Method and apparatus for controlling user equipment in network

Abstract

Techniques are provided for controlling behavior of a user equipment to a cell in a sliced network. For example, a method for controlling a user equipment is disclosed. The method comprises: receiving, by a user equipment, a configuration message from a network node, the configuration message indicating whether to perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure considering a priority of one or more network slice groups; and performing, by the user equipment, a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure in consideration of the priority of the one or more network slice groups according to the configuration message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to wireless communication systems that allow control of user equipment behavior with respect to cells in a network. More particularly, the subject disclosure provides methods and apparatus for controlling user equipment. Background Art

[0002] Wireless telecommunications systems are constantly evolving. The need for higher data rates and higher quality of service continues. Reliability requirements are increasing, and so are the methods and means to ensure reliable connections and data flows while keeping transmission delays to a minimum.

[0003] The evolving network provides new services to customers. One service is network slicing, which enables connectivity, quality of service, and data processing solutions tailored to specific customer needs. A network slice is a logical, end-to-end virtual network that can be dynamically created and provide specific capabilities and features. Multiple network slices can be created on top of a common shared physical network infrastructure to run services that may have different requirements for latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility. In 5G, for example, network slicing will be a key feature to support different services using the same underlying mobile network infrastructure.

[0004] The use of network slicing may require techniques for controlling the behavior of reselection or random access for specific cells of the network slice. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the first aspect of the subject disclosure, a method for controlling a user equipment is provided. The method comprises: receiving a configuration message from a network node by the user equipment, the configuration message indicating whether to perform a cell reselection process and / or a random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups according to the configuration message by the user equipment.

[0006] The method at the user equipment according to the first aspect may be used to control the behavior of the user equipment to selectively enable / disable at least one of the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration message may include at least one of a first indication and a second indication, wherein the first indication indicates whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second indication indicates whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration message may include a single indication, the single indication including a first bit and a second bit, the first bit indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second bit indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0009] In other embodiments of the first aspect, the method may also include: determining, by the user equipment, whether the configuration message includes priority information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process; in response to determining the existence of the priority information, deriving, by the user equipment, the configuration message indicating execution of the cell reselection process and / or the random access process taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups; and in response to determining the absence of the priority information, deriving, by the user equipment, the configuration message indicating not executing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration message may include network slice access stratum group (NASG) information for one or more single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) in the configured NSSAI.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration message may be a registration acceptance message or a configuration command message.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the user equipment may include a first layer for receiving the configuration message and a second layer for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups. In such an embodiment, the method may also include providing information by the first layer to the second layer to selectively enable or disable the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups. For example, the first layer may include a non-access stratum layer, and the second layer may include an access stratum layer.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the user equipment may include a first layer for receiving the configuration message and a second layer for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups. In such an embodiment, the method may also include: if the configuration message implies that the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides information of the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups to the second layer; and if the configuration message implies that the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides information of the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups to the second layer. For example, the first layer may include a non-access stratum layer, and the second layer may include an access stratum layer.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method may further include: sending, by the user equipment, to the network node capability information indicating support for the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups. The configuration message may be received in response to sending the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure supported by the user equipment.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present subject disclosure, a method for controlling a user equipment is provided. The method comprises: a network node sends a configuration message to the user equipment, the configuration message indicating whether the user equipment is to perform a cell reselection process and / or a random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and the network node performs the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups with the user equipment according to the configuration message.

[0016] The method at the network node according to the second aspect may be used to control the behavior of the user equipment to selectively enable / disable at least one of the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure.

[0017] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration message may include at least one of a first indication and a second indication, wherein the first indication indicates whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second indication indicates whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration message may include a single indication, the single indication including a first bit and a second bit, the first bit indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second bit indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0019] In other embodiments of the second aspect, the method may also include: by sending the configuration message including priority information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process, the network node indicates that the user equipment will perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and by sending the configuration message not including the priority information, the network node indicates that the user equipment will not perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration message may include network slice access stratum group (NASG) information for one or more single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) in the configured NSSAI.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration message may be a registration acceptance message or a configuration command message.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method may further include receiving, by the network node, capability information from the user equipment, the capability information indicating support for the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups. The configuration message may be sent in response to receiving the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure supported by the user equipment.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first and second aspects, the user device may include a user equipment (UE), and the network node may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) of the network. For example, the network may support network slicing.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present subject disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which may include instructions, and when a computer executes the computer program product, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to the embodiments of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the first and second aspects.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present subject disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which the computer program product of the third aspect may be stored.

[0026] According to a fifth aspect of the subject disclosure, there is provided a data carrier signal carrying the computer program product of the fourth aspect.

[0027] According to a sixth aspect of the present subject disclosure, a user equipment is provided.

[0028] According to the sixth aspect of the present subject disclosure, the user equipment may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. When the computer program code is executed together with the at least one processor, the computer program code may enable the user equipment to receive a configuration message from a network node, the configuration message indicating whether to perform a cell reselection process and / or a random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process according to the configuration message considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0029] According to the sixth aspect of the present subject disclosure, the user equipment may include a component (means) suitable for receiving a configuration message from a network node, the configuration message indicating whether to perform a cell reselection process and / or a random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and a component suitable for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process according to the configuration message considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0030] According to the sixth aspect, the behavior of the user equipment may be controlled to selectively enable / disable at least one of the cell reselection process and the random access process.

[0031] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the configuration message may include at least one of a first indication and a second indication, the first indication indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priorities of one or more network slice groups, and the second indication indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priorities of one or more network slice groups.

[0032] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the configuration message may include a single indication, the single indication including a first bit indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups and a second bit indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0033] In other embodiments of the sixth aspect, the computer program code, when executed using the at least one processor, may enable the user equipment to determine whether the configuration message includes priority information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process; in response to determining the presence of the priority information, derive the configuration message indicating execution of the cell reselection process and / or the random access process taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups; and in response to determining the absence of the priority information, derive the configuration message indicating not to execute the cell reselection process and / or the random access process taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0034] In other embodiments of the sixth aspect, the user equipment may include a component suitable for the following operations: determining whether the configuration message includes priority information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; in response to determining the presence of the priority information, deriving the configuration message indicating the execution of the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and in response to determining the absence of the priority information, deriving the configuration message indicating not to execute the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0035] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the configuration message may include one or more single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) network slice access stratum group (NASG) information in the NSSAI for configuration.

[0036] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the configuration message may be a registration acceptance message or a configuration command message.

[0037] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the user equipment may include a first layer for receiving the configuration message and a second layer for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups. In such an embodiment, the computer program code, when executed using the at least one processor, may cause the user equipment to provide information from the first layer to the second layer to selectively enable or disable the execution of the cell reselection process and / or the random access process. For example, the first layer may include a non-access stratum layer, and the second layer may include an access stratum layer. In addition, in such an embodiment, the user equipment may include a component suitable for providing information from the first layer to the second layer to selectively enable or disable the execution of the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups. For example, the first layer may include a non-access stratum layer, and the second layer may include an access stratum layer.

[0038] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the user equipment may include a first layer for receiving the configuration message and a second layer for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups. In such an embodiment, the computer program code, when executed using the at least one processor, may cause the user equipment to: if the configuration message implies that the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides information of the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups to the second layer; and if the configuration message implies that the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides information of the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups to the second layer. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the user equipment may include: a component adapted to provide, by the first layer, to the second layer, information for the cell reselection procedure taking into account the priorities of one or more network slice groups if the configuration message implies that the cell reselection procedure taking into account the priorities of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed; and a component adapted to provide, by the first layer, to the second layer, information for the random access procedure taking into account the priorities of one or more network slice groups if the configuration message implies that the random access procedure taking into account the priorities of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed. For example, the first layer may include a non-access stratum layer, and the second layer may include an access stratum layer.

[0039] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the computer program code, when executed using the at least one processor, may cause the user equipment to send capability information indicating support for the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups to the network node. The configuration message may be received in response to sending the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure supported by the user equipment.

[0040] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the user equipment may include a component adapted to send capability information to the network node indicating support for the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups. The configuration message may be received in response to sending the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure supported by the user equipment.

[0041] According to a seventh aspect of the present subject disclosure, a network device is provided.

[0042] According to the seventh aspect of the present subject disclosure, the network device may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. When the computer program code is executed using the at least one processor, the network device may send a configuration message to the user equipment, the configuration message indicating whether the user equipment is to perform a cell reselection process and / or a random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups with the user equipment according to the configuration message.

[0043] According to the seventh aspect of the present subject disclosure, the network device may include a component suitable for sending a configuration message to the user equipment, the configuration message indicating whether the user equipment is to perform a cell reselection process and / or a random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups; and a component suitable for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups with the user equipment according to the configuration message.

[0044] According to the seventh aspect, the network node may control the behavior of the user equipment to selectively enable / disable at least one of the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure.

[0045] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, the configuration message may include at least one of a first indication and a second indication, the first indication indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priorities of one or more network slice groups, and the second indication indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priorities of one or more network slice groups.

[0046] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, the configuration message may include a single indication, the single indication including a first bit indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups and a second bit indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0047] In other embodiments of the seventh aspect, the computer program code, when executed using the at least one processor, may indicate to the user equipment that it will perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups by sending the configuration message including priority information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process; and indicate to the user equipment that it will not perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups by sending the configuration message not including the priority information.

[0048] In other embodiments of the seventh aspect, the network device may include a component suitable for indicating that the user equipment will perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups by sending the configuration message including priority information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process; and a component suitable for indicating that the user equipment will not perform the cell reselection process and / or the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups by sending the configuration message not including the priority information.

[0049] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, the configuration message may include network slice access stratum group (NASG) information for one or more single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) in the configured NSSAI.

[0050] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, the configuration message may be a registration acceptance message or a configuration command message.

[0051] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, the computer program code, when executed using the at least one processor, may cause the network device to receive capability information from the user equipment, the capability information indicating support for the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups. The configuration message may be sent in response to receiving the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure supported by the user equipment.

[0052] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, the network device may include a component adapted to receive capability information from the user equipment, the capability information indicating support for the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups. The configuration message may be sent in response to receiving the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure supported by the user equipment.

[0053] In some embodiments of the sixth and seventh aspects, the user device may include a user equipment (UE), and the network node may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a network. For example, the network may support network slicing.

[0054] The above aspects and features can be implemented in systems, apparatuses, methods, articles and / or non-transitory computer-readable media according to the desired configuration. The subject disclosure can be implemented in and / or used with a variety of different types of devices, including but not limited to any of cellular phones, tablet computers, wearable computing devices, portable media players, and various other computing devices.

[0055] This summary is intended to briefly summarize some aspects and features disclosed in accordance with the subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned features are merely examples and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope of the subject matter disclosed in any way. Other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter disclosed will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

[0056] List of abbreviations

[0057] In the subject disclosure, the following abbreviations are used and should be understood according to the definitions given:

[0058]

[0059] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The subject disclosure may be better understood when the following detailed description of various embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication system including a base station and a plurality of communication devices is shown;

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device is shown;

[0063] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control device is shown;

[0064] Figure 4 A network slicing scenario is shown;

[0065] Figure 5 An exemplary message sequence chart for network slice-based cell reselection and network slice-aware random access concepts is shown;

[0066] Figure 6 and 7 A flow chart showing a method for controlling the behavior of a user equipment towards a cell in a network according to some embodiments; and

[0067] Figure 8 A message sequence chart illustrating a method for controlling the behavior of a user equipment towards cells in a network according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Before explaining the examples in detail, refer to Figures 1 to 3 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to aid understanding of the technology on which the described examples are based.

[0069] In the wireless communication system 100, for example Figure 1 As shown, wireless access is provided to mobile communication devices, user equipment, user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 via at least one base station (e.g., next generation NB (gNB)), similar wireless transmission and / or reception nodes or network nodes. The base station can be controlled or assisted by at least one appropriate controller device to enable the operation of the base station and management of mobile communication devices communicating with the base station. The controller device can be located in a radio access network (RAN) (e.g., wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and can be implemented as a central device, or its functions can be distributed across multiple devices. The controller device can be part of the base station and / or provided by a separate entity such as a radio network controller (RNC). In Figure 1In the embodiment, control means 108 and 109 are shown as controlling respective macro-level base stations 106 and 107. The control means of the base station may be interconnected with other control entities. The control means typically have memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control means and functions may be distributed among a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control means may additionally or alternatively be arranged in the RNC.

[0070] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , base stations 106 and 107 are shown connected to a wider communications network 113 via a gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

[0071] As used herein, the term "base station" has the full scope of its usual meaning and includes at least a wireless communication station installed in a fixed location and used to communicate as part of a wireless telephone system or a radio system. The communication area (or coverage area) of a base station may be referred to as a "cell". The base station and UE may be configured to communicate over a transmission medium using any of a variety of radio access technologies (RATs) (also referred to as wireless communication technologies) or telecommunication standards described below. Figure 1 As shown, while one of the base stations may act as a "serving cell" for the UE, each UE is also able to receive signals from (and possibly within communication range of) one or more other cells (possibly provided by the base station and / or any other base station), which may be referred to as "neighboring cells."

[0072] Smaller base stations 116, 118 and 120 may also be connected to the network 113, for example, through a separate gateway function and / or through a controller of a macro-level station. The base stations 116, 118 and 120 may be pico-level or femto-level base stations, etc. In this example, stations 116 and 118 are connected through a gateway 111, while station 120 is connected through a controller device 108. In some embodiments, smaller stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 116, 118 and 120 may be part of a second network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), and may be a WLAN access point (AP). The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access technologies, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples include time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof, such as interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA), etc.

[0073] An example of a wireless communication system is an architecture standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The latest 3GPP-based development is generally referred to as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specification are called releases. The newer development of LTE is generally referred to as Advanced LTE (LTE-A). LTE (or LTE-A) adopts a radio mobile architecture called Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and a core network called Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The base stations of such systems are called Evolved or Enhanced Node Bs (eNBs) and provide E-UTRAN features, such as user plane packet data convergence / radio link control / media access control / physical layer protocols (PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane radio resource control (RRC) protocol termination to communication devices. Other examples of radio access systems include those provided by base stations of systems based on technologies such as WLAN and / or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax). The base station can cover an entire cell or similar radio service area. The core network elements include a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (S-GW), and a Packet Gateway (P-GW).

[0074] An example of a suitable communication system is the 5G or NR concept. The network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-A. The base stations of the NR system may be called next-generation node Bs (gNBs). Changes in the network architecture may depend on the need for various radio technologies and more refined quality of service (QoS) support, as well as some on-demand requirements for QoS levels to support quality of experience (QoE) from the user's perspective. In addition, network-aware services and applications, as well as service- and application-aware networks, may bring changes to the architecture. These are related to information-centric network (ICN) and user-centric content delivery network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro stations operating in cooperation with smaller stations, and may also adopt various radio technologies to achieve better coverage and enhanced data rates.

[0075] Future networks may utilize network function virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that can be operably connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may include one or more virtual machines that run computer program code using standard or general-purpose type servers rather than customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be used. In radio communications, this may mean that node operations are at least partially performed in a server, host, or node that is operably coupled to a remote radio head. Node operations may also be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labor between core network operations and base station operations may be different from LTE or even non-existent.

[0076] An example 5G core network (CN) includes functional entities. The CN is connected to the UE through the radio access network (RAN). The role of the user plane function (UPF) is called the PDU session anchor (PSA) and can be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the data network (DN) and the tunnel established by 5G towards the UE exchanging traffic with the DN.

[0077] The UPF is controlled by a Session Management Function (SMF), which receives policies from a Policy Control Function (PCF). The CN may also include an Access and Mobility Function (AMF).

[0078] Now refer to Figure 2 Describing a possible (mobile) communication device 200 in more detail, Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view is shown. Such a mobile communication device 200 is generally referred to as a user equipment (UE), user device or terminal device. Any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals can provide a suitable mobile communication device 200. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a so-called smart phone, a computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facilities (such as a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet computer equipped with a wireless communication function, or any combination of these or similar devices. The communication device 200 can provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, e-mail (e-mail), text messages, multimedia. Therefore, a variety of services can be provided to the user through the user's communication device. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services or simply access to a data communication network system, such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data can also be provided to the user. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various warnings and other information.

[0079] In industrial applications, the communications device may be a modem integrated into an industrial actuator (e.g., a robotic arm) and / or a modem acting as an Ethernet hub, which would act as a connection point for one or more connected Ethernet devices (the connection may be wired or wireless).

[0080] The communication device 200 is typically equipped with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and possibly other components 203 for software and hardware assistance in performing the tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other related control devices may be provided on appropriate circuit boards and / or in a chipset 204. The user may control the operation of the communication device 200 through an appropriate user interface (e.g., a keyboard 205, voice commands, a touch screen or touchpad, a combination thereof, etc.). A display 208, a speaker and a microphone may also be provided. In addition, the communication device 200 may include appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) for connecting to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., a hands-free device) thereto.

[0081] The communication device 200 may receive signals via the air or radio interface 207 by appropriate means for receiving and may transmit signals by appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 2 In the communication device 200, the transceiver arrangement is schematically designated by block 206. The transceiver arrangement 206 may be provided, for example, by a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the communication device 200.

[0082] If desired, the communication device 200 may also or alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more global navigation satellite systems (GNSS, such as GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcast standards (e.g., ATSC-M / H or DVB-H), and / or any other wireless communication protocol. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible.

[0083] generally, Figure 2 The communication device 200 shown in includes a set of components configured to perform core functions. For example, the set of components can be implemented as a system on a chip (SoC), which can include parts for various purposes. Alternatively, the set of components can be implemented as separate components or groups of components for various purposes. The set of components can be (communicatively) coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly) to various other circuits of the communication device 200.

[0084] The communication device 200 may include at least one antenna for communicating with a transmitter and a receiver (e.g., a transceiver device 206). Alternatively, the transmitting and receiving antennas may be separate. The communication device 200 may also include a processor (e.g., at least one data processing entity 201) configured to provide signals to the transmitter and receive signals from the receiver, respectively, and control the functions of the communication device 200. The processor may be configured to control the functions of the transmitter and the receiver by issuing control signaling to the transmitter and the receiver via electrical conductors. Similarly, the processor may be configured to control other units of the communication device 200 by connecting the processor to other units (e.g., a display (e.g., display 208) or a memory (e.g., at least one memory 202)) via electrical conductors. The processor may be embodied in a variety of ways, including circuits, at least one processing core, one or more microprocessors with an attached digital signal processor, one or more processors without an attached digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuits, one or more computers, various other processing units, including integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc., or some combination thereof. Thus, in some examples, a processor may include multiple processors or processing cores.

[0085] The communication device 200 may be capable of operating using one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, etc. The signals sent and received by the processor may include signaling information in accordance with the air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and / or any number of different wired or wireless network technologies, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, WLAN technologies, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, 802.16, 802.3, ADSL, DOCSIS, etc. In addition, these signals may include voice data, user-generated data, user-requested data, etc.

[0086] For example, the communication device 200 and / or the cellular modem therein may be capable of operating according to various third generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth generation (4G) communication protocols, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (e.g., Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)), or 5G or higher protocols. For example, the communication device 200 may be capable of operating according to 4G wireless communication protocols (e.g., LTE-A, 5G, etc.) and similar wireless communication protocols that may be developed subsequently.

[0087] It will be appreciated that the processor may include circuits for implementing the audio / video and logic functions of the communication device 200. For example, the processor may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, etc. The control and signal processing functions of the communication device 200 may be allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor may also include an internal voice encoder, an internal data modem, etc. In addition, the processor may include the function of operating one or more software programs, which may be stored in a memory. Typically, the processor and the stored software instructions may be configured to cause the communication device 200 to perform an action. For example, the processor may be able to operate a connectivity program, such as a web browser. The connection program may allow the communication device 200 to send and receive web content (e.g., location-based content) according to a protocol (e.g., wireless application protocol (WAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.).

[0088] The communication device 200 may also include a user interface, which includes, for example, a headset or a speaker, a ringer, a microphone, a display, a user input interface, etc., which may be operatively coupled to the processor. As described above, the display may include a touch display, where the user can touch and / or make gestures to make selections, input values, etc. The processor may also include a user interface circuit configured to control at least some functions of one or more units of the user interface, such as a speaker, a ringer, a microphone, a display, etc. The processor and / or the user interface circuit including the processor may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more units of the user interface through computer program instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, etc.)). The communication device 200 may include a battery for powering various circuits associated with the mobile terminal, for example, a circuit that provides mechanical vibration as a detectable output. The user input interface may include a device that allows the communication device 200 to receive data, such as a keyboard (e.g., keyboard 206) and / or other input devices. The keyboard may also be a virtual keyboard presented on the display or an externally coupled keyboard.

[0089] The communication device 200 may also include one or more mechanisms for sharing and / or obtaining data. For example, the communication device 200 may include a short-range radio frequency (RF) transceiver and / or interrogator, and thus may share data with and / or obtain data from electronic devices based on RF technology. The communication device 200 may include other short-range transceivers, such as infrared (IR) transceivers, Bluetooth TM Wireless technology operated by Bluetooth TM (BT) transceiver, wireless universal serial bus (USB) transceiver, Bluetooth TMLow energy transceiver, ZigBee transceiver, ANT transceiver, cell device to device transceiver, wireless local area network link transceiver, and / or any other short-range radio technology. The communication device 200, and more specifically, the short-range transceiver, may be able to send data to and / or receive data from electronic devices near the device (e.g., within 10 meters). The communication device 200, which includes a Wi-Fi or WLAN modem, may also send data and / or receive data from electronic devices according to various wireless network technologies (including 6LoWPAN, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi low power, WLAN technology (e.g., IEEE 802.11 technology, IEEE 802.15 technology, IEEE 802.16 technology, etc.) and / or similar technologies).

[0090] The communication device 200 may include a memory, such as one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), one or more universal subscriber identity modules (USIMs), one or more removable user identity modules (R-UIMs), one or more embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs), one or more universal integrated circuit cards (UICCs), etc., which may store information units related to mobile subscribers. In addition, the communication device 200 may include other removable and / or fixed memories. The communication device 200 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. For example, the volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), including dynamic and / or static RAM, on-chip or off-chip cache memory, etc. The non-volatile memory may be embedded and / or removable, and may include, for example, read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic storage devices (such as hard disks, floppy disk drives, tapes, optical disk drives and / or media), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), etc. Like volatile memory, non-volatile memory may include a cache area for temporarily storing data. At least a portion of the volatile and / or non-volatile memory may be embedded in the processor. The memory may store one or more software programs, instructions, information, data, etc., which may be used by the apparatus to perform the operations disclosed herein.

[0091] The memory may include an identifier, such as an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code, that can uniquely identify the communication device 200. In an example embodiment, the processor may be configured using computer code stored in the memory to cause the processor to perform the operations disclosed herein.

[0092] Some embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. For example, the software, application logic, and / or hardware may reside in a memory, a processor, or an electronic component. In certain example embodiments, the application logic, software, or an instruction set is maintained on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any non-transitory medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (e.g., a computer or data processor circuit), such as Figure 2 In the examples shown in , computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media, which may be any media that can contain or store instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (eg, a computer).

[0093] In some embodiments, the communication device 200 (i.e., a UE or user equipment in a network) includes a processor (e.g., at least one data processing entity 201) and a memory (e.g., at least one memory 202). The memory includes a computer program code that causes the communication device 200 to perform operations according to the following reference Figure 6 Describes the method that performs the processing.

[0094] Figure 3 An example embodiment of a control device for a communication system is shown, for example, a station coupled to an access system and / or a station for controlling an access system, such as a RAN node, such as a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node (such as an MME or S-GW or P-GW), or a core network function (such as an AMF / SMF), or a server or a host. The method can be implanted in a single control device or implanted across multiple control devices. The control device can be integrated with a node or module of a core network or RAN or located outside it. In some embodiments, the base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device can be another network unit, such as an RNC or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station can have such a control device and a control device provided in the RNC. The control device 300 can be arranged to provide control of communications in a service area of ​​the system. The control device 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input / output interface 304. Through the interface, the control device 300 can be coupled to the receiver and transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

[0095] Typically, the control device 300 has an antenna that sends and receives radio signals. A radio frequency (RF) transceiver module coupled to the antenna receives the RF signal from the antenna, converts it into a baseband signal and sends it to a processor (e.g., at least one data processing unit 302, 303). The RF transceiver also converts the baseband signal received from the processor into an RF signal and sends it to the antenna. The processor processes the received baseband signal and calls different functional modules to execute features in the control device 300. A memory (e.g., at least one memory 301) stores program instructions and data to control the operation of the control device 300. In Figure 3 In the example of , the control device 300 also includes a protocol stack and a set of control function modules and circuits. The PDU session processing circuit processes the PDU session establishment and modification process. The policy control module configures policy rules for the UE. The configuration and control circuits provide different parameters to configure and control relevant functions of the UE, including mobility management and session management. Suitable processors include, for example, dedicated processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors associated with a DSP core, controllers, microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGA circuits, and other types of integrated circuits (ICs) and / or state machines.

[0096] In some embodiments, the control device 300 (i.e., a base station, a wireless transmission and / or reception point equipment, or a network node in a network) includes a processor (e.g., at least one data processing unit 302, 303) and a memory (e.g., at least one memory 301). The memory includes computer program code, so that the control device 300 performs the following operations according to the reference Figure 7 Describes the method that performs the processing.

[0097] In reference Figures 6 to 8 Before describing a method for controlling the behavior of a user equipment with respect to a cell in a slice network according to some embodiments of the present subject disclosure, some background information and aspects related to the present subject disclosure will be provided.

[0098] For example, the subject disclosure may be incorporated into a network in which network slicing may be implemented. Network slicing is a concept in which network resources of an end-to-end connection between a user equipment (i.e., UE) and another endpoint in a network (e.g., a public land mobile network (PLMN)) are sliced. Similar network slicing may also be employed in private networks. Network slicing may be understood as a logical end-to-end network that may be dynamically created and / or modified. The network between terminal devices may be sliced ​​entirely from one terminal device to another, so that the slices form logical pipes within the network. User devices may access the slices via a wireless interface. As described, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.300 (e.g., Version 16.8.0 Release 16, 2022-01), network slicing will become a key feature in 5G to support different services using the same underlying mobile network infrastructure.

[0099] A pipe / slice can serve a specific service type. So far, three different network slice / service types have been considered: eMBB (a slice suitable for handling 5G enhanced mobile broadband), URLLC (a slice suitable for handling ultra-reliable low latency communications), and MIoT (a slice suitable for handling massive IoT). Communications service providers (CSPs) are able to define additional network slices / service types as needed. A given UE can access multiple slices over the same access network (e.g., over the same radio interface).

[0100] Network slicing thus enables communications service providers to offer dedicated virtual networks on a public network infrastructure. Different virtual or logical networks can be designed to provide different network characteristics, such as different quality of service (QoS) capabilities, in order to carry services with different requirements and service level agreements (SLAs). For example, virtual networks can be customized to meet the specific needs of various applications, services, devices, customers and / or operators. Thus, network slicing enables different services to be provided to terminal devices. In an example, network slices may differ in their service requirements (such as URLLC and eMBB) or in the tenants that provide these services.

[0101] Figure 4An illustration is provided of a scenario in which a user equipment (i.e., UE) uses two different services provided by two different networks (e.g., IMS networks). In this scenario, the UE is connected to the IMS network through two different network slices (e.g., 5GC network slices). That is, the UE is connected to IMS network #1 through 5GC slice #1 and uses services provided by IMS network #1, such as Rich Communication Services (RCS). The UE is also connected to IMS network #2 through 5GC slice #2 and uses services provided by IMS network #2, such as NR Voice (VoNR). This allows network slices to be customized for different services hosted by each IMS network.

[0102] A network slice is uniquely identified by a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). The current 3GPP specification allows user equipment to be connected and served by up to eight network slices corresponding to eight S-NSSAIs at the same time. On the other hand, each cell can support dozens or even hundreds of S-NSSAIs. In the current 3GPP specification, a tracking area (TA) can support up to 1024 network slices.

[0103] The format of S-NSSAI can include a slice service type (SST) and a slice distinguisher (SD) field with a total length of 32 bits, or only include the SST field portion, in which case the length of S-NSSAI is only 8 bits. The SST field can have standardized and non-standardized values. Values ​​0 to 127 belong to the standardized SST range. For example, an SST value of 1 can indicate that the slice is suitable for processing 5G eMBB, and a value of 2 is used to indicate that it is suitable for processing URLLC, etc. SD is defined only by the operator.

[0104] Another concept that can be implemented in a network incorporating the present subject disclosure involves defining tracking areas (TAs) and registration areas (RAs). A TA is a logical concept of an area in which a user can move without updating the MME, and is the LTE, EPS, or 5GS counterpart to location areas and routing areas for GSM, WCDMA, and GPRS. A TA consists of a set of cells. TAs can be grouped into tracking area lists (TA lists), which can be configured on the UE. For example, the network assigns a list with one or more TAs to a user. In certain operations, the UE can move freely among all TAs in the list without updating the MME. A RA is a list of TAs configured by the network for the UE. The RA is used to track the UE for paging. If the UE leaves the RA, the UE will inform the network through a non-access stratum (NAS) registration request (called a mobility registration update) so that the correct RA can be configured for the UE.

[0105] In 5G, RA also has the role of maintaining the allowed slices (alternatively allowed NSSAI) of the UE. The network configures the allowed NSSAI to the UE. Throughout the subject disclosure, allowed S-NSSAI may refer to the S-NSSAI included in the allowed NSSAI. The UE NAS may request access to the S-NSSAI, and the network will decide whether to add the S-NSSAI to the UE's list.

[0106] In view of these and other concepts implemented in 5G and beyond, the concepts of network slice based cell reselection and network slice aware random access are discussed. For this concept, several assumptions are made, including that a slice is not associated with multiple slice groups for the same purpose within the slice to slice group mapping "granularity" (i.e., within the same granularity, a slice can be associated with at most one slice group for random access and one slice group for cell reselection), and for random access and for cell reselection, the NAS layer of the UE needs to provide slice information to the AS layer of the UE, and the AS layer knows the slice group ID based on such slice information provided by the NAS layer. Reference will be made to Figure 5 An exemplary message sequence chart illustrating the concepts.

[0107] Figure 5 An exemplary message sequence chart for network slice-based cell reselection and network slice-aware random access concepts is shown. The message sequence chart shows messages exchanged between user equipment / network nodes of a network and operations performed by them. For example, a network (e.g., a 5G network) may include one or more network nodes and at least one communication device (e.g., user equipment (UE)). The exemplary message sequence chart involves a core network (CN) or CN function and a random access network (RAN) or RAN function, as well as the NAS layer and AS layer of the UE.

[0108] The network may configure one or more network slice AS groups (NSAGs) valid in one or more tracking areas (TAs). In step 0, the RAN may provide (or update) the NSAG value in the TA associated with the S-NSSAI to the CN (e.g., AMF) using the NG Setup and RAN Configuration Update procedures. The CN (or AMF) is unaware of the purpose of the NSAG. That is, the NSAG may be used for random access or for cell reselection.

[0109] In step 1, the CN (or AMF) may receive a capability indication from the NAS layer of the UE. For example, if the UE supports NSAG, the UE indicates to the CN that the UE supports NSAG in the 5GMM core network capability.

[0110] In step 2, the CN (or AMF) may configure the UE with NSAG information for one or more S-NSSAIs in the configured NSSAI by including the NSAG information in a registration acceptance message or a UE configuration command message. When providing NSAG information to the UE, the CN (or AMF) shall also provide NSAG priority information for the NSAG provided in the NSAG information. The CN (or AMF) may determine the NSAG priority information based on the operator's policy. If the UE has received NSAG priority information from the CN (or AMF), the UE shall use the NSAG priority information provided by the CN (or AMF) for cell reselection. If the UE does not receive any NSAG priority information from the CN (or AMF), the UE shall not use network slice-based cell reselection. The S-NSSAI may be associated with up to one NSAG value for random access and may be associated with up to one NSAG value for cell reselection within a TA. The S-NSSAI may be associated with different NSAG values ​​in different TAs.

[0111] In step 3, the NAS layer may provide the AS layer with the NSAG information and NSAG priority information received from the CN (or AMF) for the S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI as input for cell reselection, unless the UE intends to register a new set of S-NSSAIs whose requested NSSAI is different from the current allowed NSSAI, in which case the NAS layer provides the AS layer with the NSAG and its priority for the S-NSSAI in the requested NSSAI received from the CN (or AMF).

[0112] In step 4, the AS layer may read the NSAG information broadcasted / provided by the RAN in the RRC signaling, and in step 5, the UE may perform cell reselection and / or random access based on the NSAG ID, the priority value, and the broadcast information.

[0113] That is to say, Figure 5 The NSAG information in steps 0 and 2 shown in FIG. 1 is divided into NSAG information for cell reselection and NSAG information for random access. If available for provision to the CN (or AMF), the CN (or AMF) may be allowed to selectively disable NSAG-based cell reselection at the UE by not indicating priority or excluding NSAG for cell reselection from the configuration. However, this is not Figure 5The example message sequence chart for network slice-based cell reselection and network slice-aware random access concepts depicted in is not possible because the NAS layer does not know whether the NSAG ID is for cell reselection or for random access, or for both. Whether the NSAG is for cell reselection or for random access can only be revealed implicitly from the signaling received by the UE from the RAN (e.g., if the RAN advertises a slice group for cell reselection, it can be used for cell reselection).

[0114] Therefore, a method is needed to selectively disable NSAG-based cell reselection or NSAG-based random access for each UE. That is, a method is needed to control the behavior of the UE to selectively enable / disable one of cell reselection or random access.

[0115] Now, methods for controlling the behavior of user equipment towards cells in a network according to some embodiments of the present subject disclosure will be described.

[0116] According to a general example of a method for controlling a user equipment (e.g., UE) in a network, in a message sent from the network to the user equipment, the network instructs the user equipment to perform a cell reselection process and / or a random access process that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups. If not specified differently, reference to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process should be understood as a process that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups. The user equipment performs the cell reselection process and / or the random access process that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups according to the instruction. More specifically, the network provides at least one of the following indications to the user equipment: (1) an indication indicating whether the user equipment should perform the cell reselection process, and (2) an indication indicating whether the user equipment should perform the random access process. In some examples, the network is a slicing network (i.e., the network provides multiple slices). In such a slicing network, the network provides at least one of the following indications to the user equipment: (1) an indication indicating whether the user equipment should perform a slice-based cell reselection, and (2) an indication indicating whether the user equipment should perform a slice-based random access. Here, the slice-based process is a process performed taking into account the characteristics (e.g., priority) of a slice or a slice group. The indication provided by the network may be explicit or implicit. Further details will be described with reference to the figures below.

[0117] Figure 6A flow chart of a method for controlling a user equipment in a network according to some embodiments is shown. More specifically, the method is used to control the behavior of a user equipment in a slice network (i.e., in a network providing multiple slices, and the user equipment can establish a connection with one or more of the multiple slices). The method is performed by a user equipment (hereinafter also referred to as user equipment (UE)) or an apparatus for a user equipment. For example, the UE can be configured as described above with reference to Figure 1 Any one of the mobile communication devices 102, 104, 105 of the wireless communication system 100 is represented, or represented by the mobile communication devices 102, 104, 105 as mentioned above. Figure 2 The communication device 200 is used as an example.

[0118] In step 620, the UE receives a configuration message from the network. More specifically, the UE receives a configuration message from a network node. Examples of network nodes include network nodes at a core network (CN) (e.g., 5G Mobility Management (5GMM) CN). The network node at the CN may be represented by an access and mobility management function (AMF). The configuration message indicates whether the UE should perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups. In a slice network, the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure are each slice-based, i.e., these procedures are performed for one or more slices provided by the slice network. Therefore, the network may control the UE behavior for these procedures (i.e., whether the UE is to perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure) by considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

[0119] The configuration message may include at least one of the following indications: a first indication indicating whether a cell reselection process (or a slice-based cell reselection in a slice network) is performed and a second indication indicating whether a random access process (or a slice-based random access process in a slice network) is performed. That is, the configuration message may include an explicit indication. In some examples, each indication may be represented by at least one bit. In such an example, the configuration message includes at least one first bit (i.e., a first indication) indicating whether a cell reselection process is performed. The first bit may have a bit value of "0" indicating that the cell reselection process will not be performed, and a bit value of "1" indicates that the cell reselection process will be performed by the UE. In addition, in such an example, the configuration message includes at least one second bit (i.e., a second indication) indicating whether a random access process is performed. The second bit may have a bit value of "0" indicating that the cell reselection process is not performed, or a bit value of "1" indicating that the cell reselection process is performed. The given bit values ​​are examples only, and the reverse assignment of bit values ​​or completely different bit values ​​(especially in the case of multiple bits) are also possible and depend on the specific implementation, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the configuration message may include a single indication, which may be in the form of a bit field including a plurality of bits. In this case, the plurality of bits include at least one first bit indicating whether to perform a cell reselection procedure and at least one second bit indicating whether to perform a random access procedure.

[0120] In some examples, the indication included in the configuration message may also be implicit. As will be described in more detail below, in these examples, the UE derives the indication from the presence or absence of information related to the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure.

[0121] In some examples, the configuration message may include a registration accept message or a configuration command message (eg, a CONFIGURATION UPDATE COMMAND message).

[0122] That is, the configuration message received at step 620 indicates to the UE whether the UE should enable / disable at least one of a (slice-based or slice-aware) cell reselection process or a random access process (i.e., a random access process (RACH) in 5G-NR). For example, the configuration message may indicate that the cell reselection process is enabled (e.g., the configuration message may include a bit value "1" related to the cell reselection process) and that the random access process is disabled (e.g., the configuration message may include a bit value "0" related to the random access process).

[0123] At step 630, the UE performs a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups according to the configuration message. More specifically, the UE performs these procedures according to the instructions in the configuration message. For example, in response to a configuration message indicating the execution of a cell reselection procedure (i.e., enabling the cell reselection procedure), the UE performs the cell reselection procedure. If the configuration message indicates that the random access procedure is not to be performed (i.e., disabling the random access procedure), the UE does not perform the random access procedure. In a slice network, both the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure are slice-based, i.e., the UE performs these procedures for one or more slices provided by the slice network.

[0124] In some examples, Figure 6 The method may also include sending capability information in step 610 (i.e., typically before the network sends a configuration message to the UE). That is, the UE sends capability information to the network (e.g., a network node or an AMF). The capability information indicates support for a cell reselection process and / or a random access process that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups. More specifically, the UE determines whether the UE is capable of supporting a cell reselection process (e.g., a slice-based cell reselection process in a slice network). The UE sends capability information including a corresponding indication related to the cell reselection process (i.e., whether the UE supports the cell reselection process). For example, the capability information may include information indicating "support for cell reselection". In other examples, the capability information may include a bit corresponding to the cell reselection process. In these examples, the bit value of the bit indicates whether the UE supports (e.g., a bit value of "1") or does not support (e.g., a bit value of "0") the cell reselection process. In addition, the capability information may also implicitly indicate that the UE does not support the cell reselection process. For example, the absence of a corresponding indication related to the cell reselection process in the capability message indicates that the UE does not support the cell reselection process. Support for the random access procedure may be provided in a manner similar to the indication related to support for the cell reselection procedure. For clarity and ease of understanding, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0125] In response to sending the capability information to the network at step 610, the UE may receive a configuration message at step 620. In this case, the configuration information indicates whether to enable or disable the processes (i.e., the cell reselection process and the random access process) supported by the UE (i.e., indicated as supported in the capability information). For example, if the UE indicates in the capability information that the cell reselection process is supported but the random access process is not supported, the configuration message provides the UE with an indication of whether to enable or disable the cell reselection process supported by the UE. In this example, the configuration message does not include an indication of the random access process because the UE indicates that the random access process is not supported. Therefore, the network can control the behavior of the UE for the supported processes.

[0126] In some examples, the UE may be implemented with a layered configuration (i.e., including multiple functional layers), including a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may be a non-access stratum (NAS) layer. The NAS layer is a functional layer in a protocol stack between a network (e.g., CN) and a UE, and is used to manage the establishment of a communication session and maintain continuous communication with the UE when the UE moves. The second layer may be an access stratum (AS) layer. The AS layer is a functional layer in a protocol stack between a network and a UE, and is responsible for carrying information on the wireless portion of the network.

[0127] In an example where the UE includes a first layer (ie, a NAS layer) and a second layer (ie, an AS layer), the first layer receives a configuration message at step 620, and the second layer performs a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure according to an instruction in the configuration message at step 630. In these examples, Figure 6 The method may also include: the first layer provides information corresponding to the indication received with the configuration message to the second layer. For example, the first layer may provide information (e.g., an indication) to the second layer to selectively enable or disable the execution of a slice-based cell reselection process and / or a slice-based random access process. That is, corresponding to the indication in the configuration message that the UE is to perform a slice-based cell reselection process, the first layer provides information (or an indication) to enable the slice-based cell reselection process. If the configuration message indicates that the slice-based random access process is not to be performed, the first layer may provide information (or an indication) to disable the slice-based random access process (i.e., an explicit indication), or not provide information related to the slice-based random access process at all (i.e., an implicit indication). In response to receiving information for enabling / disabling the cell reselection process and / or the random access process, the second layer takes corresponding actions and performs the slice-based cell reselection process and / or the slice-based random access process according to the information (or indication).

[0128] In an example where the UE includes a first layer (ie, a NAS layer) and a second layer (ie, an AS layer), the first layer receives a configuration message at step 620, and the second layer performs a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure according to an instruction in the configuration message at step 630. In these examples, Figure 6 The method may also include: if the configuration message implies that a cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides information for the cell reselection process to the second layer, and if the configuration message implies that a random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides information for the random access process to the second layer.

[0129] In some other examples, the UE may determine whether the configuration message received at step 620 includes information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process. More specifically, the UE may determine whether the configuration message includes priority information. For example, in a slice network, the configuration message may include NASG information for one or more S-NSSAIs in the configured NSSAI. When the slice network provides NSAG information to the UE, the network may also provide priority information (i.e., NSAG priority information) for the NSAG provided in the NASG information. In response to receiving the configuration message, the UE may determine whether the configuration message includes priority information. If the UE determines that the priority information exists, the UE may derive a configuration message indicating that a cell reselection process and / or a random access process is performed. That is, the presence of the priority information indicates that the UE enables at least one of the cell reselection process and the random access process. Otherwise, if the UE determines that the priority information does not exist, the UE may derive a configuration message indicating that the cell reselection process and / or the random access process is not performed. That is, the absence of the priority information indicates that the UE disables at least one of the cell reselection process and / or the random access process. In other words, the presence / absence of the priority information provides an implicit indication of whether to enable / disable at least one of the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure. In order to selectively enable or disable one of the slice-based cell reselection procedure and the slice-based random access procedure by including or not including the priority information, the NSAG information sent from the RAN to the CN and from the CN to the UE can be divided into NSAG information for the cell reselection procedure and NSAG information for the random access procedure.

[0130] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method for controlling a user equipment in a network according to some embodiments is shown. More specifically, the method is used to control the behavior of a user equipment in a sliced ​​network (i.e., in a network providing multiple slices, and the user equipment can establish a connection with one or more of the multiple slices). The method can be performed by the network. More specifically, the method can be performed by one or more network nodes or network functions of the network, or by an apparatus for a network node or by a network function. For example, the method can be performed by a base station (e.g., as described above with reference to Figure 3 The control device 300 may be a base station represented by a base station) and / or a core network function (such as an AMF). That is, examples of network nodes include network nodes at a core network (CN) (such as a 5G mobility management (5GMM) CN). The network node at the CN may be represented by an AMF.

[0131] In step 720, the network sends a configuration message to the user equipment. The user equipment may be a user equipment (UE), or an apparatus for use in a user equipment. In some examples, the configuration message is sent by a network node. The configuration message indicates whether the UE should perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups. In a slice network, the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure are each based on a slice, i.e., the procedure is performed for one or more slices provided by the slice network. Thus, the network can control the behavior of the UE with respect to the procedure (i.e., whether the UE is to perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure).

[0132] The above has been combined Figure 6 The description of describes the details of the configuration message and the indication of whether the UE is to perform at least one of a cell reselection procedure and a random access procedure. For clarity, repetition is omitted here, and reference is made to the above explanation.

[0133] That is, the configuration message sent in step 720 indicates to the UE whether the UE should enable / disable at least one of a (slice-based or slice-aware) cell reselection procedure or a random access procedure (i.e., a random access procedure (RACH) in 5G-NR). For example, the configuration message may indicate enabling the cell reselection procedure (e.g., an explicit indication of enabling the cell reselection procedure; an implicit indication of enabling the cell reselection procedure by the presence of priority information provided by the NSAG for the NSAG provided in the NASG information) and disabling the random access procedure (e.g., an explicit indication of disabling the random access procedure; an implicit indication of disabling the random access procedure by the absence of NSAG priority information for the NSAG provided in the NASG information).

[0134] In some examples, the configuration message may include a registration accept message or a configuration command message (eg, a CONFIFRATION UPDATE COMMAND message).

[0135] In step 730, the network performs a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure considering the priority of one or more network slice groups according to the configuration message with the UE. More specifically, the UE performs these procedures with the network according to the instructions in the configuration message. In a slice network, the cell reselection procedure and the random access procedure are each based on a slice, that is, the UE performs the procedure for one or more slices provided by the slice network.

[0136] In some examples, Figure 7 The method may also include receiving capability information from the UE at step 710 (ie, generally before the network sends a configuration message to the UE). Details of the capability information have been described above in conjunction with Figure 6For clarity and ease of understanding, repetition is omitted here, and reference is made to the above explanation.

[0137] That is, the network receives capability information from the UE, which indicates support for a cell reselection process and / or a random access process that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups. In response to receiving the capability information from the UE at step 710, the network may send a configuration message to the UE at step 720. In this case, the configuration information indicates whether to enable or disable the processes (i.e., cell reselection process and random access process) supported by the UE (i.e., indicated as supported in the capability information). For example, if the UE indicates in the capability information that a cell reselection process is supported but a random access process is not supported, the configuration message provides the UE with an indication of whether to enable or disable the cell reselection process supported by the UE. In this example, the configuration message does not include an indication of a random access process because the UE indicates that the random access process is not supported. Thus, the network can control the behavior of the UE with respect to the supported processes.

[0138] In some examples, in a slice network, the configuration message may include NASG information of one or more S-NSSAIs in the configured NSSAI. When the slice network provides NSAG information to the UE, the network may also provide priority information for the NSAG provided in the NASG information.

[0139] refer to Figure 8 , a method for controlling the behavior of a user device according to an embodiment of the present subject disclosure will now be described.

[0140] Figure 8 An exemplary message sequence chart of a method for controlling a user equipment in a network according to some embodiments is shown. The message sequence chart shows messages exchanged between user equipment / network nodes of the network and operations performed by user equipment / network nodes of the network. For example, a network (e.g., a 5G network) may include: Figure 1 The example communication system shown. A network may include one or more network nodes (e.g., one or more base stations and one or more control functions; Figure 3 An exemplary network node or an apparatus for a network node is shown in FIG. 1 and at least one communication device (eg, user equipment, such as Figure 2 ). The network may be a slice network providing one or more network slices.

[0141] The network may configure one or more network slice AS groups (NSAGs) valid in one or more tracking areas (TAs). In step 0, the RAN may provide (or update) the value of the NSAG in the TA associated with the S-NSSAI to the CN (e.g., AMF) using the NG setup and RAN configuration update procedures specified in the 3GPP standard specifications. Detailed descriptions of these procedures are omitted here because ordinary technicians can understand these procedures from the current 3GPP standard specifications. The CN (or AMF) is generally unaware of the purpose of the NSAG. In other words, the CN does not know whether the NSAG is used for the random access procedure or the cell reselection procedure to be performed by the UE.

[0142] In step 1, the CN (or AMF) receives capability information or capability indication from the UE. The detailed description of capability information has been referred to above. Figure 6 Step 610 and Figure 7 Step 710 shown is provided and is omitted here for clarity and ease of understanding. For example, if the UE supports NSAG, the UE indicates to the CN in the 5GMM core network capabilities that the UE supports NSAG.

[0143] The CN (or AMF) may configure the UE with NSAG information for one or more S-NSSAIs in the configured NSSAI by including the NSAG information in the Registration Accept message or the UE Configuration Command message in step 2. Figure 6 Step 620 and Figure 7 Step 720 shown details the configuration message sent from the CN to the UE, which is omitted here for clarity and ease of understanding. For example, when the CN (or AMF) provides NSAG information to the UE, the CN (or AMF) should also provide NSAG priority information for the NSAG provided in the NSAG information. The CN (or AMF) can determine the NSAG priority information based on the policy of the network operator. If the UE has received NSAG priority information from the CN (or AMF), the UE should use the NSAG priority information provided by the CN (or AMF) for the cell reselection process. If the UE receives an indication to enable / disable only the (slice-based or slice-aware) cell reselection process or only enable / disable the (slice-based or slice-aware) random access process, the UE will act accordingly. In some examples, the S-NSSAI can be associated with a maximum of one NSAG value for the random access process within the TA and with a maximum of one NSAG value for the cell reselection process. In other examples, the S-NSSAI can be associated with different NSAG values ​​in different TAs.

[0144] That is, in an example according to the present disclosure, the CN provides at least one of the following two indications to the UE (more specifically, the NAS layer of the UE): (1) an indication indicating whether the UE should perform slice-based cell reselection; and (2) an indication indicating whether the UE should perform slice-based RA. These indications may be provided explicitly.

[0145] In step 3, the NAS layer of the UE may provide the NSAG information and NSAG priority information for the S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI received from the CN (or AMF) to the AS layer of the UE as input for cell reselection. When the UE intends to register a new S-NSSAI group using a requested NSSAI different from the currently allowed NSSAI, the NAS layer of the UE may provide the NSAG information and NSAG priority information for the S-NSSAI in the requested NSSAI received from the CN (or AMF) to the AS layer of the UE in step 3. In addition, the NAS layer of the UE may provide an indication to the AS layer of the UE to selectively enable / disable a (slice-based or slice-aware) random access procedure or cell reselection procedure. Alternatively, in the case of an explicit indication that the random access procedure or cell reselection procedure should not be performed, the NAS layer of the UE may not provide the NSAG information for the random access procedure or cell reselection procedure to the AS layer of the UE.

[0146] That is, the NAS layer of the UE instructs the AS layer of the UE to operate according to one or more indications provided by the CN (or AMF). The one or more indications may correspond to a single indication having multiple bits, or may be a response to the UE MM capability, indicating whether the UE supports one or two features (i.e., random access procedure and cell reselection procedure).

[0147] In step 4, the UE (more specifically, the AS layer of the UE) may read the NSAG information broadcasted / provided by the RAN in the RRC signaling.

[0148] Finally, in step 5, the UE may consider only relevant information according to the information received in step 2. The UE may perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure based on the NSAG information (e.g., NSAG ID), the NSAG priority information (i.e., the NSAG priority value), and the broadcast information. That is, the UE may perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure according to the indication (i.e., enable / disable). Figure 6 Step 630 and Figure 7 Step 730 shown in FIG. 7 provides a detailed description of performing a cell reselection process and / or a random access process according to the instruction. For the sake of clarity and easy understanding, it is omitted here.

[0149] According to the present subject disclosure, the UE may operate according to the indication and refer to the explicit indication or the implicit indication based on the exclusion or absence of the priority information (priority value). For example, the NAS layer of the UE may provide the indication to the AS layer of the UE, and the AS layer may operate according to the indication. If the indication to perform the cell reselection procedure indicates that the UE should perform the cell reselection procedure based on the network slice, and the indication to perform the random access procedure indicates that the UE should not perform the random access procedure based on the network slice, the AS layer performs the cell reselection procedure based on the network slice without performing the random access procedure based on the network slice. In another example, the NAS layer may receive a group related to the current location from the AS layer for random access or cell reselection purposes. The NAS layer may provide the NSAG ID and the priority value to the AS layer according to the indication. For example, if the indication of the cell reselection procedure indicates that the UE should perform a network slice-based cell reselection procedure, and the indication for the random access procedure (i.e., RACH) indicates that the UE should not perform a network slice-based random access procedure, the NAS layer provides the NSAG ID and priority value only when they are needed for the cell reselection procedure, not when they are needed for the random access procedure.

[0150] The method according to the subject disclosure may be useful because the operator of the network may enable / disable only one of the random access procedure or the cell reselection procedure for a specific UE, but still provide the NSAG configuration to the UE so that the UE can use the remaining features that are still available (i.e., slice-aware cell reselection or random access, respectively). Thus, the CN will know which slice groups are used for which purposes, regardless of whether only the RAN signals to the UE to decide whether a slice group is used for a certain purpose. In an alternative embodiment, the signaling of the relevant slice groups to the UE may be omitted.

[0151] In accordance with the subject disclosure, NSAG information may be processed as described herein.

[0152] NSAG information includes:

[0153] a) For each S-NSSAI in the configured NSSAI (subset):

[0154] 1) one or more NSAG IDs, where each NSAG ID is optionally associated with a NSAG region, a list of TAIs identifying the region where the mapping between S-NSSAI and NSAG ID is valid; and

[0155] 2) Priority value, where the lower the priority value, the higher the priority;

[0156] b) NSAG-based cell reselection indication; and

[0157] c) NSAG-based random access indication.

[0158] If NSAG information is available and the NSAG-based cell reselection indication in the NSAG information is set to "true", the UE NAS layer shall provide one or more NSAG IDs for cell reselection to the lower layer when the following conditions occur, each NSAG ID is associated with a priority value and optionally associated with a NSAG area:

[0159] a) The UE enters 5G MM-IDLE mode or 5G MM-CONNECTED mode with RRC inactivity indication;

[0160] b) any changes to the NSAG ID and priority values ​​previously provided to lower layers while the UE is in 5GMM-IDLE mode or 5GMM-CONNECTED mode with RRC inactivity indication;

[0161] Among them, the UE determines:

[0162] a) NSAG ID and (if applicable) NSAG area for cell reselection based on:

[0163] 1) NSSAI, which corresponds to:

[0164] i) the requested NSSAI if the UE needs to initiate a registration procedure for mobility and periodic registration updates or if no allowed NSSAI is available in the UE; or

[0165] ii) otherwise, the permitted NSSAI; and

[0166] 2) NSAG information; and

[0167] b) Based on the following priority values:

[0168] 1) the NSAG ID identified in a); and

[0169] 2) NSAG information.

[0170] The priority value of the NSAG ID is set to the lowest priority value among the priority values ​​of the S-NSSAI associated with the NSAG ID.

[0171] If NSAG information is available and the NSAG-based random access indication in the NSAG information is set to "true", when a UE in 5GMM-IDLE mode or 5GMM-CONNECTED mode with RRC inactivity indication needs to transition to 5GMM-CONNECTED mode, the UE NAS layer shall provide one or more NSAG IDs for random access to the lower layer, each NSAG ID is associated with a priority value, where the UE determines:

[0172] a) Determine the NSAG ID for random access based on the following conditions:

[0173] 1) NSSAI corresponding to the following conditions:

[0174] i) if the UE is in 5G MM-IDLE mode, then NSSAI; or

[0175] ii) If the UE is in 5G MM-CONNECTED mode with RRC Inactivity Indication and needs to transition to 5G MM-CONNECTED mode due to the following reasons:

[0176] A) an uplink user data packet to be sent for a PDU session using suspended user plane resources, or a UL NAS TRANSPORT of a 5GSM message for a PDU session associated with an S-NSSAI associated with the PDU session;

[0177] B) a trigger for initiating a registration process or a service request process, i.e., NSSAI; or

[0178] C) other reasons other than those specified in A) and B), permitted NSSAI;

[0179] 2) Current TAI; and

[0180] 3) NSAG information; and

[0181] b) Based on the following priority values:

[0182] 1) the NSAG ID identified in a); and

[0183] 2) NSAG information.

[0184] The priority value of the NSAG ID is set to the highest priority value among the priority values ​​of the S-NSSAI associated with the NSAG ID.

[0185] If the UE has indicated that the UE supports NSAG information via the NSAG bit in the 5GMM Capability IE in the most recent REGISTRATION REQUEST message, the AMF may indicate the NSAG information via the NSAG Information IE of a REGISTRATION ACCEPT message or a CONFIGURATION UPDATE COMMAND message.

[0186] According to the present subject disclosure, a network-initiated general UE configuration update procedure, a network-accepted initial registration, and a network-accepted mobility and periodic registration update may include the following: If the UE has set the NSAG bit in the 5GMM Capability IE of the (latest) REGISTRATIONREQUEST message to "NSAG support is supported, and the NSAG information needs to be updated or is available, the AMF shall include the NSAG information in the CONFIGURATION UPDATE COMMAND message or the REGISTRATIONACCEPT message. According to the present subject disclosure, a UE-accepted general UE configuration update, a network-accepted initial registration, and a network-accepted mobility and periodic registration update may include the following: If the CONFIGURATION UPDATE COMMAND message or the REGISTRATION ACCEPT message contains the NSAG information IE, the UE shall store the content of the NSAG information IE. The REGISTRATION ACCEPT message and the CONFIGURATION UPDATE COMMAND message may include an information element (IE) for NSAG information. The IE may be included to provide NSAG information to UEs capable of processing NSAG information. The IE of the NSAG information may be encoded to include:

[0187] NSAG-based cell reselection indication (CellResel) (octet 4, bit 1). This bit indicates

[0188] Whether the UE needs to perform NSAG-based cell reselection. A bit value of "0" may indicate "false", while a bit value of "1" may indicate "true".

[0189] NSAG-based random access indication (RandAcc) (octet 4, bit 2). This bit indicates

[0190] Whether the UE needs to perform NSAG-based random access. A bit value of "0" may indicate "false", while a bit value of "1" may indicate "true".

[0191] It should be understood that these devices may include or be coupled to other units or modules for transmitting and / or receiving, such as radio components or radio heads. Although these devices are described as one entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0192] It should be noted that although embodiments related to LTE and 5GNR have been described, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems that require forced fast connection reestablishment. Therefore, although certain embodiments are described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures of wireless networks, technologies and standards, the embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system other than the communication system shown and described herein.

[0193] It is also noted herein that while exemplary embodiments are described above, there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure.

[0194] In general, various exemplary embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Certain aspects of the subject disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the subject disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the subject disclosure may be illustrated and described in block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it is fully understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0195] The exemplary embodiments disclosed in the subject matter may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, for example in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs, also referred to as program products, include software routines, applets and / or macros, which may be stored in a data storage medium readable by any device, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform an embodiment when the program is run. One or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or a portion thereof.

[0196] In this regard, it should also be noted that any blocks of the logic flows shown in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0197] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

[0198] The exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure may be practiced in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0199] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the subject disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art when the foregoing description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of the subject disclosure will still fall within the scope of the subject disclosure as defined in the appended claims. In fact, there is another embodiment that includes a combination of one or more embodiments with any other embodiment previously discussed.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a user device, include: Receiving, by the user equipment, a configuration message from a network node, the configuration message indicating whether to perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups; as well as The user equipment performs the cell reselection process and / or the random access process according to the configuration message.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The configuration message includes at least one of a first indication and a second indication, wherein the first indication indicates whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second indication indicates whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The configuration message includes a single indication, and the single indication includes a first bit and a second bit, the first bit indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second bit indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: include: Determining, by the user equipment, whether the configuration message includes priority information related to the cell reselection process and / or the random access process; as well as In response to determining the presence of the priority information, the user equipment derives the configuration message to indicate execution of the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups; as well as In response to determining that the priority information is not present, the configuration message derived by the user equipment indicates that the cell reselection process and / or the random access process that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups is not performed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The user equipment comprises a first layer receiving the configuration message and a second layer performing the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, wherein the method further comprises: Information is provided by the first layer to the second layer to selectively enable or disable the cell reselection process and / or the random access process that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The user equipment comprises a first layer receiving the configuration message and a second layer performing the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, wherein the method further comprises: If the configuration message implies that the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides information for the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups to the second layer; and If the configuration message implies that the random access procedure that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups needs to be performed, the first layer provides the second layer with information for the random access procedure that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: include: The user equipment sends capability information indicating support for the cell reselection process and / or the random access process that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups to the network node, wherein the configuration message is received in response to sending the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection process and / or the random access process supported by the user equipment.

8. A method for controlling a user device, include: A network node sends a configuration message to the user equipment, wherein the configuration message indicates whether the user equipment is to perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure that takes into account the priority of one or more network slice groups; as well as The network node performs the cell reselection process and / or the random access process taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups with the user equipment according to the configuration message.

9. The method according to claim 8, in, The configuration message includes at least one of a first indication and a second indication, wherein the first indication indicates whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second indication indicates whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, in, The configuration message includes a single indication, and the single indication includes a first bit and a second bit, the first bit indicating whether to perform the cell reselection process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups, and the second bit indicating whether to perform the random access process considering the priority of one or more network slice groups.

11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: include: By sending the configuration message including priority information related to the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure, the network node indicates that the user equipment will perform the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups; as well as By sending the configuration not including the priority information, the network node indicates that the user equipment will not perform the cell reselection procedure and / or the random access procedure taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising: include: The network node receives capability information from the user equipment, the capability information indicating support for the cell reselection process and / or the random access process that considers the priority of one or more network slice groups, wherein the configuration message is sent in response to receiving the capability information and indicating whether to enable or disable the cell reselection process and / or the random access process supported by the user equipment.

13. A user device, include: A component adapted to receive a configuration message from a network node, the configuration message indicating whether to perform a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure taking into account the priorities of one or more network slice groups; as well as A component suitable for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups according to the configuration message.

14. User equipment according to claim 13, comprising components adapted to perform the method according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

15. A network device in a network, include: A component adapted to send a configuration message to a user equipment, the configuration message indicating whether the user equipment performs a cell reselection procedure and / or a random access procedure taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups; as well as A component suitable for performing the cell reselection process and / or the random access process taking into account the priority of one or more network slice groups with the user equipment according to the configuration message.

16. Network equipment according to claim 15, comprising components adapted to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

17. A computer program product comprising instructions, which, when a computer executes the computer program product, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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