Methods, devices, and computer program products for wireless communication

Abstract

Methods, devices, and computer program products for wireless communication are provided. One method includes receiving, by a wireless communication terminal, updated priority information for at least one of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) or an access technology from an access and mobility management node, and updating, by the wireless communication terminal, a priority for the at least one of the VPLMN or the access technology in accordance with the updated priority information for public land mobile network (PLMN) selection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document generally deals with wireless communication, and specifically with fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] A network slice is a logical network with specific network capabilities and characteristics. A network slice instance is a collection of network function instances and required resources (e.g., computing resources, storage resources, and network resources), and the collection of network function instances and required resources forms a deployed network slice.

[0003] A roaming UE (user equipment) can remain in areas covered by different PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). Each PLMN provides different services via different network slices. A UE can subscribe to several services. When a roaming UE activates a service and / or application that requires a network slice (which is not provided by the serving VPLMN (Visitor Public Land Mobile Network) but is available in an area from (one or more) other VPLMNs), it is unclear how the HPLMN (Home Public Land Mobile Network) provides the UE with priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology based on the network slice information, which allows the UE to register for the network slice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and computer program products for providing priority information for one or more network slices.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication method. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: receiving, by a wireless communication terminal, updated priority information from an access and mobility management node regarding at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and updating the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information to perform Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication method. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: receiving updated priority information from a management node regarding access to at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and sending the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal, allowing the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information for Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication method. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: obtaining updated priority information for accessing at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology by a unified data node; and sending the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal by the unified data node to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information for PLMN selection.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication method. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: in response to a change in the configuration of one or more network slices supported by a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) subscribed to by a wireless communication terminal, generating updated priority information of at least one of the VPLMN or access technologies; and sending the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technologies for PLMN selection based on the updated priority information.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication method. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: a first control node receiving updated priority information from a second control node regarding access to at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and the first control node sending the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal, allowing the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information for PLMN selection.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication method. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: in response to a change in the configuration of one or more network slices supported by a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) subscribed to by a wireless communication terminal, generating updated priority information of at least one of the VPLMN or access technologies; and sending the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal via a first control node, allowing the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technologies based on the updated priority information for Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication terminal. In one embodiment, the wireless communication terminal includes a communication unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: receive updated priority information from an access and mobility management node regarding access to at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and update the priority of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies based on the updated priority information to perform Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication node. In one embodiment, the wireless communication node includes a communication unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: receive updated priority information from a management node for accessing at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and send the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies based on the updated priority information for Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication node. In one embodiment, the wireless communication node includes a communication unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: acquire updated priority information for accessing at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and send the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information for PLMN selection.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication node. In one embodiment, the wireless communication node includes a communication unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: generate updated priority information of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies in response to a change in the configuration of one or more network slices supported by a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) subscribed to by a wireless communication terminal; and send the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies according to the updated priority information for PLMN selection.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication node. In one embodiment, the wireless communication node includes a communication unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: receive updated priority information from a second control node regarding access to at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and send the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal, allowing the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information for PLMN selection.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a wireless communication node. In one embodiment, the wireless communication node includes a communication unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: generate updated priority information of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies in response to a change in the configuration of one or more network slices supported by a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) subscribed by the wireless communication terminal; and send the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal via a first control node to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies based on the updated priority information for Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection.

[0017] Various embodiments can preferably achieve the following features:

[0018] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal is configured to perform Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection based on updated priority information.

[0019] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal is configured to send an update confirmation message to the access and mobility management node in response to receiving updated priority information.

[0020] Preferably, the wireless communication terminal is configured to send an update confirmation message in response to the receipt of an confirmation request.

[0021] Preferably, the access and mobility management node is configured to receive an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal in response to the updated priority information being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

[0022] Preferably, the access and mobility management node is configured to send an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal to the management node.

[0023] Preferably, the access and mobility management node is configured to receive an update confirmation message in response to an acknowledgment request being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

[0024] Preferably, the unified data node is configured to send request messages to the application node and receive priority information for updates from the application node.

[0025] Preferably, the unified data node is configured to notify the application node that at least one network slice supported by one or more VPLMNs subscribed by the wireless communication terminal has been changed.

[0026] Preferably, the unified data node is configured to obtain priority information of updates from the application node via a unified data repository.

[0027] Preferably, the unified data node is configured to send an acknowledgment request for updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal.

[0028] Preferably, the unified data node is configured to receive an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal in response to the priority information being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

[0029] Preferably, the network node is configured to send an acknowledgment request to the wireless communication terminal for the updated priority information.

[0030] Preferably, the network node is configured to receive an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal in response to the updated priority information being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

[0031] Preferably, the first control node is configured to send an acknowledgment request for updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal.

[0032] Preferably, the first control node is configured to receive an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal in response to the updated priority information being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

[0033] Preferably, the first control node is configured to send an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal to the second control node.

[0034] Preferably, the second control node is configured to send an acknowledgment request for updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal via the first control node.

[0035] Preferably, the second control node is configured to receive an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal via the first control node in response to the updated priority information being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

[0036] This disclosure relates to a computer program product, including a computer-readable program medium on which code is stored, the code, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement a wireless communication method according to any of the foregoing methods.

[0037] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide features that will become readily apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following description. Exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein according to various embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art who have read this disclosure.

[0038] Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary methods. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an exemplary order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, this disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0039] The above and other aspects and their embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, description and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 A 5G system (5GS) architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 The process of a UE registering a set of network slices according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram of an update process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic diagram of an update process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Figure 8A and Figure 8B A schematic diagram of an update process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 10A and Figure 10B A schematic diagram of an update process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 11 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 12 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless communication node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 13 A flowchart of a wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Figure 14 A flowchart of another wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 15 A flowchart of another wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Figure 16 A flowchart of another wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Figure 17 A flowchart of another wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 18 A flowchart of another wireless communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 The architecture of a 5G system (5GS) is illustrated. In one embodiment, the 5GS architecture consists of the following network functions (NFs):

[0059] 1)UE, User Equipment.

[0060] 2) RAN, Radio Access Network.

[0061] 3) AMF, Access and Mobility Management Function. This network function (NF) includes functions such as UE mobility management, reachability management, connection management, and registration management. The AMF terminates the RAN (Radio Access Network) control plane (CP) interface N2 and the NAS (non-access stratum) interface N1. The NAS can be used for encryption and integrity protection. The AMF also distributes the Structural-to-Modular (SM) NAS to the appropriate SMF (Session Management Function) via the N11 interface.

[0062] During the registration process, the AMF can determine the allowed NSSAIs (network slice selection Assistance information) and the rejected NSSAIs with reasons for rejection based on the NSSAIs requested from the UE. The AMF also determines the registration areas in which the UE can use all S-NSSAIs (Single-network slice selection Assistance information) for the allowed NSSAIs. The AMF sends the allowed NSSAIs, the rejected NSSAIs with reasons for rejection, and the registration areas to the UE.

[0063] 4) UDM, Unified Data Management. This NF manages the UE's subscription profile. Subscription data is stored in the Unified Data Repository (UDR). Subscription information includes data used for mobility management and session management. AMF and SMF retrieve subscription data from the UDM.

[0064] 5) NSSF, Network Slice Selection Function. This NF supports the following functions: selecting the set of network slice instances serving the UE; determining the allowed NSSAI, and if necessary, determining the mapping to the HPLMN S-NSSAI; determining the configured NSSAI, and if necessary, determining the mapping to the HPLMN S-NSSAI; determining the set of AMFs to be used to serve the UE, or, based on configuration, possibly by querying the Network Repository Function (NRF) to determine a list of (one or more) candidate AMFs.

[0065] In the case of local route roaming, there are two main options depending on the operator's choices regarding NRF, NSSF participation, and AMF configuration. One option is to deploy NSSF (referred to as vNSSF and hNSSF) separately for HPLMN and VPLMN.

[0066] 6) SMF, Session Management Function. This NF includes the following functions: session establishment, modification, and release; UE IP address allocation and management; selection and control of user plane (UP) functions, etc.

[0067] 7) UPF, User Plane Function. This NF serves as an anchor point for mobility within / between radio access technologies (RATs) and as an external PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point interconnecting to the Data Network (DN). The UPF also routes and forwards data packets according to instructions from the SMF. When the UE is in idle mode, the UPF also buffers downlink (DL) data.

[0068] 8) AF, Application Function. This NF interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as supporting applications' actions on: service routing, accessing the NEF (Network Exposure Function), interacting with the policy framework used for policy control, etc.

[0069] 9) PCF, Policy Control Function. This NF supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior. The PCF provides access management policies to the AMF, session management policies to the SMF, or UE policies to the UE. The PCF can access the UDR to obtain subscription information related to policy decisions.

[0070] Figure 2 The process of a UE registering a set of network slices is illustrated.

[0071] 1. When a UE registers with a PLMN via an Access Type, the UE may provide a requested NSSAI to the network in the NAS layer. This requested NSSAI includes one or more S-NSSAIs corresponding to the network slice(s) ...

[0072] - The default configured NSSAI, for example, if the UE has neither a configured NSSAI nor an allowed NSSAI for the serving PLMN, where the configured NSSAI can be configured by the serving PLMN, and the configured NSSAI can represent the S-NSSAI that the current serving network can provide services to the user.

[0073] - Configured NSSAI or a subset thereof, for example, if the UE does not have a permitted NSSAI for that access type for the serving PLMN;

[0074] - Permitted NSSAIs or subsets thereof for the access type of the NSSAI that sends the request; or

[0075] - The allowed NSSAIs or subsets thereof for the access type of the NSSAI through which the request is sent, and one or more S-NSSAIs from the configured NSSAI are not among the allowed NSSAIs for that access type.

[0076] 2. When the RAN receives a UE registration request from the AMF selected during the registration process, the AMF can query the UDM to retrieve the UE subscription information, which includes the subscribed S-NSSAI.

[0077] 3. The AMF verifies whether one or more S-NSSAIs in the subscribed S-NSSAI verification request are permitted. To identify the subscribed S-NSSAI, the AMF can use the HPLMN S-NSSAI mapped by the UE in the NAS.

[0078] 4. When the UE context in the AMF does not include the allowed NSSAI for the corresponding access type, the AMF queries the NSSF for network slice selection, unless the AMF is allowed to determine whether it can serve the UE based on its configuration. The NSSF's IP address or FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) is configured locally in the AMF.

[0079] 5. The NSSF returns an allowed NSSAI to the AMF. The NSSF may also return a rejected S-NSSAI with one or more rejection reasons (e.g., a rejected NSSAI for the current PLMN, a rejected NSSAI for the current registered region, etc.), which indicates the reason for the rejection of one or more S-NSSAIs.

[0080] 6. AMF can determine the registration area, making all S-NSSAIs of the allowed NSSAIs available in all tracking areas of the registration area.

[0081] 7. The AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE, which includes the allowed NSSAI, the HPLMN NSSAI mapped to the allowed NSSAI (if the allowed NSSAI is provided), and the rejected S-NSSAI(one or more) with a rejection reason and the registration area.

[0082] After the registration process is completed, the UE can request to establish a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session. The S-NSSAI of the PDU session request is derived from the URSP (UE route selection policy) rules or the UE's local configuration. The S-NSSAI of this request should be within the allowed NSSAI.

[0083] For roaming UEs activating services and / or applications that require a network slice (not provided by the serving VPLMN, but available in an area from another VPLMN(one or more)), it is unclear how to reselect another VPLMN. Furthermore, when a UE has already selected a new VPLMN and is residing on it, it is unclear how to notify the UE to reselect another VPLMN if the network slice configuration changes—for example, if the services and / or applications supported by that network slice change.

[0084] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a mechanism to ensure that the HPLMN can provide the UE with priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology to allow the UE to register for one or more intended network slices.

[0085] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the VPLMN supports several access technologies, and each access technology may support different network slices. In this case, the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology can be the priority of the VPLMN and / or access technology or the combined priority of the VPLMN and / or access technology. In other words, the UE can select the access technology and / or VPLMN for the expected network slice based on the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology.

[0086] The following paragraphs describe some examples.

[0087] Example 1: Priority information for VPLMN and / or access technologies provided by UDM / AF

[0088] In this example, priority information for allowing the UE to register (one or more) intended network slices, VPLMNs, and / or access technologies can be provided by the UDM or AF.

[0089] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the architecture for this example is shown, and Figure 4A and Figure 4B The update process is shown.

[0090] In this example, AF is an NF that can be deployed in the HPLMN and used for VPLMN priority management. Operators can optionally deploy AF. If AF is not deployed, VPLMN priority information can be managed by UDM and / or UDR (Unified Data Repository).

[0091] In this example, the AF can be an enhanced SoR-AF (Steering of Roaming Application Function) configured for VPLMN priority management based on slice information, or a new NF that performs VPLMN priority management based on slice information.

[0092] 0. If the subscribed network slice subscribed to by the UE changes (e.g., the services and / or applications supported by the network slice change), and the AF generates priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology used by the UE to register for one or more network slices, then the UDM notifies the AF of the change in the subscribed network slice (e.g., provides the AF with an updated subscription S-NSSAI).

[0093] 1. If the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology and the network slice(s) supported by each VPLMN are stored in the AF, and the configuration of the network slice changes, the AF provides the UDM with updated priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology, which the UE can use to register (one or more) network slice(s) (e.g., perform PLMN selection).

[0094] In one embodiment, the UDM can obtain priority information from the AF regarding the VPLMN and / or access technology during the registration process. The UDM can then subscribe to notifications of updates to this priority information.

[0095] 2. Alternatively, if the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technologies and the network slices(one or more) supported by each VPLMN are stored in the UDR, and the configuration of the network slices changes, the UDM obtains the updated priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technologies from the UDR.

[0096] 3. The HPLMN UDM (e.g., via the Nudm_SDM_notification service) sends a notification to the VPLMN AMF, wherein the notification includes priority information for updates to the VPLMN and / or access technologies.

[0097] In one embodiment, during registration, the AMF may provide the UDM with the expected S-NSSAI associated with the network slice the UE is expected to register for, in order to obtain priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology. The AMF may then subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology.

[0098] 4. The AMF sends updated priority information to the UE (e.g., in a DL (downlink) NAS transmission message). In one embodiment, the updated priority information can be transparent to the AMF. That is, the AMF sends the updated priority information to the UE without knowing its content.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology may not be transparent to the AMF. In this case, the VPLMN AMF acknowledges and stores the updated priority information and sends the received priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology to the UE (e.g., in a DL NAS transport message or a UE configuration update message).

[0100] 5. If the UDM requests confirmation of priority information for the update from the UE, and the UE verifies that the priority information for the update from the HPLMN and / or access technology has been received, then the UE (e.g., via UL NAS transmission or UE configuration update confirmation (ack) message) sends an update confirmation message with UE confirmation to the serving AMF.

[0101] 6. If an update confirmation message is received in step 5, the AMF will (e.g., through the Nudm_SDM_Info service operation) provide the UDM with the received UE confirmation.

[0102] 7. The HPLMN UDM can notify the AF of the successful delivery of priority information for updates to the VPLMN and / or access technologies.

[0103] 8. If the UE activates a service and / or application that requires a network slice (the network slice is not provided by the serving VPLMN but is available in an area from another VPLMN) based on the priority information of the received VPLMN and / or access technology, and the UE is in automatic network selection mode, the UE may attempt to obtain a service in a higher priority PLMN that the UE can use to register the network slice.

[0104] Example 2: Priority information for VPLMN and / or access technologies provided by NF

[0105] In this example, the priority information for allowing a UE to register one or more intended network slices in the VPLMN and / or access technologies can be provided by a newly defined NF or a custom NF. For example, this NF is deployed in an HPLMN and used for VPLMN priority management based on slice information.

[0106] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the architecture for this example is shown, and Figure 6A and Figure 6B The update process is shown.

[0107] 1. If the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology and the network slice(s) supported by each VPLMN are stored in the NF, and the configuration of the network slice changes (e.g., the services and / or applications supported by the network slice change), then the NF updates the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology used by the UE to register the network slice(s).

[0108] In one embodiment, during registration, the AMF may provide the NF with the expected S-NSSAI associated with the network slice the UE is expected to register for, in order to obtain priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology. The AMF can then subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology.

[0109] 2. The NF sends priority information for updates to the VPLMN and / or access technologies to the VPLMN AMF.

[0110] In one embodiment, during registration, the AMF may provide the NF with the expected S-NSSAI associated with the network segment the UE is expected to register for, in order to obtain priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology. The AMF can then subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology.

[0111] 3. The AMF sends updated priority information to the UE (e.g., in a DL (downlink) NAS transmission message). In one embodiment, the updated priority information can be transparent to the AMF. That is, the AMF sends the updated priority information to the UE without knowing its content.

[0112] In an alternative embodiment, the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology may not be transparent to the AMF. In this case, the VPLMN AMF acknowledges and stores the updated priority information and sends the received priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology to the UE (e.g., in a DL NAS transport message or a UE configuration update message).

[0113] 4. If the NF requests confirmation of priority information for the update from the UE, and the UE verifies that the priority information for the update from the HPLMN and / or access technology has been received, then the UE (e.g., via UL NAS transmission or UE configuration update confirmation message) sends an update confirmation message with UE confirmation to the serving AMF.

[0114] 5. If the update confirmation message is received in step 4, the AMF will provide the NF with the received UE confirmation.

[0115] 6. If the UE activates a service and / or application that requires a network slice (the network slice is not provided by the serving VPLMN but is available in an area from another VPLMN) based on the priority information of the received VPLMN and / or access technology, and the UE is in automatic network selection mode, the UE may attempt to obtain a service in a higher priority PLMN that the UE can use to register the network slice.

[0116] Example 3: Priority information for VPLMN and / or access technologies provided by NSSF

[0117] In this example, priority information for allowing the UE to register (one or more) intended network slices, VPLMNs, and / or access technologies can be provided by the NSSF.

[0118] In some cases (e.g., in the case of local route roaming), HPLMN and VPLMN can deploy NSSF separately, with hNSSF (local network slice selection function) and vNSSF (access network slice selection function) being the two functions respectively.

[0119] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the architecture for this example is shown, and Figure 8A and Figure 8B The update process is shown.

[0120] 1. If the priority information of VPLMN and / or access technology and the network slice(s) supported by each VPLMN are stored in hNSSF, and the configuration of the network slice changes (e.g., the services and / or applications supported by the network slice change), then hNSSF updates the priority information of VPLMN and / or access technology used by the UE to register the network slice(s).

[0121] In one embodiment, during registration, the AMF may provide the hNSSF with the expected S-NSSAI associated with the network slice the UE is expected to register for, in order to obtain priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology. Both the vNSSF and the AMF may then subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology.

[0122] 2. vNSSF sends priority information for updates to the VPLMN and / or access technologies to the VPLMN AMF.

[0123] In one embodiment, during registration, the AMF may provide the vNSSF with the expected S-NSSAI associated with the network slice the UE is expected to register for, to obtain priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology. The AMF may then subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology from the vNSSF. The vNSSF may subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology from the hNSSF.

[0124] 3. The vNSSF sends a notification to the VPLMN AMF, which includes priority information for updates to the VPLMN and / or access technologies.

[0125] 4. The AMF sends updated priority information to the UE (e.g., in a DL (downlink) NAS transmission message). In one embodiment, the updated priority information can be transparent to the AMF. That is, the AMF sends the updated priority information to the UE without knowing its content.

[0126] In an alternative embodiment, the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology may not be transparent to the AMF. In this case, the VPLMN AMF acknowledges and stores the updated priority information and sends the received priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology to the UE (e.g., in a DL NAS transport message or a UE configuration update message).

[0127] 5. If the hNSSF or vNSSF requests confirmation of priority information for the update from the UE, and the UE verifies that the priority information for the update from the HPLMN and / or access technology has been received, then the UE (e.g., via UL NAS transmission or UE configuration update confirmation message) sends an update confirmation message with UE confirmation to the serving AMF.

[0128] 6. If the UE activates a service and / or application that requires a network slice (the network slice is not provided by the serving VPLMN but is available in an area from another VPLMN) based on the priority information of the received VPLMN and / or access technology, and the UE is in automatic network selection mode, the UE may attempt to obtain a service in a higher priority PLMN that the UE can use to register for the network slice.

[0129] 7. If the update confirmation message is received in step 5, the AMF will provide the vNSSF with the received UE confirmation.

[0130] 8. If the update confirmation message is received in step 5, the vNSSF provides the received UE confirmation to the hNSSF.

[0131] Example 4: Priority information for VPLMN and / or access technologies provided by PCF

[0132] In this example, the priority information for allowing a UE to register one or more desired network slices in a VPLMN and / or access technology can be provided by the PCF in the HPPLMN. The PCF in the HPPLMN (also known as the hPCF) manages the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology and the network slices (one or more) supported by each VPLMN.

[0133] In this example, a PCF (called vPCF) is also deployed in VPLMN.

[0134] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the architecture for this example is shown, and Figure 10A and Figure 10B The update process is shown.

[0135] 1. If the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology and the network slice(s) supported by each VPLMN are stored in the hPCF, and the configuration of the network slice changes (e.g., the services and / or applications supported by the network slice change), then the hPCF updates the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology used by the UE to register the network slice(s).

[0136] In one embodiment, during registration, the AMF may provide the hPCF with the expected S-NSSAI associated with the network slice the UE is expected to register for, in order to obtain priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology. Both the vPCF and AMF can then subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology.

[0137] 2. hPCF sends priority information for updates to VPLMN and / or access technologies to vPCF.

[0138] In one embodiment, during registration, the AMF may provide the vPCF with the expected S-NSSAI associated with the network slice the UE is expected to register for, to obtain priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology. The AMF can then subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology from the vPCF. The vPCF can also subscribe to notifications of updates to the priority information for the VPLMN and / or access technology from the hPCF.

[0139] 3. The vPCF sends a notification to the VPLMN AMF, which includes priority information for updates to the VPLMN and / or access technologies.

[0140] 4. The AMF sends updated priority information to the UE (e.g., in a DL (downlink) NAS transmission message). In one embodiment, the updated priority information can be transparent to the AMF. That is, the AMF sends the updated priority information to the UE without knowing its content.

[0141] In an alternative embodiment, the priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology may not be transparent to the AMF. In this case, the VPLMN AMF acknowledges and stores the updated priority information and sends the received priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology to the UE (e.g., in a DL NAS transport message or a UE configuration update message).

[0142] 5. If the hPCF or vPCF requests confirmation of priority information for the update from the UE, and the UE verifies that the priority information for the update from the HPLMN and / or access technology has been received, then the UE (e.g., via UL NAS transmission or UE configuration update confirmation message) sends an update confirmation message with UE confirmation to the serving AMF.

[0143] 6. If the UE requires a network slice service and / or application based on the priority information of the received VPLMN and / or access technology (the network slice is not provided by the serving VPLMN, but is available in an area from another VPLMN), and the UE is in automatic network selection mode, the UE may attempt to obtain a service in a higher priority PLMN that the UE can use to register for the network slice.

[0144] 7. If the update confirmation message is received in step 5, the AMF will provide the vPCF with the received UE confirmation.

[0145] 8. If the update confirmation message is received in step 5, the vPCF provides the hPCF with the received UE confirmation.

[0146] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the UE receives updated priority information from the AMF, VPLMN, and / or access technology, and the UE can use the updated priority information to register one or more intended network slices.

[0147] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the UE performs PLMN selection based on updated priority information.

[0148] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, if confirmation is required, the UE sends the confirmation to the UDM, NF, vNSSF, hNSSF, vPCF or hPCF via the AMF.

[0149] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the AMF receives updated priority information from the UDM, NF, vNSSF, hNSSF, vPCF or hPCF, VPLMN and / or access technology, and the UE can use the updated priority information to register one or more intended network slices.

[0150] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the AMF sends priority information of the VPLMN and / or access technology to the UE.

[0151] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the UDM, NF, vNSSF, hNSSF, vPCF, or hPCF provides the AMF or UE with priority information for updates to the VPLMN and / or access technology.

[0152] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram relating to a wireless communication terminal 30 (e.g., a terminal node or terminal device) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless communication terminal 30 may be a user equipment (UE), mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, e-book reader, or portable computer system, and is not limited thereto. The wireless communication terminal 30 may include a processor 300 (such as a microprocessor or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a storage unit 310, and a communication unit 320. The storage unit 310 may be any data storage device storing program code 312 accessed and executed by the processor 300. Embodiments of the storage unit 310 include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, random-access memory (RAM), hard disk, and optical data storage devices. The communication unit 320 may be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) based on the processing results of the processor 300. In one embodiment, the communication unit 320 sends and receives signals via at least one antenna 322.

[0153] In one embodiment, storage unit 310 and program code 312 may be omitted, and processor 300 may include storage unit with stored program code.

[0154] The processor 300 can implement any of the steps in the exemplary embodiment on the wireless communication terminal 30, for example by executing program code 312.

[0155] The communication unit 320 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 320 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the wireless communication node, respectively.

[0156] In some embodiments, the wireless communication terminal 30 can be used to perform the operations of the UE described above. In some embodiments, the processor 300 and the communication unit 320 cooperate to perform the operations described above. For example, the processor 300 performs operations and sends or receives signals, messages and / or information through the communication unit 320.

[0157] Figure 12This diagram relates to a wireless communication node 40 (e.g., a network device) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless communication node 40 may be a satellite, a base station (BS) (e.g., a gNB or gNB-CU-CP), a network entity, a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (S-GW), a Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), a radio access network (RAN), a next-generation RAN (NG-RAN), a data network, a core network, or a Radio Network Controller (RNC), and is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the wireless communication node 40 may include (perform) at least one network function (such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), etc.). The wireless communication node 40 may include a processor 400 (such as a microprocessor or ASIC), a storage unit 410, and a communication unit 420. Storage unit 410 can be any data storage device that stores program code 412 accessed and executed by processor 400. Examples of storage unit 410 include, but are not limited to, SIM, ROM, flash memory, RAM, hard disk, and optical data storage devices. Communication unit 420 can be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) based on the processing results of processor 400. In one example, communication unit 420 sends and receives signals via at least one antenna 422.

[0158] In one embodiment, the storage unit 410 and the program code 412 may be omitted. The processor 400 may include a storage unit containing the stored program code.

[0159] The processor 400 may implement any of the steps described in the exemplary embodiments on the wireless communication node 40, for example, by executing program code 412.

[0160] Communication unit 420 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, communication unit 420 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are configured to transmit signals, messages, or information to and from wireless communication nodes and / or wireless communication terminals, respectively.

[0161] In some embodiments, the wireless communication node 40 can be used to perform the operations described above for AMF, UDM, AF, the newly defined NF, hNSSF, vNSSF, hPCF, and vPCF. In some embodiments, the processor 400 and the communication unit 420 cooperate to perform the above operations. For example, the processor 400 performs operations and sends or receives signals through the communication unit 420.

[0162] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a wireless communication method is also provided. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method can be performed using a wireless communication terminal (e.g., a UE). In one embodiment, the wireless communication terminal can be implemented using the wireless communication terminal 30 described above, but is not limited thereto.

[0163] refer to Figure 13 In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: receiving updated priority information from an access and mobility management node regarding at least one of a public land mobile network (VPLMN) or an access technology (S11); and updating the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information to perform public land mobile network (PLMN) selection (S12).

[0164] The details in this regard can be found in the paragraphs above, and will not be repeated here.

[0165] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a wireless communication method is also provided. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method can be performed using a wireless communication node (e.g., an AMF). In one embodiment, the wireless communication node can be implemented using the wireless communication node 40 described above, but is not limited thereto.

[0166] refer to Figure 14 In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: receiving updated priority information from a management node for accessing at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology (S21); and sending the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology based on the updated priority information for Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection (S22).

[0167] The details in this regard can be found in the paragraphs above, and will not be repeated here.

[0168] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a wireless communication method is also provided. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method can be performed using a wireless communication node (e.g., a UDM). In one embodiment, the wireless communication node can be implemented using the wireless communication node 40 described above, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] refer to Figure 15 In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: obtaining updated priority information for accessing at least one of a public land mobile network (VPLMN) or access technology by a unified data node (S31); and sending the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal by the unified data node to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology according to the updated priority information for PLMN selection (S32).

[0170] The details in this regard can be found in the paragraphs above, and will not be repeated here.

[0171] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a wireless communication method is also provided. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method can be performed using a wireless communication node (e.g., NF). In one embodiment, the wireless communication node can be implemented using the wireless communication node 40 described above, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] refer to Figure 16 In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: in response to a change in the configuration of at least one network slice supported by one or more VPLMNs subscribed by a wireless communication terminal, a network node generates updated priority information for accessing at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology (S41); and the network node sends the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies for PLMN selection based on the updated priority information (S42).

[0173] The details in this regard can be found in the paragraphs above, and will not be repeated here.

[0174] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a wireless communication method is also provided. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method can be performed using a wireless communication node (e.g., vNSSF or vPCF). In one embodiment, the wireless communication node can be implemented using the wireless communication node 40 described above, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] refer to Figure 17In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: receiving updated priority information from a second control node for accessing at least one of a public land mobile network (VPLMN) or an access technology (S51); and sending the updated priority information to a wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technology according to the updated priority information for PLMN selection (S52).

[0176] The details in this regard can be found in the paragraphs above, and will not be repeated here.

[0177] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a wireless communication method is also provided. In one embodiment, the wireless communication method can be performed using a wireless communication node (e.g., hNSSF or hPCF). In one embodiment, the wireless communication node can be implemented using the wireless communication node 40 described above, but is not limited thereto.

[0178] refer to Figure 18 In one embodiment, the wireless communication method includes: in response to a change in the configuration of at least one network slice supported by one or more VPLMNs subscribed by a wireless communication terminal, a second control node generates updated priority information for accessing at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology (S61); and the second control node sends the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal via a first control node to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMNs or access technologies according to the updated priority information for Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection (S62).

[0179] The details in this regard can be found in the paragraphs above, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] While various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only and not as limitations. Similarly, various diagrams may depict exemplary architectures or configurations provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the exemplary features and functionality of this solution disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated exemplary architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will understand, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0181] It should also be understood that any reference to elements using names such as "first," "second," etc., in this document generally does not restrict the number or order of these elements. Rather, these names may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements can be used or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0182] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols referenced in the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0183] Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, units, processors, means, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software unit" for convenience), or any combination of these techniques.

[0184] To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above according to their functions. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these technologies depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation is determined not to depart from the scope of this disclosure. According to various embodiments, processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. As used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, the terms "configured to" or "configured for" refer to processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., being physically constructed, programmed, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0185] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, units, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented within or executed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, units, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers for communicating with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration that performs the functions described herein. If implemented in software, these functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0186] Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Communication media include any medium that enables the transfer of computer programs or code from one location to another. Storage media can be any available medium that is accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible to a computer.

[0187] In this document, the term "unit" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of such elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Furthermore, for purposes of discussion, various units are described as separate units; however, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs associated functions according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0188] Furthermore, memory or other storage devices and communication components may be used in embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description refers to embodiments of this disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without diminishing the scope of this disclosure. For example, functions shown to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to suitable means for providing the described functionality and do not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0189] Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be given the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: In response to a change in at least one network slice subscribed to by a wireless communication terminal, the unified data node obtains updated priority information for accessing at least one of the public land mobile network VPLMN or access technologies. as well as The unified data node sends the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal, allowing the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technologies based on the updated priority information, in order to select a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The unified data node is configured to send request messages to the application node and receive priority information for the update from the application node.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The unified data node is configured to notify the application node that at least one network slice supported by one or more VPLMNs subscribed by the wireless communication terminal has been changed.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 2, wherein, The unified data node is configured to obtain priority information of the updates from the application node via a unified data repository.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The unified data node is configured to send an acknowledgment request to the wireless communication terminal for the updated priority information.

6. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The unified data node is configured to receive an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal in response to the priority information of the update being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

7. A wireless communication node, comprising: Communication unit; as well as The processor is configured to, in response to a change in at least one network slice subscribed to by a wireless communication terminal, obtain updated priority information for accessing at least one of a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) or an access technology; and send the updated priority information to the wireless communication terminal to allow the wireless communication terminal to update the priority of at least one of the VPLMN or access technologies based on the updated priority information for Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection.

8. The wireless communication node according to claim 7, wherein, The wireless communication node is also configured to send a request message to the application node and receive the priority information of the update from the application node.

9. The wireless communication node according to claim 7, wherein, The wireless communication node is also configured to notify the application node that at least one network slice supported by one or more VPLMNs subscribed by the wireless communication terminal has been changed.

10. The wireless communication node according to claim 8, wherein, The wireless communication node is also configured to obtain the priority information of the update from the application node via a unified data repository.

11. The wireless communication node according to claim 7, wherein, The wireless communication node is also configured to send an acknowledgment request to the wireless communication terminal for the updated priority information.

12. The wireless communication node according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein, The wireless communication node is also configured to receive an update confirmation message from the wireless communication terminal in response to the updated priority information being sent to the wireless communication terminal.

13. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium on which code is stored, the code causing the processor, when executed by a processor, to implement the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images