Communication method, MME, AMF, electronic device, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, MME, AMF, electronic equipment and storage medium, and relate to the field of communication. The method comprises: in response to obtaining a tracking area update request, if it is determined that a handover notification is not received after sending a relocation response message, sending a handover cancellation instruction to an access and mobility management function (AMF); wherein the handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, and the first process is a process of switching a user equipment (UE) from a 5G core network to a 4G core network. The embodiments of the present application lay the foundation for normal communication (such as making a phone call, surfing the Internet) of users in the 4G network, and can improve the performance index of the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, MME, AMF, electronic device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, when a terminal switches from a 5G core network to a 4G core network, if a Handover Complete message is not sent due to an anomaly, the base station will also not send a Handover Notify message. At this time, the core network is waiting for the handover notification message, and the terminal considers the handover to have failed. After a certain period of time (e.g., after 2 seconds), the terminal sends a Tracking Area Update (Tau) request. When the core network receives the Tau request, it is still in the process of switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network, so it cannot process the Tau update request and directly rejects the Tau update.

[0003] In this situation, because the core network did not receive the handover notification message, the process of switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network ultimately failed. Furthermore, because the Tau request received during the handover process could not be processed, the Tau tracking area update was rejected, and the Tau update process also failed. At this point, the terminal had actually reached the 4G base station, but because the handover failed and the Tau update access failed, the terminal was ultimately unable to access the internet and could only re-register with the network to access services such as the internet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, MME, AMF, electronic device, and storage medium, which can solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method is provided, applied to an MME, the method comprising:

[0006] In response to a tracking area update request, if it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message, a handover cancellation command is sent to the AMF.

[0007] The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the user equipment (UE) switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication method is provided, applied to an AMF, the method comprising:

[0009] In response to receiving a handover cancellation instruction, if it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving a relocation response message, the first operation of the first process is cancelled.

[0010] The handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to a tracking area update request, after determining that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message;

[0011] The first process is the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0012] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an MME is provided, comprising:

[0013] The handover cancellation instruction sending module is used to respond to the tracking area update request. If it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending the relocation response message, a handover cancellation instruction is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0014] The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the user equipment (UE) switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0015] As an optional embodiment, the MME also includes:

[0016] The prompt response module is used to execute the second operation of the second process in response to the prompt information returned by the AMF;

[0017] The prompt message indicates that the AMF has cancelled the first operation of the first process; the second process is the process of the UE being relocated from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0018] As an optional implementation, the switch cancellation instruction is also used to instruct the AMF to release the resources of the first process.

[0019] As an optional embodiment, the prompt response module includes:

[0020] Send a relocation instruction to the AMF, which instructs the AMF to perform the third operation of the second process.

[0021] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0022] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0023] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an AMF is provided, comprising:

[0024] The operation cancellation module is used to respond to receiving a handover cancellation instruction. If it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving the relocation response message, the first operation of the first process will be cancelled.

[0025] Among them, the handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to the tracking area update request when it determines that no handover notification has been received after sending the relocation response message; the first process is the process of the UE handing over from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0026] As an optional embodiment, the AMF also includes:

[0027] The relocation response module is used to execute the third operation of the second process in response to receiving a relocation command;

[0028] The relocation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to perform a third operation;

[0029] The second process is the process of relocating the UE from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0030] As an optional embodiment, the AMF also includes:

[0031] The cancellation effect module is used to send a notification message to the MME in response to the cancellation of the first operation.

[0032] The prompt message indicates that AMF has cancelled the execution of the first operation.

[0033] As an optional embodiment, the operation cancellation module is specifically used to: release the resources of the first process.

[0034] As an optional embodiment, the cancellation effect module is specifically used to reset the UE's state to the idle state.

[0035] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0036] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0037] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, wherein the processor reads the computer program and performs the following steps:

[0038] In response to a tracking area update request, if it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message, a handover cancellation command is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0039] The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0040] As an optional embodiment, a handover cancellation command is sent to the AMF, followed by:

[0041] In response to the prompt information returned by AMF, execute the second operation of the second process;

[0042] The prompt message indicates that the AMF has cancelled the first operation of the first process; the second process is the process of the UE being relocated from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0043] As an optional implementation, the switch cancellation instruction is also used to instruct the AMF to release the resources of the first process.

[0044] As an optional embodiment, performing the second operation of the second process includes:

[0045] Send a relocation instruction to the AMF, which instructs the AMF to perform the third operation of the second process.

[0046] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0047] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0048] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, wherein the processor reads the computer program and performs the following steps:

[0049] In response to receiving a handover cancellation instruction, if it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving a relocation response message, the first operation of the first process is cancelled.

[0050] The handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to a tracking area update request, after determining that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message;

[0051] The first process is the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0052] As an optional embodiment, in response to receiving a handover cancellation command sent by the MME, the method further includes:

[0053] In response to receiving a relocation instruction, the third operation of the second process is executed;

[0054] The relocation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to perform a third operation;

[0055] The second process is the process of relocating the UE from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0056] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0057] In response to the cancellation of the first operation, a notification message is sent to the MME;

[0058] The prompt message indicates that AMF has cancelled the execution of the first operation.

[0059] As an optional embodiment, in response to receiving a switch cancellation command, the method further includes:

[0060] Release the resources of the first process.

[0061] As an optional embodiment, in response to the cancellation of the first operation, the method further includes:

[0062] Reset the UE's state to idle.

[0063] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0064] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0065] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the communication method described above.

[0066] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application are:

[0067] When the MME receives a Tau request, it does not simply and mechanically reply with a Tau reject message to indicate a tracking area update rejection. Instead, it determines whether a handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message. If no handover notification has been received, it determines that the UE's primary state is the handover state and its sub-state is waiting for a handover notification from the target base station eNB. The first process (the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network) needs to be canceled. Therefore, it sends a handover cancellation command to the AMF, instructing the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process (such as waiting to receive a Handover Complete Notification). This lays the foundation for the user to communicate normally in the 4G network (such as making phone calls and accessing the Internet) and can improve the operator's performance indicators. Attached Figure Description

[0068] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below.

[0069] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a communication method executed by an MME, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method executed by an AMF as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an MME provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an AMF structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary descriptions for explaining the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise stated, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and “including” as used in embodiments of this application mean that the corresponding feature can be implemented as the presented feature, information, data, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude implementation as other features, information, data, step, operation, element, component, and / or combinations thereof supported by the art. It should be understood that when we say that an element is “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the one element can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or it can mean that the one element and the other element establish a connection relationship through an intermediate element. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein can include wireless connection or wireless coupling. The term “and / or” as used herein indicates at least one of the items defined by the term; for example, “A and / or B” can be implemented as “A,” or as “B,” or as “A and B.”

[0078] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] First, let's introduce and explain several terms used in this application:

[0080] 1) The handover process from 5G core network to 4G core network with N26 interface is called 5GS to EPShandover using N26 interface in the specification (TS 23.502 4.11.1.2.1). It refers to the handover process triggered when the user first establishes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session in 5G and moves to 4G in the connected state (i.e. during Internet access).

[0081] The main triggering process is as follows:

[0082] The UE has already registered with 5G and established a PDU session, and has already accessed the core network through the source base station gNB ((next)generation NodeB, also known as a 5G base station);

[0083] Once the user starts browsing the internet, the connection state (CM-Connected) remains active.

[0084] When the UE moves from 5G coverage to 4G coverage (the eNB (evolved NodeB, also known as a 4G base station) is responsible for this),

[0085] The UE submits a measurement report to the gNB, which then makes the decision and triggers a handover. The network side needs to seamlessly migrate the UE's 5G-established context to 4G.

[0086] 2) The Mobility Management Entity (MME) is a key control node for access networks in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is responsible for the location and paging process of User Equipment (UE) in idle mode, including relaying.

[0087] 3) Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): Responsible for business authorization related to registration, connectivity, accessibility, mobility, security, and access management.

[0088] 4) The main triggering process for the UE to relocate from the 5G core network to the 4G core network in the 3GPP specification is as follows:

[0089] When a UE enters 4G coverage from idle state, Tau is triggered.

[0090] The MME requests the UE's context from the AMF;

[0091] The AMF requests the UE's Session Management (SM) context from the Service Management Function (SMF), and the SMF returns the mapped Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearer.

[0092] SMF notifies user plane anchor points, such as the User Plane of the PGW (PGW-U) / User Plane Function (UPF), to allocate user plane resources for EPS bearers; PGW stands for Packet data network Gateway.

[0093] The MME selects the Signaling Gateway (SGW) to create an S11 session based on the Timing Advance (TA).

[0094] SGW notifies control plane anchors, such as the control plane packet data network gateway (PGW-control, PGW-C), to update S5 sessions;

[0095] PGW-C sends the information from SGW-U to PGW-U;

[0096] The MME updates its location to the Home Subscriber Server (HSS);

[0097] Unified Data Management (UDM) cancels location updates to AMF;

[0098] TAU completed, assigning a globally unique temporary UE identifier (GUTI) to the UE.

[0099] The communication methods, apparatus, electronic devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products provided in this application are intended to solve the above-mentioned technical problems of the prior art.

[0100] The technical solutions of this application and their effects are described below through several exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments can be referenced, borrowed from, or combined with each other. Identical terms, similar features, and similar implementation steps in different embodiments will not be repeated.

[0101] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure are applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems may include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The system may also include core network equipment, such as the Evolved Packet System (EPS) and the 5G system (5GS).

[0102] The terminal (device) involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The name of the terminal device may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called User Equipment (UE). The wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core network devices (CN) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). The wireless terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device, for example, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device, which exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other devices. Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0103] This application provides a communication method applied to an MME, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0104] S101. In response to the tracking area update request, if it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending the relocation response message, a handover cancellation command is sent to the AMF.

[0105] In the handover process from a 5G core network with an N26 interface to a 4G core network, the MME sends a Relocation response to the AMF and then waits to receive the handover notification.

[0106] In this embodiment, when the MME receives a Tau request, it does not simply and mechanically reply with a Tau reject message to indicate a tracking area update rejection. Instead, it determines whether a handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message. If no handover notification has been received, the UE's primary state is determined to be the handover state, and its secondary state is waiting for a handover notification from the target eNB. The first process (the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network) needs to be cancelled. Therefore, a handover cancellation command is sent to the AMF, instructing the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process. This lays the foundation for the user to communicate normally in the 4G network (e.g., make phone calls, access the Internet) and can improve the operator's performance indicators.

[0107] In one embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a Handover CompleteNotification.

[0108] In one embodiment, the cancellation command is switched to the gtpc v2 relocation cancel command.

[0109] In one embodiment, the gtpc v2 relocation cancel instruction includes at least one of the following information components: International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), Mobile Equipment Identity (MEI), Indication Flags, Radio Access Network Application Part (RANAP) Cause, and Private Extension.

[0110] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional embodiment, a handover cancellation command is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and then the method further includes:

[0111] In response to the prompt information returned by AMF, the second operation of the second process is executed.

[0112] The prompt information in this embodiment indicates that the AMF has cancelled the first operation of the first process. After receiving the prompt information, the MME begins processing the tracking area update request, which is to execute the second operation of the second process. The second process is the process of the UE relocating from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0113] In this embodiment of the application, after determining that the AMF has cancelled the first operation of the first process, the process of relocating the UE from the 5G core network to the 4G core network is started, so that the user can communicate normally in the 4G network (e.g., make phone calls, access the Internet), and the performance indicators of the operator can be improved.

[0114] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional embodiment, the switch cancellation instruction is also used to instruct the AMF to release the resources of the first process. Based on the above embodiments, as an optional embodiment, the second operation of the second process is performed:

[0115] Send a relocation instruction to the AMF. The relocation is used to instruct the AMF to perform the third operation of the second process.

[0116] In one embodiment, referring to the UE relocation process from the 5G core network to the 4G core network in the 3GPP specification, the relocation instruction can be a context request sent by the MME to the AMF when requesting the UE's context, so that the AMF will execute the UE relocation process from the 5G core network to the 4G core network after receiving the context request.

[0117] This application provides a communication method applied to AMF, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0118] S201. In response to receiving the handover cancellation instruction, if it is determined that no handover notification has been sent after receiving the relocation response message, the first operation of the first process is cancelled.

[0119] As can be seen from the triggering process of the handover procedure from the 5G core network to the 4G core network, under normal circumstances, after the MME sends a relocation response to the AMF, the MME will send a handover command to the base station. Under normal circumstances, after the base station sends a handover notification to the MME, the MME will send a handover completion notification to the AMF. Based on this logic, when the AMF of this application receives the handover cancellation command, if it determines that it has previously received the relocation response information but has not yet received the handover completion notification, it will immediately stop executing the first process, laying the foundation for users to communicate normally within the 4G network (such as making calls and accessing the Internet) and improving the operator's performance indicators.

[0120] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional embodiment, in response to receiving a handover cancellation command sent by the MME, the AMF further includes:

[0121] In response to receiving a relocation instruction, the third operation of the second process is executed;

[0122] In one embodiment, the relocation instruction is generated by the MME to instruct the AMF to perform a third operation, the second process being the process of the UE relocating from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0123] As can be seen from the triggering process of the above-mentioned 5G core network relocation of the 4G core network, the third operation performed by the AMF in this application embodiment may include the AMF requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0124] In this embodiment of the application, the AMF performs a third operation related to the process of UE relocation from the 5G core network to the 4G core network in response to a relocation command, enabling the user to communicate normally within the 4G network (e.g., make phone calls, access the Internet), and improving the operator's performance indicators.

[0125] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional embodiment, the communication method on the AMF side further includes:

[0126] In response to the cancellation of the first operation, a notification message is sent to the MME;

[0127] The prompt message indicates that AMF has cancelled the execution of the first operation.

[0128] In this embodiment of the application, after determining that the first operation has been cancelled, the AMF sends a prompt message to the MME, so that the MEE starts to execute the second operation of the second process after receiving the prompt message.

[0129] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional embodiment, in response to receiving the switch cancellation instruction, the method further includes: releasing the resources of the first process.

[0130] The handover cancellation instruction in this embodiment of the application also instructs the AMF to release the resources of the first process, so that the AMF releases the resources of the first process after receiving the handover cancellation instruction.

[0131] Based on the above embodiments, as an optional embodiment, in response to the cancellation of the first operation, the method further includes: resetting the state of the UE to an idle state to provide conditions for subsequent processing of the Context Request message.

[0132] Please see Figure 3 The figure illustrates a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application, as shown in the figure, which includes:

[0133] 1) The MME sends a relocation response message to the AMF in the first process;

[0134] 2) The UE sends a tracking area update request to the eNB;

[0135] 3) The eNB sends the tracking area update request to the MME;

[0136] 4) When the MME receives the tracking area update request and determines that no handover notification has been received after sending the relocation response message, it sends a handover cancellation instruction to the AMF, instructing the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process and release the resources of the first process;

[0137] 5) When the AMF receives the handover cancellation instruction, it determines that it has not received a handover completion notification after receiving the relocation response message, and cancels the first operation of the first process.

[0138] 6) In response to the cancellation of the first operation, the AMF sends a notification message to the MME;

[0139] 7) In response to the prompt information returned by the AMF, the MME performs the second operation of the second process, such as sending a relocation command to the AMF;

[0140] 8) In response to receiving a relocation instruction, the AMF executes the third operation of the second process.

[0141] This application provides an MME, such as Figure 4 As shown, the MME may include:

[0142] The handover cancellation instruction sending module 101 is used to respond to the tracking area update request and, if it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending the relocation response message, send a handover cancellation instruction to the access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0143] The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the user equipment (UE) switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0144] The MME in this application embodiment can execute the communication method on the MME side provided in this application embodiment. The implementation principle is similar. The actions performed by each module in the MME in each embodiment of this application correspond to the steps in the communication method on the MME side in each embodiment of this application. For detailed functional descriptions of each module of the device, please refer to the descriptions in the corresponding methods shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0145] As an optional embodiment, the MME also includes:

[0146] The prompt response module is used to execute the second operation of the second process in response to the prompt information returned by the AMF;

[0147] The prompt message indicates that the AMF has cancelled the first operation of the first process; the second process is the process of the UE being relocated from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0148] As an optional implementation, the switch cancellation instruction is also used to instruct the AMF to release the resources of the first process.

[0149] As an optional embodiment, the prompt response module includes:

[0150] Send a relocation instruction to the AMF, which instructs the AMF to perform the third operation of the second process.

[0151] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0152] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0153] This application provides an AMF, such as Figure 5 As shown, the AMF may include:

[0154] The operation cancellation module 201 is used to respond to receiving a handover cancellation instruction. If it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving the relocation response message, the first operation of the first process will be cancelled.

[0155] Among them, the handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to the tracking area update request when it determines that no handover notification has been received after sending the relocation response message; the first process is the process of the UE handing over from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0156] The AMF in this application embodiment can execute the communication method on the AMF side provided in this application embodiment. The implementation principle is similar. The actions performed by each module in the AMF of each embodiment of this application correspond to the steps in the method of each embodiment of this application. For detailed functional descriptions of each module of the device, please refer to the descriptions in the corresponding methods shown above, which will not be repeated here.

[0157] As an optional embodiment, the AMF also includes:

[0158] The relocation response module is used to execute the third operation of the second process in response to receiving a relocation command;

[0159] The relocation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to perform a third operation;

[0160] The second process is the process of relocating the UE from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0161] As an optional embodiment, the AMF also includes:

[0162] The cancellation effect module is used to send a notification message to the MME in response to the cancellation of the first operation.

[0163] The prompt message indicates that AMF has cancelled the execution of the first operation.

[0164] As an optional embodiment, the operation cancellation module is specifically used to: release the resources of the first process.

[0165] As an optional embodiment, the cancellation effect module is specifically used to reset the UE's state to the idle state.

[0166] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0167] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0168] In one alternative embodiment, an electronic device is provided, such as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The illustrated electronic device 4000 includes a processor 4001 and a memory 4003. The processor 4001 and the memory 4003 are connected, for example, via a bus 4002. Optionally, the electronic device 4000 may further include a transceiver 4004, which can be used for data interaction between the electronic device and other electronic devices, such as sending and / or receiving data. It should be noted that in practical applications, the transceiver 4004 is not limited to one type, and the structure of the electronic device 4000 does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0169] Processor 4001 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. Processor 4001 may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0170] Bus 4002 may include a pathway for transmitting information between the aforementioned components. Bus 4002 may be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. Bus 4002 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 6 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0171] The memory 4003 may be ROM (Read Only Memory) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, RAM (Random Access Memory) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions, or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing computer programs and capable of being read by a computer, without limitation herein.

[0172] The memory 4003 stores computer programs that execute embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 4001. The processor 4001 reads the computer program stored in the memory 4003 and performs the following steps:

[0173] In response to a tracking area update request, if it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message, a handover cancellation command is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0174] The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0175] Compared with related technologies, this approach achieves the following: When the MME receives a Tau request, it does not simply and mechanically reply with a tracking area update rejection message. Instead, it determines whether a handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message. If no handover notification has been received, the UE's primary state is determined to be the handover state, and its sub-state is waiting for a handover notification from the target eNB. The first process (the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network) needs to be canceled. Therefore, a handover cancellation command is sent to the AMF, instructing the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process (such as waiting to receive a handover completion notification). This lays the foundation for users to communicate normally in the 4G network (such as making phone calls and accessing the Internet) and can improve the operator's performance indicators.

[0176] As an optional embodiment, a handover cancellation command is sent to the AMF, followed by:

[0177] In response to the prompt information returned by AMF, execute the second operation of the second process;

[0178] The prompt message indicates that the AMF has cancelled the first operation of the first process; the second process is the process of the UE being relocated from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0179] As an optional implementation, the switch cancellation instruction is also used to instruct the AMF to release the resources of the first process.

[0180] As an optional embodiment, performing the second operation of the second process includes:

[0181] Send a relocation instruction to the AMF, which instructs the AMF to perform the third operation of the second process.

[0182] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0183] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0184] In one alternative embodiment, an electronic device is provided, such as Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 The illustrated electronic device 5000 includes a processor 5001 and a memory 5003. The processor 5001 and the memory 5003 are connected, for example, via a bus 5002. Optionally, the electronic device 5000 may further include a transceiver 5004, which can be used for data interaction between the electronic device and other electronic devices, such as sending and / or receiving data. It should be noted that in practical applications, the transceiver 5004 is not limited to one type, and the structure of the electronic device 5000 does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0185] Processor 5001 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. Processor 5001 may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0186] Bus 5002 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components. Bus 5002 may be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. Bus 5002 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 7 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0187] The memory 5003 may be ROM (Read Only Memory) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, RAM (Random Access Memory) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions, or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing computer programs and capable of being read by a computer, without limitation herein.

[0188] The memory 5003 stores computer programs that execute embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 5001. The processor 5001 reads the computer program stored in the memory 5003 and performs the following steps:

[0189] In response to receiving a handover cancellation instruction, if it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving a relocation response message, the first operation of the first process is cancelled.

[0190] The handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to a tracking area update request, after determining that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message;

[0191] The first process is the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0192] As an optional embodiment, in response to receiving a handover cancellation command sent by the MME, the method further includes:

[0193] In response to receiving a relocation instruction, the third operation of the second process is executed;

[0194] The relocation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to perform a third operation;

[0195] The second process is the process of relocating the UE from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

[0196] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0197] In response to the cancellation of the first operation, a notification message is sent to the MME;

[0198] The prompt message indicates that AMF has cancelled the execution of the first operation.

[0199] As an optional embodiment, in response to receiving a switch cancellation command, the method further includes:

[0200] Release the resources of the first process.

[0201] As an optional embodiment, in response to the cancellation of the first operation, the method further includes:

[0202] Reset the UE's state to idle.

[0203] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

[0204] As an optional embodiment, the third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

[0205] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it can implement the steps and corresponding content of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0206] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "1," "2," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that shown in the figures or text.

[0207] It should be understood that although arrows indicate various operation steps in the flowcharts of this application's embodiments, the order in which these steps are implemented is not limited to the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, in some implementation scenarios of this application's embodiments, the implementation steps in each flowchart can be executed in other orders as required. Furthermore, some or all steps in each flowchart, based on the actual implementation scenario, may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. Some or all of these sub-steps or stages can be executed at the same time, and each sub-step or stage can also be executed at different times. In scenarios where execution times differ, the execution order of these sub-steps or stages can be flexibly configured according to requirements, and this application's embodiments do not limit this.

[0208] The above are only optional implementation methods for some implementation scenarios of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, other similar implementation methods based on the technical concept of this application without departing from the technical concept of this application also fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a mobility management function (MME), includes: In response to a tracking area update request, if it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message, a handover cancellation command is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the user equipment (UE) switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of sending a handover cancellation command to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) further includes: In response to receiving the prompt information returned by the AMF, the second operation of the second process is executed; The prompt message indicates that the AMF has cancelled the execution of the first operation related to the first process; the second process is the process by which the UE is relocated from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch cancellation instruction is also used to instruct the AMF to release resources associated with the first process.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second operation of executing the second process includes: A relocation instruction is sent to the AMF, which instructs the AMF to perform the third operation of the second process.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third operation includes requesting the Session Management Context (SMContext) of the User Equipment (UE) from the Service Management Function (SMF).

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to AMF, the method includes: In response to receiving a handover cancellation instruction, if it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving a relocation response message, the first operation of the first process is cancelled. The handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to a tracking area update request, after determining that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message; The first process is the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The response to receiving a handover cancellation command from the MME further includes: In response to receiving a relocation instruction, the third operation of the second process is executed; The relocation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to perform the third operation; The second process is the process by which the UE is relocated from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to the cancellation of the first operation, a notification message is sent to the MME; The prompt message indicates that AMF has cancelled the execution of the first operation.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The response to receiving the switch cancellation instruction further includes: Release the resources associated with the first process.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The response to the cancellation of the first operation further includes: Reset the UE's state to idle.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first operation includes waiting to receive a handover completion notification.

13. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The third operation includes requesting the UE's SM context from the SMF.

14. An MME, characterized in that, include: The handover cancellation instruction sending module is used to respond to the tracking area update request. If it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending the relocation response message, a handover cancellation instruction is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the user equipment (UE) switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

15. An AMF, characterized in that, include: The operation cancellation module is used to respond to receiving a handover cancellation instruction. If it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving the relocation response message, the first operation of the first process will be cancelled. The handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to a tracking area update request, after determining that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message; The first process is the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

16. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor reads the computer program and performs the following steps: In response to a tracking area update request, if it is determined that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message, a handover cancellation command is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The handover cancellation instruction is used to instruct the AMF to cancel the first operation of the first process, which is the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

17. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory, characterized in that, The processor reads the computer program and performs the following steps: In response to receiving a handover cancellation instruction, if it is determined that no handover completion notification has been received after receiving a relocation response message, the first operation of the first process is cancelled. The handover cancellation instruction is sent by the MME in response to a tracking area update request, after determining that no handover notification has been received after sending a relocation response message; The first process is the process of the UE switching from the 5G core network to the 4G core network.

18. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1-13.

Images