Methods for selecting non-3GPP networks for trust, user terminals, and communication systems

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method for selecting a trusted non-3GPP network, a user terminal, and a communication system. The method for selecting a trusted non-3GPP network includes: when selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, selecting a TNAP that supports the desired slice from the ANDSP. This disclosure enables the UE to select the corresponding TNAP according to the desired slice, thereby improving the flexibility of network resource deployment.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202210253742.X, filed on March 15, 2022, entitled "Method for Selecting Credit to a Non-3GPP Network, User Terminal and Communication System". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method for selecting and granting credit to a non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) network, a user terminal, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, 3GPP 5G UEs (User Equipment) can only connect to pre-configured TNAP (Trusted Non-3GPP Access Point) and TNGF (Trusted Non-3GPP Gateway Function) entities on the network side when accessing trusted non-3GPP networks. The network side can configure the corresponding TNAP and TNGF based on the UE's subscribed slice. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors noted that in related technologies, when a TNAP and TNGF cannot support all slices of the UE, it is impossible to select the corresponding TNAP and TNGF entities based on the slice of the UE's current service.

[0005] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a scheme for selecting a non-3GPP network for trust, which enables the UE to select the corresponding TNAP and TNGF according to the slice required by the current service, thereby improving the flexibility of network resource deployment.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for selecting a trusted non-3GPP network is provided, executed by a user terminal, comprising: when selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, selecting a trusted non-3GPP network access point TNAP that supports the slice from the Access Network Discovery and Selection Policy (ANDSP) based on the slice required by the current service; and sending a registration request to a core network device through the TNAP and an authorized non-3GPP gateway function TNGF entity so as to access the slice after successful registration.

[0007] In some embodiments, when selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, selecting a TNAP supporting the slice from the ANDSP based on the slice required by the current service includes: when determining that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), selecting a first TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network supporting the HPLMN slice from the ANDSP based on the HPLMN slice required by the current service.

[0008] In some embodiments, sending a registration request to the core network device through the TNAP and TNGF entities includes: sending a registration request to the core network device through the first TNAP and TNGF entities so as to access the HPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0009] In some embodiments, when selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, selecting a TNAP supporting the slice from the ANDSP based on the slice required by the current service includes: when determining that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected when accessing a public land mobile network (VPLMN), querying a VPLMN slice that has a mapping relationship with the HPLMN slice required by the current service; and selecting a second TNAP from the ANDSP that supports the trusted non-3GPP network of the VPLMN slice.

[0010] In some embodiments, sending a registration request to the core network device through the TNAP and TNGF entities includes: using the second TNAP and TNGF entities to send a registration request to the core network device so as to access the VPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0011] In some embodiments, during the access to the HPLMN core network, a first ANDSP message sent by the HPLMN device is received, wherein the first ANDSP message includes the first TNAP identifier of the authorized non-3GPP network within the HPLMN and the HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

[0012] In some embodiments, during the access to the HPLMN core network, a second ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device is received. The second ANDSP information includes a second TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network within each of the multiple VPLMNs and VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0013] In some embodiments, during the access to the VPLMN core network, third ANDSP information sent by the VPLMN device is received. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the HPLMN device is a Policy Control Function (PCF) entity in the HPLMN; the VPLMN device is a PCF entity in the VPLMN; and the core network device is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a user terminal is provided, comprising: a first processing module configured to, when selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, select a trusted non-3GPP network access point (TNAP) that supports the slice required by the current service from the Access Network Discovery and Selection Policy (ANDSP); and a second processing module configured to send a registration request to a core network device through the TNAP and a trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF) entity, so as to access the slice after successful registration.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first processing module is configured to, upon determining that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), select a first TNAP from the ANDSP that supports the HPLMN slice required by the current service, based on the HPLMN slice.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second processing module is configured to send a registration request to the core network device through the first TNAP and TNGF entities so as to access the HPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first processing module is configured to, upon determining that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected when accessing a public land mobile network (VPLMN), query a VPLMN slice that has a mapping relationship with the HPLMN slice required by the current service, and select a second TNAP from the ANDSP that supports the trusted non-3GPP network of the VPLMN slice.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second processing module is configured to send a registration request to the core network device using the second TNAP and TNGF entities so as to access the VPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first processing module is configured to receive first ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device during the process of accessing the HPLMN core network, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP identifier of the authorized non-3GPP network within the HPLMN and the HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first processing module is configured to receive second ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device during the access to the HPLMN core network. The second ANDSP information includes a second TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in each of the plurality of VPLMNs and VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first processing module is configured to receive third ANDSP information sent by the VPLMN device during the access to the VPLMN core network. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the HPLMN device is a PCF entity in the HPLMN; the VPLMN device is a PCF entity in the VPLMN; and the core network device is an AMF entity.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a user terminal is provided, comprising: a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a user terminal as described in any of the preceding embodiments; a TNAP configured to send a registration request to a TNGF entity after receiving a registration request sent by the user terminal; a TNGF entity configured to send the registration request sent by the TNAP to a core network device; and a core network device configured to perform registration processing according to the registration request, so that the user terminal can access the slice required for the current service after successful registration.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system further includes: an HPLMN device configured to, during the process of the user terminal accessing the HPLMN core network, select an HPLMN slice supported by a first TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal, and send first ANDSP information to the user terminal, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP and HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

[0027] In some embodiments, the HPLMN device is further configured to send second ANDSP information to the user terminal during the process of the user terminal accessing the HPLMN core network. The second ANDSP information includes a second TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in each of the plurality of VPLMNs and VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the HPLMN device is further configured to obtain, according to its roaming protocol with the plurality of VPLMNs, a second TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in each of the plurality of VPLMNs and VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system further includes: a VPLMN device configured to send third ANDSP information to the user terminal during the process of the user terminal accessing the VPLMN core network, wherein the third ANDSP information includes a third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP, and the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed by the user terminal according to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN.

[0030] In some embodiments, the HPLMN device is a PCF entity in the HPLMN; the VPLMN device is a PCF entity in the VPLMN; and the core network device is an AMF entity.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0032] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for selecting a non-3GPP network for trust according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for selecting a non-3GPP network for trust, according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0041] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0043] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0044] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0045] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for selecting a non-3GPP network with selected trust, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the following method for selecting a non-3GPP network with selected trust is performed by a user terminal.

[0047] In step 101, when access is selected to a trusted non-3GPP network, a TNAP that supports the slice is selected from ANDSP (Access Network Discovery and Selection Policy) according to the slice required by the current service.

[0048] In step 102, a registration request is sent to the core network device through the TNAP and TNGF entities so that the slice can be accessed after successful registration.

[0049] In some embodiments, the core network device is an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) entity.

[0050] In the method for selecting trust in a non-3GPP network provided in the above embodiments of this disclosure, the user terminal selects the corresponding TNAP according to the slice required by the current service, thereby improving the flexibility of network resource deployment.

[0051] For example, when determining to access a trusted non-3GPP network in the HPLM (Home Public Land Mobile Network), the first TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network supporting HPLM slices is selected from the ANDSP based on the HPLM slices (HPLMN S-NSSAIs) required for the current service.

[0052] Next, a registration request is sent to the core network device through the first TNAP and the corresponding TNGF entity so that access to the HPLMN slice can be obtained after successful registration.

[0053] For example, when determining whether to access a trusted non-3GPP network in a VPLMN (Visited Public Land Mobile Network), query VPLMN slices (VPLMN S-NSSAIs) that have a mapping relationship with the HPLMN slices (HPLMN S-NSSAIs) required by the current service. Select a second TNAP from the ANDSP that supports the trusted non-3GPP network for the VPLMN slice.

[0054] Next, the second TNAP and the corresponding TNGF entity are used to send a registration request to the core network equipment so that the VPLMN slice can be accessed after successful registration.

[0055] It should be noted that user terminals can access the HPLMN core network or VPLMN core network at any time via 3GPP access or non-3GPP access.

[0056] In some embodiments, during the process of accessing the HPLMN core network, the user terminal receives first ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP identifier of the authorized non-3GPP network within the HPLMN and the HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

[0057] In addition, during the process of accessing the HPLMN core network, the user terminal also receives the second ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device. The second ANDSP information includes the second TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs and the VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0058] It should be noted that during the process of a user terminal accessing the HPLMN core network, the HPLMN device can send the first ANDSP information and the second ANDSP information to the user terminal separately, or it can send the first ANDSP information and the second ANDSP information to the user terminal together.

[0059] In some embodiments, the HPLMN device is a PCF (Policy Control Function) entity in the HPLMN.

[0060] In other embodiments, during the access to the VPLMN core network, the user terminal receives third ANDSP information sent by the VPLMN device. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0061] In some embodiments, the VPLMN device is a PCF entity within the VPLMN.

[0062] In some embodiments, the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​information of the ANDSP's WLANSP (WLAN Selection Policy) can be extended to add information on supported slices (S-NSSAIs).

[0063] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user terminal according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the user terminal includes a first processing module 21 and a second processing module 22.

[0064] The first processing module 21 is configured to select a TNAP (Trusted Non-3GPP Network Access Point) that supports the slice from the ANDSP when access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected, based on the slice required by the current service.

[0065] The second processing module 22 is configured to send a registration request to the core network equipment via TNAP and authorized non-3GPP gateway function TNGF entities so as to access the slice after successful registration.

[0066] In some embodiments, the core network device is an AMF entity.

[0067] In some embodiments, when the first processing module 21 determines that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected in the HPLMN, it selects the first TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network that supports HPLMN slices from the ANDSP based on the HPLMN slices required by the current service.

[0068] The second processing module 22 sends a registration request to the core network device through the first TNAP and the corresponding TNGF entity so that it can access the HPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0069] In other embodiments, when the first processing module 22 determines that the VPLMN is selected to access a trusted non-3GPP network, it queries the VPLMN slice that has a mapping relationship with the HPLMN slice required by the current service, and selects the second TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network that supports the VPLMN slice from the ANDSP.

[0070] The second processing module 22 uses the second TNAP and the corresponding TNGF entity to send a registration request to the core network device so that it can access the VPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0071] In some embodiments, during the process of accessing the HPLMN core network, the first processing module 21 receives first ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP identifier of the authorized non-3GPP network within the HPLMN and the HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

[0072] For example, an HPLMN device is a PCF entity within an HPLMN.

[0073] Furthermore, during the process of accessing the HPLMN core network, the first processing module 21 receives second ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device. This second ANDSP information includes the second TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs, as well as the VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. Based on the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0074] In other embodiments, during the process of accessing the VPLMN core network, the first processing module 21 receives third ANDSP information sent by the VPLMN device. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed by the user terminal.

[0075] For example, a VPLMN device is a PCF entity within a VPLMN.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user terminal according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, the user terminal includes a memory 31 and a processor 32.

[0077] Memory 31 is used to store instructions, and processor 32 is coupled to memory 31. Processor 32 is configured to execute instructions based on memory storage, as shown in the example. Figure 1 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the user terminal also includes a communication interface 33 for exchanging information with other devices. Additionally, the user terminal includes a bus 34, through which the processor 32, communication interface 33, and memory 31 communicate with each other.

[0079] The memory 31 may include high-speed RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. The memory 31 may also be a memory array. The memory 31 may also be divided into blocks, and the blocks may be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules.

[0080] Furthermore, processor 32 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] This disclosure also relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement... Figure 1 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0082] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the communication system includes user terminal 41, TNAP 42, TNGF entity 43, and core network equipment 44. User terminal 41 is... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The user terminal involved in any of the embodiments.

[0083] TNAP 42 is configured to send the registration request to the corresponding TNGF entity 43 after receiving the registration request from user terminal 41.

[0084] TNGF entity 43 is configured to send the registration request sent by TNAP 42 to core network device 44.

[0085] The core network device 44 is configured to process registration requests so that the user terminal 41 can access the slice required for the current service after successful registration.

[0086] In some embodiments, the core network device is an AMF entity.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 and Figure 4 The difference is that, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the communication system further includes an HPLMN device 45.

[0088] HPLMN device 45 is configured to, during the process of user terminal 41 accessing HPLMN core network, select the HPLMN slice supported by the first TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in HPLMN from the HPLMN slices subscribed by user terminal 41, and send first ANDSP information to user terminal 41, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP and the HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

[0089] In addition, HPLMN device 45 is also configured to send second ANDSP information to user terminal 41 during the process of user terminal 41 accessing HPLMN core network. The second ANDSP information includes the second TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs and the VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed by the user terminal.

[0090] For example, HPLMN device 45 obtains the second TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs and the VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP, according to the roaming protocol between itself and the multiple VPLMNs.

[0091] It should be noted that the HPLMN device 45 can send the first ANDSP information and the second ANDSP information to the user terminal separately, or it can send the first ANDSP information and the second ANDSP information to the user terminal together.

[0092] In some embodiments, the HPLMN device is a PCF entity within the HPLMN.

[0093] In other embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the communication system also includes a VPLMN device 46.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, when user terminal 41 is in a roaming scenario, VPLMN device 46 is configured to send third ANDSP information to user terminal 41 during the process of user terminal 41 accessing the VPLMN core network. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed by the user terminal.

[0095] In some embodiments, the VPLMN device is a PCF entity within the VPLMN.

[0096] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for selecting a non-3GPP network for trust, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0097] In step 601a, the HPLMN device configures the first TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network within the HPLMN and its supported HPLMN slice information, as well as the second TNAP entity of the trusted non-3GPP network within the VPLMN and its supported VPLMN slice information.

[0098] For example, the HPLMN device obtains the second TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs, as well as the VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP, according to the roaming protocol between itself and multiple VPLMNs.

[0099] For example, an HPLMN device is a PCF entity within an HPLMN.

[0100] In step 602a, during the process of a user terminal accessing the HPLMN core network, the HPLMN device selects the HPLMN slice supported by the first TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the HPLMN from the HPLMN slices subscribed to by the user terminal, and sends the first ANDSP information to the user terminal, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP and the HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

[0101] In addition, during the process of user terminal accessing HPLMN core network, HPLMN equipment also sends second ANDSP information to user terminal. The second ANDSP information includes the second TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs and the VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed by the user terminal.

[0102] It should be noted that the HPLMN device can also send the first ANDSP information and the second ANDSP information together to the user terminal.

[0103] In step 601b, the VPLMN device configures the third TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network within the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information it supports.

[0104] For example, a VPLMN device is a PCF entity within a VPLMN.

[0105] In step 602b, during the process of a user terminal accessing the VPLMN core network, the VPLMN device sends third ANDSP information to the user terminal. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

[0106] In step 603a, if the user terminal determines to select a trusted non-3GPP network for access in the HPLMN, the user terminal selects the first TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network that supports the HPLMN slice from the ANDSP according to the HPLMN slice required by the current service.

[0107] In step 604a, the user terminal sends a registration request to the core network device through the first TNAP and the corresponding TNGF entity so that it can access the HPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0108] In step 603b, if the user terminal determines to select a trusted non-3GPP network for access within the VPLMN, the user terminal queries a VPLMN slice that has a mapping relationship with the HPLMN slice required for the current service. A second TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network supporting VPLMN slices is selected from the ANDSP.

[0109] In step 604b, the user terminal sends a registration request to the core network device through the second TNAP and the corresponding TNGF entity so that it can access the VPLMN slice after successful registration.

[0110] By implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, the user terminal can accurately select the TNAP associated with the currently required slice based on the TNAP in ANDSP and the slice supported by the TNAP, thereby accessing the correct authorized non-3GPP network.

[0111] In some embodiments, the functional units described above may be implemented as general-purpose processors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any suitable combination thereof for performing the functions described herein.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0113] The description in this disclosure is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a non-3GPP network for trust, performed by a user terminal, comprising: When selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, a trusted non-3GPP network access point (TNAP) supporting the required slice is selected from the access network discovery and selection policy ANDSP. During the process of accessing the HPLMN core network, the system receives first ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device. The first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP identifier of the authorized non-3GPP network within the HPLMN and the HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP. During the process of accessing the HPLMN core network, the system receives second ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device. The second ANDSP information includes the second TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs and the VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLM slice subscribed to by the user terminal. During the process of accessing the VPLMN core network, the third ANDSP information sent by the VPLMN device is received. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In the case of selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, selecting a TNAP supporting the required slice from the ANDSP includes: In determining whether to access a trusted non-3GPP network in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the first TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network supporting the HPLMN slice is selected from the ANDSP according to the required HPLMN slice.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, In the case of selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, selecting a TNAP supporting the required slice from the ANDSP includes: If it is determined that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected when accessing a public land mobile network (VPLMN), query the VPLMN slice that has a mapping relationship with the required HPLMN slice; Select a second TNAP from the ANDSP that supports the trusted non-3GPP network of the VPLMN slice.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The HPLMN device is the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity in the HPLMN. The VPLMN device is the PCF entity within the VPLMN; The core network equipment is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity.

6. A user terminal, comprising: The first processing module is configured to, when selecting access to a trusted non-3GPP network, select a trusted non-3GPP network access point (TNAP) supporting the required slice from the Access Network Discovery and Selection Policy (ANDSP) according to the required slice. During access to the HPLMN core network, it receives first ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the identifier of the first TNAP of the trusted non-3GPP network within the HPLMN and HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP; and during access to the HPLMN core network, it receives second ANDSP information sent by the HPLMN device. The second ANDSP information includes a second TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs and VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal. During the access to the VPLMN core network, a third ANDSP information sent by the VPLMN device is received, wherein the third ANDSP information includes a third TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP.

7. The user terminal according to claim 6, wherein, The first processing module is configured to, upon determining that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), select a first TNAP from the ANDSP that supports the trusted non-3GPP network of the required HPLMN slice.

8. The user terminal according to claim 7, wherein, The first processing module is configured to, upon determining that access to a trusted non-3GPP network is selected when accessing a public land mobile network (VPLMN), query a VPLMN slice that has a mapping relationship with the desired HPLMN slice, and select a second TNAP from the ANDSP that supports the trusted non-3GPP network of the VPLMN slice.

9. The user terminal according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein, According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

10. The user terminal according to claim 9, wherein, The HPLMN device is the PCF entity within the HPLMN; The VPLMN device is the PCF entity within the VPLMN; The core network equipment is an AMF entity.

11. A user terminal, comprising: The memory is configured to store instructions; A processor, coupled to a memory, is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 based on memory-stored instruction execution.

12. A communication system, comprising: The user terminal as described in any one of claims 6-11; TNAP is configured to send the registration request to the TNGF entity after receiving the registration request from the user terminal; The TNGF entity is configured to send the registration request sent by the TNAP to the core network device; The core network equipment is configured to process the registration request so that the user terminal can access the required slice after successful registration.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The system also includes: An HPLMN device is configured to, during the process of a user terminal accessing the HPLMN core network, select an HPLMN slice supported by a first TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal, and send first ANDSP information to the user terminal, wherein the first ANDSP information includes the first TNAP and HPLMN slice information supported by the first TNAP.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The HPLMN device is also configured to send a second ANDSP message to the user terminal during the process of the user terminal accessing the HPLMN core network. The second ANDSP message includes a second TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in each of the multiple VPLMNs and VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between each VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The HPLMN device is also configured to obtain, according to its roaming protocol with the plurality of VPLMNs, a second TNAP of a trusted non-3GPP network in each of the plurality of VPLMNs, and VPLMN slice information supported by the second TNAP.

16. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The system also includes: A VPLMN device is configured to send third ANDSP information to a user terminal during the process of the user terminal accessing the VPLMN core network. The third ANDSP information includes the third TNAP of the authorized non-3GPP network in the VPLMN and the VPLMN slice information supported by the third TNAP. According to the roaming protocol between the VPLMN and the HPLMN, the VPLMN slice can be mapped to the HPLMN slice subscribed to by the user terminal.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The HPLMN device is the PCF entity within the HPLMN; The VPLMN device is the PCF entity within the VPLMN; The core network equipment is an AMF entity.

18. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium, wherein, A computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

19. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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