PCF ID and AM-PCF IP address), the second terminal policy association ID (i.e., UE policy association ID), and / or the UE SUPI. Upon receiving the context request, the MME triggers a create session request to the S-GW. The aforementioned information (indicator, AM-PCF index information, etc.) is also included in the create session request. The S-GW then triggers a modify bearer request to the SMF+PGW-C. This modify bearer request also includes the aforementioned information (indicator, AM-PCF index information, etc.). Then, SMF+PGW-C triggers a session policy association modification request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update) to SM-PCF. This session policy association modification request also includes the aforementioned indication information and AM-PCF index information, that is, instructing SM-PCF to activate or release the second terminal policy association. Finally, SM-PCF triggers association deactivation or release: for example, by triggering a terminal policy association termination request (Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete) to release the second terminal policy association, or by triggering a terminal policy modification request (Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Update) to modify the second terminal policy association.

[0718] Step 15: UDM+HSS can send a location cancellation message to MME or initial AMF. MME or initial AMF can then trigger the old AMF to release the first terminal policy association. Figure 16 The middle part is sent to the initial AMF.

[0719] Please refer to Figure 29 In this embodiment, UDM+HSS sends a location cancellation message to MME, which triggers the old AMF to release the first terminal policy association.

[0720] Step 16: The initial AMF sends a cancel location ack to the UDM+HSS.

[0721] Step 17: The initial AMF sends a registration acceptance to the UE.

[0722] Step 18: The UE sends a registration complete message to the initial AMF.

[0723] Embodiment 3 of the present invention:

[0724] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal enters the 4G network from the 5G network. The AMF in the 5G network and the MME in the 4G network do not support the N26 interface and cannot communicate with each other.

[0725] In this embodiment, the terminal is single-registered, meaning it can only register on either a 4G network or a 5G network. If registered on a 4G network, the information related to 5G network registration may be released, preventing the AMF from updating URSP rules for the UE via 5G NAS messages.

[0726] Please refer to Figure 30 The terminal policy association processing method in this application embodiment includes:

[0727] Step 1: The UE triggers the TAU process.

[0728] Step 2: The UE sends a TAU request to the eNodeB (4G base station).

[0729] Step 3: The eNodeB sends a TAU request to the MME.

[0730] Step 4: The MME sends a TAU reject to the UE.

[0731] Step 5: The UE sends an attach request to the eNodeB, which includes: an indication of the terminal's ability to receive URSP rules under a 4G network; and the terminal's request to obtain the indication information of the URSP rules.

[0732] Step 6: The eNodeB sends an attach request to the MME, which carries: an indication of the terminal's ability to receive URSP rules under a 4G network; and the terminal requests to obtain the indication information of the URSP rules.

[0733] Step 7: Optional process, not described in detail.

[0734] Step 8: The MME triggers a location update request to the UDM+HSS; this location update request includes the UE SUPI and a first indication message, indicating one of the following:

[0735] Instruct UDM+HSS not to register the UE, that is, do not send Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification to AMF;

[0736] The instruction can be: Instruct the UDM+HSS to send a Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification to the AMF, but instruct the AMF not to release the UE policy association; that is, instruct the AMF not to execute Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete. Alternatively, instruct the AMF not to trigger the release of the UE policy association, or instruct the AMF to instruct the AM-PCF not to release the UE policy context. Or, instruct the AMF not to release the UE context, where the terminal context includes the UE policy context.

[0737] Step 9: UDM+HSS sends a location update to MME.

[0738] Step 10: The MME sends a create session request to the Serving Gateway (S-GW), which includes indication information for obtaining the UE's URSP rules.

[0739] Step 11: The S-GW sends a session establishment request to the SMF+PGW-C (represented as SMF, or PGW-C, or a communication device that combines SMF and PGW-C). The session establishment request includes indication information for obtaining the UE's URSP rules.

[0740] Step 12: After receiving the create session request, SMF+PGW-C triggers AMF to search for or obtain the AM-PCF ID, IP address, and other information serving the terminal, based on the instructions in the session establishment request. Alternatively, it can obtain the first information from UDM. Because MME and AMF cannot interact directly when the N26 interface is not supported, the first information can be obtained through UDM+HSS.

[0741] Step 13: SMF+PGW-C sends the first request to AMF to obtain the UE's URSP rules.

[0742] Steps 14 and 15: AMF obtains URSP rules, which include several scenarios:

[0743] Case 1 (Reference) Figure 31 ):

[0744] Step 14: SMF+PGW-C instructs AMF to trigger AM-PCF to establish a new UE policy association (second terminal policy association) for the UE in 4G; AM-PCF can be the same as or different from AM-PCF in 5G; then, AMF triggers AM-PCF to establish the second terminal policy association and deactivates the first terminal policy association (terminal policy association in 5G).

[0745] Step 15: AM-PCF sends URSP rules to AMF;

[0746] Case 2 (Reference) Figure 32 ):

[0747] Step 14: SMF+PGW-C instructs AMF to trigger AM-PCF to modify the first terminal policy association (poicyassociation modification). This applies to AM-PCF, where it is the same for both 4G and 5G.

[0748] Step 15: AM-PCF sends URSP rules to AMF;

[0749] Case 3 (Reference) Figure 33 ):

[0750] Step 14: SMF+PGW-C instructs AMF to trigger AM-PCF to release the first UE policy association (UE policy association termination). Then, AMF establishes a new UE policy association (second UE policy association) to the new AM-PCF and obtains URSP rules.

[0751] Step 15: The new AM-PCF sends URSP rules to the AMF;

[0752] Step 16: AMF sends URSP rules to SMF+PGW-C.

[0753] Step 17: SMF+PGW-C sends URSP rules to S-GW via PCO.

[0754] Step 18: The S-GW sends the URSP rules to the MME.

[0755] Step 19: The MME sends a location update request to the UDM+HSS, which includes a new first indication message indicating one of the following:

[0756] Do not send registration notifications (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) to older first communication devices;

[0757] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0758] Step 20: After UDM+HSS receives the update location request, if there is a first indication message, then perform one of the following:

[0759] Method 1: The UDM triggers a deregistration notification (such as Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification) to the AMF. The deregistration notification should also include this instruction. In this way, after the AMF receives the deregistration notification, it will not trigger the UE policy association termination (i.e., Npcf_UEPolicyControl_Delete).

[0760] The deregistration notification may also include first information, which may include: UE policyassociation ID, SUPI (used to identify which UE is associated with which SUPI, and should not be released).

[0761] Method 2: After UDM detects this indication, it does not trigger the registration notification (Nudm_UECM_DeregistrationNotification).

[0762] If the AMF receives a deregistration notification from the UDM and the deregistration notification contains the first instruction information mentioned above, then the AMF will not perform UE Policy Association Termination. In this way, the terminal policy association will be preserved, and the AM-PCF will continue to provide URSP rules to the UE.

[0763] Embodiment 4 of the present invention:

[0764] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal enters the 4G network from the 5G network. The AMF in the 5G network and the MME in the 4G network do not support the N26 interface and cannot communicate with each other.

[0765] In this embodiment, the terminal is single-registered, meaning it can only register on either a 4G network or a 5G network. If registered on a 4G network, the information related to 5G network registration may be released, preventing the AMF from updating URSP rules for the UE via 5G NAS messages.

[0766] Please refer to Figure 34 The difference between the terminal policy association processing method in this application embodiment and the method in embodiment three is that:

[0767] Steps 12 and 12a: After SMF+PGW-C triggers SM policy association modification to SM-PCF, SM-PCF is responsible for finding an AMF and then triggering the AMF to obtain URSP rules.

[0768] Embodiment Six of the Invention: Triggering Conditions for URSP Rules Update

[0769] In this embodiment of the application, the triggering condition for URSP rules updates may include at least one of the following:

[0770] The terminal receives a context request sent by a second communication device, the context request including at least one of the following: an indication of the terminal's ability to receive terminal policy information under the second network; or an indication that the terminal requests to obtain terminal policy information.

[0771] Receive a terminal policy acquisition request sent by a second communication device, wherein the terminal policy acquisition request is used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal;

[0772] Received a tracking area update or attachment request from the terminal;

[0773] The terminal was detected to have entered the second network from the first network.

[0774] Please refer to the examples shown in Table 3 below:

[0775] Table 3 Policy control request triggers related to AMF / MME and 3GPP access types.

[0776]

[0777] The above embodiments discuss the following issues:

[0778] First, the method for sending URSP rules to the terminal, whether or not N26 interface support is available. In the above embodiments, URSP rules are carried by extending messages such as TAUaccept or handover command.

[0779] Secondly, in order to obtain URSP rules, terminals may establish UE policy associations with different AM-PCFs under 4G networks. Therefore, it is necessary to consider that under 4G networks, an AM-PCF is required to provide URSP rules; at the same time, after the terminal returns from the 4G network to the 5G network, if the terminal searches for AMF and AM-PCF again under the 5G System (5GS), multiple UE policy associations will appear. In this case, it is necessary to consider triggering the release or deactivation of the old UE policy association.

[0780] Finally, in the absence of N26 interface support, consider SMF+PGW-C (represented as SMF, PGW-C, or a communication device combining SMF and PGW-C) or SM-PCF (Session Management PCF) to trigger the search for AMF and then obtain the URSPrule.

[0781] The terminal policy association processing method provided in this application can be executed by a terminal policy association processing device. This application uses the execution of the terminal policy association processing method by a terminal policy association processing device as an example to illustrate the terminal policy association processing device provided in this application.

[0782] Please refer to Figure 35 This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 350, including:

[0783] Trigger module 351 is configured to trigger a first operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first operation including one of the following:

[0784] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0785] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0786] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0787] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0788] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0789] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0790] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0791] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0792] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after re-entering the first network from the second network.

[0793] Optionally, the triggering module 351 is used to acquire first information and trigger a first operation based on the first information;

[0794] The first information includes at least one of the following:

[0795] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[0796] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[0797] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[0798] Terminal identifier;

[0799] The old first communication device and the old third communication device are communication devices that maintain terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[0800] Optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

[0801] Optionally, the trigger module 351 is used to receive the first information sent by the second communication device, the fourth communication device, or the old first communication device;

[0802] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[0803] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0804] The old first communication device maintains the terminal context, which includes the first information.

[0805] Optionally, triggering the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0806] If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device and the third communication device remain unchanged, a first operation is triggered. The first operation includes one of the following: modifying the second terminal policy association; activating the first terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association.

[0807] If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged while the third communication device changes, a first operation is triggered. The first operation includes one of the following: creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association.

[0808] If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device changes while the third communication device remains unchanged, a first operation is triggered. The first operation includes one of the following: activating and modifying the first terminal policy association, releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; modifying the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association.

[0809] If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device changes and the third communication device changes, a first operation is triggered. The first operation includes one of the following: creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association.

[0810] Optionally, if it is determined based on the first information that the first communication device and the third communication device remain unchanged after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, a first operation is triggered, including: triggering the third communication device to perform one of the following:

[0811] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0812] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0813] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0814] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0815] and / or

[0816] If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged while the third communication device changes, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including one of the following:

[0817] Trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0818] Trigger the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association by the old third communication device; trigger the creation of a new third terminal policy association by the newly selected third communication device.

[0819] and / or

[0820] If, based on the first information, it is determined that the first communication device changes while the third communication device remains unchanged after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, a first operation is triggered, including one of the following:

[0821] The third communication device is triggered to activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0822] Trigger the third communication device to modify the second terminal policy association;

[0823] Trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, create a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0824] The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association; the third communication device is triggered to create a new third terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0825] The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association; the third communication device is triggered to create a new third terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0826] The third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; a registration request is sent to the fourth communication device, the registration request being used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first device to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association;

[0827] After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released the first terminal policy association.

[0828] Trigger the third communication device to establish a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0829] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to activate and modify the first terminal policy association.

[0830] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association and create a new third terminal policy association.

[0831] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to establish a new third terminal policy association.

[0832] and / or

[0833] If, based on the first information, it is determined that the first communication device and the third communication device have changed after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, a first operation is triggered, including one of the following:

[0834] Trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0835] The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0836] The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0837] The newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and send a registration request to the fourth communication device. The registration request is used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device. The deregistration notification is used to instruct the old first device to trigger the old third device to release the first terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0838] After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released the first terminal policy association and released or deactivated the second terminal policy association.

[0839] Trigger the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association by the old third communication device; trigger the creation of a new third terminal policy association by the newly selected third communication device.

[0840] The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the old third communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association.

[0841] The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association.

[0842] The newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and send a registration request to the fourth communication device. The registration request is used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device. The deregistration notification is used to instruct the old first device to trigger the old third device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0843] After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released or deactivated the second terminal policy association.

[0844] The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and triggering the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0845] Instruct the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, instruct the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association.

[0846] Instruct the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association;

[0847] The instruction to the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association includes one of the following: the first communication device directly instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; or the first communication device instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association through the second communication device.

[0848] The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

[0849] The terminal policy associated processing device in the embodiments of this application can be an electronic device, such as an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or a chip.

[0850] The terminal policy association processing device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 2The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0851] Please refer to Figure 36 This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 360, including:

[0852] Trigger module 361 is configured to trigger a second operation after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0853] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0854] Retain terminal policy information;

[0855] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0856] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0857] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0858] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0859] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0860] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal entering the second network from the first network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after entering the second network from the first network.

[0861] Optionally, the terminal policy-associated processing device 360 ​​further includes:

[0862] The first receiving module is configured to receive a terminal policy acquisition request sent by the second communication device, wherein the terminal policy acquisition request is used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal.

[0863] The first sending module is used to send the terminal policy control acquisition request to the third communication device;

[0864] The second receiving module is used to receive terminal policy information sent by the third communication device and send it to the second communication device.

[0865] The third communication device is located in the first network;

[0866] The second communication device is located in the second network.

[0867] Optionally, the terminal policy-associated processing device 360 ​​further includes:

[0868] The second transmitting module is configured to transmit first information to a second communication device or a fourth communication device, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0869] Index information of the first communication device;

[0870] Index information of the third communication device;

[0871] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[0872] Terminal identifier;

[0873] Wherein, the first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0874] Establish a second terminal policy association or modify a first terminal policy association;

[0875] Obtain terminal policy information;

[0876] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0877] Optionally, the index information of the first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

[0878] Optionally, the terminal policy-associated processing device 360 ​​further includes:

[0879] The third receiving module is used to receive a deregistration notification sent by the fourth communication device, wherein the deregistration notification is used to instruct the first communication device to trigger the second operation.

[0880] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0881] Optionally, the terminal policy-associated processing device 360 ​​further includes:

[0882] The fourth receiving module is configured to receive a first request sent by the sixth communication device, wherein the first request is used for at least one of the following: triggering the second operation; or obtaining terminal policy information.

[0883] The fifth receiving module is used to receive terminal policy information sent by the third communication terminal;

[0884] The third sending module is used to send the terminal policy information to the sixth communication device;

[0885] The sixth communication device provides session management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0886] or

[0887] The sixth receiving module is configured to receive a first request sent by the seventh communication device, wherein the first request is used for at least one of the following: triggering the second operation; obtaining terminal policy information;

[0888] The seventh receiving module is used to receive terminal policy information sent by the third communication terminal;

[0889] The fourth sending module is used to send the terminal policy information to the seventh communication device;

[0890] The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

[0891] Optionally, the terminal policy-associated processing device 360 ​​further includes:

[0892] The acquisition module is configured to acquire the triggering condition that triggers the second operation, wherein the triggering condition includes at least one of the following:

[0893] The terminal receives a context request sent by a second communication device, the context request including at least one of the following: an indication of the terminal's ability to receive terminal policy information under the second network; or an indication that the terminal requests to obtain terminal policy information.

[0894] Receive a terminal policy acquisition request sent by a second communication device, wherein the terminal policy acquisition request is used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal;

[0895] Received a tracking area update or attachment request from the terminal;

[0896] The terminal was detected to have entered the second network from the first network.

[0897] Please refer to Figure 37 This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 370, including:

[0898] Notification module 371 is configured to trigger a third operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the third operation including at least one of the following:

[0899] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0900] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0901] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0902] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0903] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0904] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after re-entering the first network from the second network.

[0905] Optionally, the notification module 371 is used to trigger a third operation according to the instruction of the new first communication device; wherein, the new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network.

[0906] Optionally, the notification module 371 is configured to instruct the old first communication device to trigger a third operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network. The third operation includes at least one of the following:

[0907] Release the first terminal policy association;

[0908] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0909] and / or

[0910] After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the seventh communication device is instructed to trigger a third operation, which includes at least one of the following:

[0911] Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0912] The first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0913] The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network. Optionally, the terminal policy association processing device 370 further includes:

[0914] The sending module is configured to send first information to a new first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following:

[0915] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[0916] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[0917] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[0918] Terminal identifier;

[0919] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0920] The old third communication device was located;

[0921] Used to modify or release the terminal policy associations maintained by the old third-party communication device;

[0922] The new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network;

[0923] The old third communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[0924] Optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

[0925] Optionally, the terminal policy-associated processing device 370 further includes:

[0926] A receiving module is configured to receive a context request sent by the new first communication device; the context request is used to request the acquisition of the first information;

[0927] The sending module is used to send a context response to the new first communication device, the context response carrying the first information.

[0928] Please refer to Figure 38 This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 380, including:

[0929] The first sending module 381 is configured to send a location update request to the fourth communication device after the terminal enters the second network from the first network. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following:

[0930] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[0931] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[0932] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0933] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0934] The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0935] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0936] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal entering the second network from the first network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after entering the second network from the first network.

[0937] Optionally, the terminal policy association processing device 380 further includes:

[0938] The second sending module is used to send a terminal policy acquisition request to the old first communication device, the terminal policy acquisition request being used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal.

[0939] The first receiving module is used to receive terminal policy information sent by the old second communication device;

[0940] The third sending module is used to send terminal policy information to the terminal;

[0941] or

[0942] The fourth sending module is used to send a session establishment request to the sixth communication device, wherein the session establishment request includes the indication information for obtaining terminal policy information;

[0943] The second receiving module is used to receive terminal policy information sent by the sixth communication device;

[0944] The third sending module is used to send terminal policy information to the terminal;

[0945] The sixth communication device provides session management services for both the first network and the second network.

[0946] Optionally, the terminal policy association processing device 380 further includes:

[0947] The third receiving module is used to receive a tracking area update request sent by the terminal, wherein the tracking area update request carries at least one of the following: an indication that the terminal supports receiving terminal policy information under the second network; or an indication that the terminal requests to obtain terminal policy information.

[0948] The second sending module is configured to send a context request to the old first communication device according to the tracking area update request, wherein the context request carries the terminal policy acquisition request;

[0949] or

[0950] The second sending module is used to send a terminal policy acquisition request to the old first communication device after receiving the session creation response.

[0951] Optionally, the terminal policy association processing device 380 further includes:

[0952] The fourth receiving module is configured to receive first information sent by the old first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following:

[0953] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[0954] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[0955] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[0956] Terminal identifier;

[0957] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0958] Establish a second terminal policy association or modify a first terminal policy association;

[0959] Obtain terminal policy information;

[0960] The old third communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[0961] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network.

[0962] Optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

[0963] Please refer to Figure 39This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 390, including:

[0964] Execution module 391 is configured to perform a first operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first operation including one of the following:

[0965] Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0966] Modify the second terminal policy association;

[0967] Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association;

[0968] Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0969] Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association;

[0970] Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0971] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0972] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0973] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after re-entering the first network from the second network.

[0974] Optionally, the execution module 391 is used to perform a first operation based on the trigger information sent by the first communication device;

[0975] The first communication device is a communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network.

[0976] Optionally, the triggering information includes at least one of the following:

[0977] Terminal policy association establishment request; the terminal policy association establishment request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0978] Terminal policy association modification request; the terminal policy association modification request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0979] Terminal policy association termination request; the terminal policy association termination request is used to terminate the provision of terminal policy information by the third communication device.

[0980] Please refer to Figure 40 This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 400, including:

[0981] Execution module 401 is configured to perform a second operation after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second operation including at least one of the following:

[0982] Release or deactivate the first terminal policy association;

[0983] Retain terminal policy information;

[0984] Establish a second terminal policy association;

[0985] Modify the first terminal policy association;

[0986] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0987] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[0988] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[0989] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal entering the second network from the first network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after entering the second network from the first network.

[0990] Optionally, the execution module 401 is used to perform a second operation based on the trigger information sent by the first communication device;

[0991] The first communication device is located in the first network and is a communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[0992] Optionally, the triggering information includes at least one of the following:

[0993] Terminal policy association establishment request; the terminal policy association establishment request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0994] Terminal policy association modification request; the terminal policy association modification request is used to obtain terminal policy information;

[0995] Terminal policy association termination request; the terminal policy association termination request is used to terminate the provision of terminal policy information by the third communication device.

[0996] Please refer to Figure 41 This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 410, including:

[0997] The first sending module 411 is configured to send trigger information after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network. The trigger information is used to trigger the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: release the first terminal policy association; release or deactivate the second terminal policy association.

[0998] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[0999] The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network;

[1000] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[1001] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[1002] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal that re-enters the first network from the second network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after re-entering the first network from the second network.

[1003] Optionally, the sending module 411 is used to send the triggering information to a second communication device, a new first communication device, or an old first communication device;

[1004] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[1005] The new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network.

[1006] Optionally, the terminal policy association processing device 410 further includes:

[1007] The second sending module is configured to send the first information to the new first communication device, wherein the first information includes at least one of the following:

[1008] Index information of the old first communication equipment;

[1009] Index information of older third-party communication devices;

[1010] The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy;

[1011] Terminal identifier;

[1012] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[1013] The old third communication device was located;

[1014] Used to modify or release the terminal policy associations maintained by the old third-party communication device;

[1015] The old first communication device and the old third communication device are communication devices that maintain terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

[1016] Optionally, the index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or, the index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

[1017] Please refer to Figure 42 This application embodiment also provides a terminal policy association processing device 420, including:

[1018] The receiving module 421 is configured to receive a location update request sent by a second communication device after the terminal enters the second network from the first network. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following:

[1019] Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices;

[1020] Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: retain, release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information;

[1021] Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network;

[1022] The second communication device is located in the second network;

[1023] The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network;

[1024] The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

[1025] In this embodiment of the application, a terminal policy association processing method is provided for a terminal entering the second network from the first network, so that the terminal can still obtain terminal policy information according to the terminal policy association provided by the network side after entering the second network from the first network.

[1026] Optional, such as Figure 43 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 430, including a processor 431 and a memory 432. The memory 432 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 431. When the program or instructions are executed by the processor 431, they implement the various steps of the above-mentioned terminal strategy association processing method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[1027] Specifically, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device. For example... Figure 44 As shown, the communication device 440 includes a processor 441, a network interface 442, and a memory 443. The network interface 442 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[1028] Specifically, the communication device 440 of this embodiment further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 443 and executable on processor 441, wherein processor 441 calls the instructions or programs in memory 443 to execute... Figure 35 , Figure 36 , Figure 37 , Figure 38 , Figure 39 , Figure 40 , Figure 41 or Figure 42 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[1029] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described terminal policy association processing method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[1030] The processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[1031] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface and the processor are coupled. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described terminal policy association processing method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[1032] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[1033] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described terminal policy association processing method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[1034] This application embodiment also provides a communication system, including: a first communication device, a second communication device, a third communication device, and a fourth communication device. The first communication device can be used to execute the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described above. The second communication device can be used to execute the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described above. The third communication device can be used to execute the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described above. The fourth communication device can be used to execute the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described above.

[1035] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[1036] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a computer software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[1037] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Modify the second terminal policy association; Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The first communication device is located in the first network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies; wherein, the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering of the first operation includes: The first communication device acquires the first information; The first communication device triggers the first operation based on the first information; The first information includes at least one of the following: Index information of the old first communication equipment; Index information of older third-party communication devices; The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy; Terminal identifier; The old first communication device and the old third communication device are communication devices that maintain terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or The index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first information includes: Receive the first information sent by the second communication device, the fourth communication device, or the old first communication device; The second communication device is located in the second network; The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network. The old first communication device maintains the terminal context, which includes the first information.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The triggering of the first operation includes at least one of the following: If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged and the third communication device remains unchanged, the first communication device triggers a first operation, which includes one of the following: modifying the second terminal policy association; activating the first terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association. If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged while the third communication device changes, the first communication device triggers a first operation, which includes one of the following: creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association. If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device changes while the third communication device remains unchanged, the first communication device triggers a first operation, which includes one of the following: activating and modifying the first terminal policy association, releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; modifying the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association. If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device changes and the third communication device changes, the first communication device triggers a first operation, which includes one of the following: creating a new third terminal policy association, releasing the first terminal policy association, and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association; creating a new third terminal policy association and releasing or deactivating the second terminal policy association.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged and the third communication device remains unchanged, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including: triggering the third communication device to perform one of the following: Modify the second terminal policy association; Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association; and / or If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device remains unchanged while the third communication device changes, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including one of the following: Trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association. Trigger the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association by the old third communication device; trigger the creation of a new third terminal policy association by the newly selected third communication device. and / or If, based on the first information, it is determined that the first communication device changes while the third communication device remains unchanged after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including one of the following: The third communication device is triggered to activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. Trigger the third communication device to modify the second terminal policy association; Trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, create a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association; the third communication device is triggered to create a new third terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association; the third communication device is triggered to create a new third terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; The third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; a registration request is sent to the fourth communication device, the registration request being used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first device to trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association; After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released the first terminal policy association. Trigger the third communication device to establish a new third terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to activate and modify the first terminal policy association. Instruct the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, trigger the third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and create a new third terminal policy association; Instruct the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the third communication device to establish a new third terminal policy association; and / or If, based on the first information, it is determined that after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first communication device changes and the third communication device changes, the first communication device triggers a first operation, including one of the following: Trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association. The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to create a new third terminal policy association. The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to create a new third terminal policy association. The newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and send a registration request to the fourth communication device. The registration request is used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device. The deregistration notification is used to instruct the old first device to trigger the old third device to release the first terminal policy association and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released the first terminal policy association and released or deactivated the second terminal policy association. Trigger the release or deactivation of the second terminal policy association by the old third communication device; trigger the creation of a new third terminal policy association by the newly selected third communication device. The old first communication device is instructed to trigger the old third communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The second communication device is instructed to notify the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; the newly selected third communication device is then triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association and send a registration request to the fourth communication device. The registration request is used to instruct the fourth communication device to send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device. The deregistration notification is used to instruct the old first device to trigger the old third device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. After receiving the registration response from the fourth communication device, the newly selected third communication device is triggered to establish a new third terminal policy association. The registration response is sent by the fourth communication device after it learns that the old first communication device has released or deactivated the second terminal policy association. The seventh communication device is instructed to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and triggering the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association. Instruct the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, instruct the old first communication device to trigger the old third communication device to release the first terminal policy association, and trigger the newly selected third communication device to create a new third terminal policy association. The system instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association, triggering the newly selected third communication device to establish a new third terminal policy association. The instruction of the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association includes one of the following: the first communication device directly instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; or the first communication device instructs the seventh communication device to release or deactivate the second terminal policy association through the second communication device. The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

7. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After a terminal enters a second network from a first network, the first communication device triggers a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following: Deactivate the first terminal policy association; Retain terminal policy information; Establish a second terminal policy association; Modify the first terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The first communication device is located in the first network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The first communication device receives a terminal policy acquisition request sent by the second communication device, the terminal policy acquisition request being used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal; Send the terminal policy control acquisition request to the third communication device; Receive terminal policy information sent by the third communication device and send it to the second communication device; The third communication device is located in the first network; The second communication device is located in the second network.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The first communication device sends first information to the second or fourth communication device, the first information including at least one of the following: Index information of the first communication device; Index information of the third communication device; The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy; Terminal identifier; Wherein, the first information is used for at least one of the following: Establish a second terminal policy association or modify a first terminal policy association; Obtain terminal policy information; The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The index information of the first communication device includes at least one of the following: the first communication device ID, and the first communication device address; and / or The index information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the third communication device ID and the third communication device address.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The process of triggering the second operation also includes: Receive a deregistration notification sent by a fourth communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the first communication device to trigger the second operation; The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The process of triggering the second operation also includes: Receive a first request sent by a sixth communication device, wherein the first request is used for at least one of the following: triggering the second operation; obtaining terminal policy information; The method further includes: receiving terminal policy information sent by a third communication terminal and sending it to the sixth communication device; The sixth communication device provides session management services for both the first network and the second network. or Receive a first request sent by a seventh communication device, the first request being used for at least one of the following: triggering the second operation; obtaining terminal policy information; The method further includes: receiving terminal policy information sent by a third communication terminal and sending it to the seventh communication device; The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

13. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The process of triggering the second operation also includes: Obtain the triggering condition that triggers the second operation, wherein the triggering condition includes at least one of the following: The terminal receives a context request sent by a second communication device, the context request including at least one of the following: an indication of the terminal's ability to receive terminal policy information under the second network; or an indication that the terminal requests to obtain terminal policy information. Receive a terminal policy acquisition request sent by a second communication device, wherein the terminal policy acquisition request is used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal; Received a tracking area update or attachment request from the terminal; The terminal was detected to have entered the second network from the first network.

14. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device triggers a third operation, which includes at least one of the following: Release the first terminal policy association; Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The second communication device is located in the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The triggering of the third operation includes: The second communication device triggers a third operation based on the instruction of the new first communication device; The new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device triggers a third operation, including: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device instructs the old first communication device to trigger a third operation, the third operation including at least one of the following: Release the first terminal policy association; Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; and / or After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the second communication device instructs the seventh communication device to trigger a third operation, the third operation including at least one of the following: Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; The first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The seventh communication device is located in the second network and is used to provide session policy services to terminals in the second network.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: The second communication device sends first information to the new first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following: Index information of the old first communication equipment; Index information of older third-party communication devices; The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy; Terminal identifier; The first information is used for at least one of the following: The old third communication device was located; Used to modify or release the terminal policy associations maintained by the old third-party communication device; The new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network; The old third communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or The index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The step of sending the first information to the new first communication device includes: The second communication device receives a context request sent by the new first communication device; the context request is used to request the acquisition of the first information; The second communication device sends a context response to the new first communication device, the context response carrying the first information.

20. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second communication device sends a location update request to the fourth communication device. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following: Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices; Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second communication device is located in the second network; The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network. The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: The second communication device sends a terminal policy acquisition request to the old first communication device, the terminal policy acquisition request being used to acquire terminal policy information for the terminal; Receive terminal policy information sent by the old second communication device and send it to the terminal; or The second communication device sends a session establishment request to the sixth communication device, the session establishment request including the instruction information for obtaining terminal policy information; The second communication device receives the terminal policy information sent by the sixth communication device and sends it to the terminal; The sixth communication device provides session management services for both the first network and the second network.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The second communication device sends a terminal policy acquisition request to the older first communication device, including: The second communication device receives a tracking area update request sent by the terminal, the tracking area update request carrying at least one of the following: an indication that the terminal supports receiving terminal policy information under the second network; or an indication that the terminal requests to obtain terminal policy information. The second communication device sends a context request to the old first communication device according to the tracking area update request, the context request carrying the terminal policy acquisition request; or After receiving the session creation response, the second communication device sends a terminal policy acquisition request to the old first communication device.

23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: The second communication device receives first information sent by the old first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following: Index information of the old first communication equipment; Index information of older third-party communication devices; The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy; Terminal identifier; The first information is used for at least one of the following: Establish a second terminal policy association or modify a first terminal policy association; Obtain terminal policy information; The old third communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or The index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

25. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the third communication device performs a first operation, the first operation including one of the following: Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Modify the second terminal policy association; Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The third communication device is located in the first network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The execution of the first operation includes: The third communication device executes the first operation based on the trigger information sent by the first communication device; The first communication device is a communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The triggering information includes at least one of the following: Terminal policy association establishment request; the terminal policy association establishment request is used to obtain terminal policy information; Terminal policy association modification request; the terminal policy association modification request is used to obtain terminal policy information; Terminal policy association termination request; the terminal policy association termination request is used to terminate the provision of terminal policy information by the third communication device.

28. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the third communication device performs a second operation, which includes at least one of the following: Deactivate the first terminal policy association; Retain terminal policy information; Establish a second terminal policy association; Modify the first terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The third communication device is located in the first network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The second operation includes: The third communication device executes the second operation based on the trigger information sent by the first communication device; The first communication device is located in the first network and is a communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The triggering information includes at least one of the following: Terminal policy association establishment request; the terminal policy association establishment request is used to obtain terminal policy information; Terminal policy association modification request; the terminal policy association modification request is used to obtain terminal policy information; Terminal policy association termination request; the terminal policy association termination request is used to terminate the provision of terminal policy information by the third communication device.

31. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the fourth communication device sends triggering information to trigger the old first communication device to perform at least one of the following: release the first terminal policy association; release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network. The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The sending trigger information includes: The fourth communication device sends the triggering information to the second communication device, the new first communication device, or the old first communication device. The second communication device is located in the second network; The new first communication device is the communication device that maintains the terminal policy association for the terminal in the first network after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network.

33. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, Also includes: The fourth communication device sends first information to the new first communication device, the first information including at least one of the following: Index information of the old first communication equipment; Index information of older third-party communication devices; The identifier ID associated with the first terminal policy; The first information is used for at least one of the following: Terminal identifier; The old third communication device was located; Used to modify or release the terminal policy associations maintained by the old third-party communication device; The old first communication device and the old third communication device are communication devices that maintain terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network.

34. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The index information of the old first communication device includes at least one of the following: first communication device ID, first communication device address; and / or The index information of the old third communication device includes at least one of the following: third communication device ID, third communication device address.

35. A method for processing terminal policy association, characterized in that, include: After the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the fourth communication device receives a location update request sent by the second communication device. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following: Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices; Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: retain, release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second communication device is located in the second network; The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network. The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

36. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The triggering module is configured to trigger a first operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first operation including one of the following: Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Modify the second terminal policy association; Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

37. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The triggering module is configured to trigger a second operation after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second operation including at least one of the following: Deactivate the first terminal policy association; Retain terminal policy information; Establish a second terminal policy association; Modify the first terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

38. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The notification module is configured to trigger a third operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the third operation including at least one of the following: Release the first terminal policy association; Release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

39. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The first sending module is configured to send a location update request to the fourth communication device after the terminal enters the second network from the first network. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following: Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices; Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to indicate at least one of the following: retain or release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The fourth communication device provides unified data management services for both the first network and the second network. The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

40. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: An execution module is configured to perform a first operation after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network, the first operation including one of the following: Activate and modify the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Modify the second terminal policy association; Activate the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association; Create a new third terminal policy association, release the first terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. Create a new third-terminal policy association, and release or deactivate the second-terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association and the third terminal policy association are used for the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

41. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: An execution module is configured to perform a second operation after the terminal enters the second network from the first network, the second operation including at least one of the following: Deactivate the first terminal policy association; Retain terminal policy information; Establish a second terminal policy association; Modify the first terminal policy association; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

42. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The first sending module is configured to send triggering information after the terminal re-enters the first network from the second network. The triggering information is used to trigger the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: release the first terminal policy association; release or deactivate the second terminal policy association. Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the second network; The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies, wherein the first network is a 5G network and the second network is a 4G network.

43. A terminal policy association processing apparatus, characterized in that, include: The receiving module is configured to receive a location update request sent by a second communication device after the terminal enters the second network from the first network. The location update request carries first indication information, which indicates one of the following: Do not send registration notifications to older, first-generation communication devices; Send a deregistration notification to the old first communication device, the deregistration notification being used to instruct the old first communication device to trigger at least one of the following: retain, release or deactivate the first terminal policy association, retain the terminal policy information; Wherein, the first terminal policy association is used by the terminal to obtain terminal policy information in the first network; The second communication device is located in the second network; The old first communication device is the communication device that maintains terminal policy associations for the terminal in the first network before the terminal enters the second network; The first network and the second network use different wireless access technologies.

44. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; or, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 7 to 13; or, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19; or, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24; or, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 25 to 27; or, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 28 to 30; or, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 31 to 34; or, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in claim 35.

45. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; or, when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 7 to 13; or, when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19; or, when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24; or, when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 25 to 27; or, when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 28 to 30; or, when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in any one of claims 31 to 34; or, when executed by the processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the terminal policy association processing method as described in claim 35.

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