Network access method and device, communication equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a network access method and device, user equipment and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of wireless communication. The scheme comprises the following steps: acquiring indication information of contract switching; and selecting target subscription information to perform network access registration based on the indication information so as to realize network access, so that when the UE has multiple subscriptions at the same time, specific target subscription information can be selected / switched before network access based on the indication information switched by the subscriptions without replacing a USIM card, so that expected services can be acquired through a corresponding network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of mobile communications, and in particular to a network access method, device, communication equipment and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the communication system, some devices have limited transceiver capabilities, such as a single USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module). At the same time, the user equipment UE can only use the contract information of one operator to access the network to obtain services. When the UE needs to switch contracts, the USIM card needs to be replaced. When the UE has multiple contracts at the same time, there is currently no mechanism to select / switch a specific contract so that it can obtain the desired service through the corresponding network. Summary of the invention

[0003] The first aspect of the present disclosure provides a network access method applicable to a user equipment UE, the method comprising: obtaining indication information of a subscription switching; and based on the indication information, selecting target subscription information for network access registration.

[0004] Optionally, the obtaining the indication information of the subscription switching includes: receiving the indication information sent by a network device; or monitoring a subscription switching triggering condition, and generating the indication information in response to monitoring the triggering condition.

[0005] Optionally, selecting target contract information for network registration based on the indication information includes: determining the priority of the contract information of the UE based on the indication information; and selecting the target contract information based on the determined priority.

[0006] Optionally, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, and the method also includes: determining the priority of the target index information as the highest priority; and / or determining the state of the target index information as a deregistered state.

[0007] Optionally, the target signing information is selected based on the determined priority information, including: selecting one signing information as the target signing information in order of the priority from high to low; in response to the target signing information being successfully registered on the network, stopping selecting the signing information corresponding to the next priority as the target signing information.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes: in response to the indication information being determined for the UE, sending a de-registration request message to the network device according to the indication information.

[0009] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving a deregistration request message or a configuration signaling sent by the network device, wherein the deregistration request message or the configuration signaling carries the indication information.

[0010] Optionally, the receiving a deregistration request message sent by the network device includes: sending a service request to the network device; receiving the deregistration request message sent by the network device, wherein the deregistration request message is sent by the network device when it determines that the service request of the UE cannot be met.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes: obtaining a contract information list, wherein the contract information list includes the priority of the contract information and the status of the contract information.

[0012] Optionally, the contract information list includes index information of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0013] The second aspect embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network access method applicable to a network device, the method comprising: determining that a UE needs to perform a contract switching; sending a contract switching indication message to the UE, wherein the indication message is used to instruct the UE to select a target contract information for network registration based on the indication message.

[0014] Optionally, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use and / or the status of the target subscription information.

[0015] Optionally, if the network device is an access and mobility management function AMF network element, then sending subscription switching indication information to the UE also includes: receiving a deregistration request message or configuration signaling sent by a unified data management network element UDM, wherein the deregistration request message or configuration signaling carries the indication information.

[0016] Optionally, the receiving of the deregistration request message sent by the unified data management network element UDM includes: receiving a service request sent by the UE; in response to the service request of the UE being unable to be satisfied, sending index information of candidate contract information that satisfies the service request to the UDM; and receiving the deregistration request message sent by the UDM.

[0017] Optionally, the network device is an AMF network element, and the method further includes: when the indication information is generated by the UE, receiving a deregistration request message sent by the UE; wherein the deregistration request message carries the indication information.

[0018] Optionally, the method further includes: sending the target index information to the UDM.

[0019] Optionally, it also includes: sending a contract information list to the UE, wherein the contract information list includes index information of the contract information and status of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0020] The third aspect of the present disclosure proposes a network access device applicable to a user equipment UE, wherein the device comprises: an acquisition module configured to acquire indication information of a contract switching; and a selection module configured to select target contract information for network access registration based on the indication information.

[0021] Optionally, the acquisition module is further configured to: receive the indication information sent by the network device; or monitor the subscription switching trigger condition, and generate the indication information in response to monitoring the trigger condition.

[0022] Optionally, the selection module is further configured to: determine the priority of the contract information of the UE based on the indication information; and select the target contract information based on the determined priority.

[0023] Optionally, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, and the selection module is further configured to: determine the priority of the target index information as the highest priority; and / or determine the state of the target index information as a deregistered state.

[0024] Optionally, the selection module is further configured to: select one of the contract information as the target contract information in order of the priority from high to low; and stop selecting the contract information corresponding to the next priority as the target contract information in response to the target contract information being successfully registered on the network.

[0025] Optionally, the selection module is further configured to: in response to the indication information being determined for the UE, send a deregistration request message to the network device according to the indication information.

[0026] Optionally, the selection module is further configured to: receive a deregistration request message or a configuration signaling sent by the network device, wherein the deregistration request message or the configuration signaling carries the indication information.

[0027] Optionally, the selection module is configured to: send a service request to the network device; receive the deregistration request message sent by the network device, wherein the deregistration request message is sent by the network device when it determines that the service request of the UE cannot be met.

[0028] Optionally, the selection module is further configured to: obtain a contract information list, wherein the contract information list includes the priority of the contract information and the status of the contract information.

[0029] Optionally, the contract information list includes index information of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0030] The fourth aspect embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a network access device, which is applicable to a network device, and the device includes: a sending module, which is configured to send an indication information of a contract switching to a UE, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the UE to select target contract information for network registration based on the indication information.

[0031] Optionally, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use and / or the status of the target subscription information.

[0032] Optionally, the network device is an access and mobility management function AMF network element, and the sending module is further configured to: receive a deregistration request message or configuration signaling sent by a unified data management network element UDM, wherein the deregistration request message or configuration signaling carries the indication information.

[0033] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to: receive a service request sent by the UE; in response to the service request of the UE not being met, send index information of candidate contract information that meets the service request to the UDM; and receive the deregistration request message sent by the UDM.

[0034] Optionally, the network device is an AMF network element, and the device also includes: a receiving module, configured to receive a deregistration request message sent by the UE when the indication information is generated by the UE; wherein the deregistration request message carries the indication information.

[0035] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to: send the target index information to the UDM.

[0036] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to: send a contract information list to the UE, wherein the contract information list includes index information of the contract information and the status of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0037] The fifth aspect embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a communication device, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the method described in the first aspect embodiment or the second aspect embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] The sixth aspect embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer storage medium, characterized in that the computer storage medium stores computer executable instructions, and after the computer executable instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in the first aspect embodiment or the second aspect embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and easily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a contract information list provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a deregistration process triggered by a user equipment UE provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another signing information list provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of another signing information list provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of another network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of another network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a network device triggering a deregistration process provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of another signing information list provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a network access device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of another network access device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of another network access device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of a user equipment provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 1 The following is a flow chart of a network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the network access method is performed by a user equipment (User Equipment, referred to as UE), and includes the following steps:

[0059] Step 101: Obtain subscription switching indication information.

[0060] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the UE can obtain the indication information of the contract switching from the network device and the UE itself. Optionally, the current network can send the indication information of the contract switching, and accordingly, the UE can obtain the indication information of the contract switching sent by the network device; optionally, according to a pre-set local policy or configuration, the UE itself can trigger the indication information of the contract switching, and accordingly, the UE can obtain the indication information of the contract switching triggered by itself.

[0061] Step 102: Based on the indication information, select target contract information to register on the network.

[0062] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, if the device has multiple contract information and only one contract information is allowed to access the network at the same time, in this case, after receiving the indication information, the UE can select the target contract information based on the indication information, and then perform corresponding contract reselection, network registration and other processes.

[0063] As a possible implementation method, in the present disclosure, a contract information list can be pre-set based on multiple contract information.

[0064] by Figure 2 Taking the subscription information list shown as an example, it may include a subscription index (Subscription Index) 2-1 arranged according to a preset priority and a corresponding working state (State) 2-2 of the current subscription information. In this case, when attempting to register with the network, the UE may select the subscription index with the highest priority and register with the network according to its corresponding subscription information.

[0065] The subscription index may be a public land mobile network (PLMN) or a non-public mobile network SNPN determined by a PLMN ID and a NID (Network Identifier). For example, the subscription index may be PLMN-1, SNPN-1 to SNPN-3.

[0066] The priority can be set according to the actual situation. Optionally, it can be set according to user habits, business time ratio, etc. For example, the priority of PLMN-1, SNPN-1 to SNPN-3 can be set to be arranged from high to low as follows: PLMN-1, SNPN-1, SNPN-2, SNPN-3.

[0067] The working status of the current contract information can be a status indicating that the contract information has been successfully registered with the network (Registered), or a status indicating that the contract information is not currently registered with the network (Deregistered). For example, the working status of the current contract information corresponding to PLMN-1 is Registered, and the working status of the current contract information corresponding to SNPN-1 to SNPN-3 is Deregistered.

[0068] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another network access method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, the network access method is performed by a user equipment (User Equipment, referred to as UE), and includes the following steps:

[0069] Step 301: Obtain subscription switching indication information.

[0070] Step 302: Determine the priority of the UE's subscription information based on the indication information.

[0071] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, if the indication information comes from a network device, the indication information may not carry the target index information of the target contract information; if the indication information comes from a UE, the indication information must carry the target index information of the target contract information that the UE needs to use.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, determining the priority of the UE's contract information may be an initial setting, or may be an update of the priority of the UE's contract information.

[0073] As a possible implementation method, during the initialization process, since there is currently no priority for the UE's contract information, in this case, the priority for the new UE's contract information can be used as the initial setting to determine the priority for the UE's contract information.

[0074] As another possible implementation method, during the non-initialized operation, due to the priority of the current UE's contract information, in this case, the priority of the current UE's contract information can be updated to determine the priority of the UE's contract information.

[0075] Optionally, if the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, then when trying to select the target subscription information for network registration based on the indication information, as a possible implementation method, if the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, the priority of the target index information can be updated to the highest priority.

[0076] As another possible implementation, if the indication information includes the target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, the state of the target index information can be updated to a deregistered state. The deregistered state refers to the notification content sent to the subscribing network element that has subscribed to the service state of the network element, so as to trigger the subscribing network element to initiate a context establishment or update request to the new side network element.

[0077] As another possible implementation method, if the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, the priority of the target index information can be set to the highest priority, and the status of the target index information can be updated to a deregistered state.

[0078] Step 303, select a contract information as the target contract information in order of priority from high to low.

[0079] by Figure 2Taking the shown contract information list as an example, if the priority of PLMN-1, SNPN-1 to SNPN-3 is arranged from high to low as follows: PLMN-1, SNPN-1, SNPN-2, SNPN-3, in this case, PLMN-1, SNPN-1, SNPN-2, SNPN-3 can be selected as the target contract information.

[0080] In the disclosed embodiment, the target contract information can be selected from the contract information with the highest priority. If the registration is successful, the contract information corresponding to the next priority can be selected as the target contract information in response to the target contract information successfully registering on the network; if the current priority cannot find a matching network, the next priority can be tried in sequence until the target contract information successfully registers on the network.

[0081] It should be noted that if network registration fails according to all priorities in the subscription information list, the default subscription information can be used as the target subscription information to register to a network such as a temporary / restricted network to support emergency services initiated by the user.

[0082] In some embodiments, the above method of the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include:

[0083] Step 304: In response to the target contract information being successfully registered on the network, stop selecting the contract information corresponding to the next priority as the target contract information.

[0084] According to a network access method of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user device can obtain indication information of contract switching, and based on the indication information, select target contract information for network access registration to achieve network access registration, so that when the UE has multiple contracts at the same time, there is no need to replace the USIM card, and specific target contract information can be selected / switched before network access based on the indication information of contract switching, so as to obtain the desired service through the corresponding network.

[0085] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, since the UE can obtain the indication information of the contract switching from the network device and the UE itself, the network access method proposed in the present disclosure is explained below with respect to the indication information sent by the network device and the indication information triggered by the UE itself.

[0086] As a possible implementation method for UE triggering indication information, Figure 4 As shown, the network access method includes the following steps:

[0087] Step 401: monitor a subscription switching triggering condition, and generate subscription switching indication information in response to monitoring the triggering condition.

[0088] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the contract switching triggering condition can be preset to be limited. For example, it can be limited that if the relevant control on the application (Application, APP) display interface is triggered, the contract switching triggering condition is identified to be met. In this case, the contract switching triggering condition can be monitored, and in response to the monitoring of the triggering condition, the indication information of the contract switching is generated.

[0089] Step 402: Determine the priority of the UE's subscription information based on the indication information.

[0090] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, if the indication information comes from a network device, the indication information may not carry the target index information of the target contract information; if the indication information comes from a UE, the indication information must carry the target index information of the target contract information that the UE needs to use.

[0091] Optionally, if the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, then when trying to select the target subscription information for network registration based on the indication information, as a possible implementation method, if the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, the priority of the target index information can be updated to the highest priority.

[0092] As another possible implementation, if the indication information includes the target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, the state of the target index information can be updated to a deregistered state. The deregistered state refers to the notification content sent to the subscribing network element that has subscribed to the service state of the network element, so as to trigger the subscribing network element to initiate a context establishment or update request to the new side network element.

[0093] As another possible implementation method, if the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, the priority of the target index information can be updated to the highest priority, and the status of the target index information can be updated to a deregistered status.

[0094] Step 403: Send a deregistration request message to the network device according to the instruction information.

[0095] The deregistration request message may carry the target index information in the indication information and the subscription switching indication. Accordingly, the network device may receive the deregistration request message, and after receiving the deregistration request message, the network device executes the deregistration process.

[0096] Step 404, select a contract information as the target contract information in order of priority from high to low.

[0097] Responding to the deregistration response message indicates that the deregistration is successful. In this case, you can reselect the contract information to register on the network.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method may further include: based on initial settings, selecting a contract information as target contract information for network registration.

[0099] Step 405: In response to the target contract information being successfully registered on the network, stop selecting the contract information corresponding to the next priority as the target contract information.

[0100] Sending instruction information to network devices is a possible implementation method, such as Figure 5 As shown, the network access method includes the following steps:

[0101] Step 501: receiving a deregistration request message or configuration signaling sent by a network device, wherein the deregistration request message or configuration signaling carries indication information.

[0102] As a possible implementation, Figure 6 As shown, the specific steps include:

[0103] Step 601: Send a service request to a network device.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the UE attempts to obtain the indication information, it may send a service request to the network device. Accordingly, the network device may receive the service request.

[0105] Step 602: Receive a deregistration request message sent by a network device, wherein the deregistration request message is sent by the network device when it determines that the service request of the UE cannot be met.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network device may send a deregistration request message to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE may receive the deregistration request message.

[0107] Step 603, obtaining a contract information list, wherein the contract information list includes the priority of the contract information and the status of the contract information.

[0108] Among them, the contract information list includes index information of the contract information, and the index information is sorted from high to low in the contract information list according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0109] Optionally, the indication information may be obtained according to a deregistration request message; optionally, the indication information may be obtained according to a configuration signaling.

[0110] Step 502: Determine the priority of the UE's subscription information based on the indication information.

[0111] Step 503: Select target signing information based on the determined priority.

[0112] According to a network access method of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user device can determine a matching strategy for selecting target contract information according to different sources of indication information, thereby improving the effectiveness and reliability of the network access process.

[0113] It should be noted that if Figure 7 As shown, in order to implement network registration, the UE can initiate a deregistration process (Deregistration) based on the indication information, and then re-enter the network through communication between different network elements.

[0114] Optionally, different from the related art, the present disclosure adds step 7-0, when the UE receives the indication information, the subscription information list can be updated, that is, the priority of the target index information in the indication information is adjusted to the highest, for example, the priority after adjustment is obtained. Figure 8 The contract information list is shown.

[0115] The indication information may come from the current network, including but not limited to the following information: target subscription index, and usage scope restrictions, such as usage location, time, time period, etc. The target subscription index may be an identifier of a subscription network, such as PLMNID, SNPN ID.

[0116] The indication information may also come from the UE itself, for example, indication information triggered by the operation of a specific application (Application, APP for short), or indication information triggered by a specific APP operation according to local policies or configurations, including but not limited to the following information: target contract index, such as PLMN ID, SNPN ID, and usage scope restrictions, such as usage location, time, time period, etc.

[0117] Optionally, in step 7-1, the UE may trigger a deregistration process of the current network, such as PLMN-1, according to the switching indication.

[0118] The request message may carry a new deregistration type, such as Deregistration type: [subscription switch], and target subscription information, such as SNPN-3.

[0119] It should be noted that if the indication information comes from a network device, the target contract information may not be carried in the indication information; if the indication information comes from a UE, the target contract information must be carried in the indication information.

[0120] Optionally, in step 7-2, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) sends a message to SMF (Session Management Function) (or V-SMF).

[0121] It should be noted that if the UE does not establish a PDU Session (Packet Data Unit Session) in the target access network shown in step 7-1, in this case, step 7-6 can be performed after step 7-1 is completed. In addition, for all PDU Sessions established in the target access network, the AMF can send a message, such as Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContextRequest, to the corresponding SMF to complete.

[0122] Optionally, in step 7-3, the SMF releases the user plane resources allocated to the PDU session. The user plane data may be an Internet Protocol Address (IP Address), a Prefix(es) for specifying a program storage path during compilation, and the like.

[0123] In step 7-3a, SMF sends N4 Session Release Request (N4 Session ID) message to UPF (User Plane Function). Furthermore, UPF will discard any data packets of the retained PDU session and release all tunnel resources and context information associated with the N4 session.

[0124] In step 7-3b, UPF sends an N4 Session Release Response (N4 Session ID) message to SMF as a response to the N4 Session Release Request.

[0125] Optionally, in step 7-4, SMF responds with a Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext Response message.

[0126] Optionally, in step 7-5a, if the process adopts dynamic PCC (Policy and Charging Control), SMF will initiate the SM Policy Association Termination process.

[0127] Optionally, in step 7-5b-c, if the current PDU session is the last PDU session of the UE, the SMF will trigger the Nudm_UECM_Deregistration service operation to enable the UDM (Unified Data Manager) to delete all associated DNNs (Data Network Names) and PDUSession IDs stored between each other.

[0128] Optionally, in step 7-6, if there is a PCF (Policy Control Function) associated with the UE and the UE is no longer registered through any other access, the AMF will initiate the AM Policy Association Termination process to delete the associated PCF.

[0129] In step 7-6a, the UE notifies the network to delete the session-related context and release related resources.

[0130] Optionally, if there is a PCF associated with the UE and the UE has no registration information for any access technology, the AMF will initiate the UE Policy Association Termination procedure to delete the associated PCF.

[0131] Different from the related art, the present disclosure adds step 7-6b, and the AMF updates the UE's indication information to the UDM (including the subscription switching identifier, the target access network and other information) so that the network can notify the UE to switch back again when necessary.

[0132] Optionally, in step 7-7, after receiving the deregistration request message sent by the network device, the UE updates the subscription information list. Fig. 9 The contract information list is shown.

[0133] Optionally, in steps 7-8, the UE and the network device release related air interface resources.

[0134] Optionally, different from the related art, the present disclosure adds step 7-9, and the UE re-enters the network.

[0135] Optionally, the index information with the highest priority may be selected for trial, and its corresponding subscription information may be selected for network selection.

[0136] Fig.10 The present invention provides a flow chart of a network access method, apparatus, communication device and storage medium. Fig.10As shown, the network access method is performed by a network device and includes the following steps:

[0137] Step 1001: Determine whether the UE needs to perform a subscription switch.

[0138] It should be noted that the specific method for determining that the UE needs to switch the contract is not limited in the present disclosure and can be set according to actual conditions. Optionally, it can be determined whether the conditions for switching the contract are met based on the current service request of the UE, network policy and other information, and when it is identified that the conditions for switching the contract are met, it is determined that the UE needs to switch the contract.

[0139] Step 1002: Send a subscription switching indication message to the UE, wherein the indication message is used to instruct the UE to select target subscription information for network registration based on the indication message.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after determining that the UE needs to switch the subscription, the network device may send subscription switching indication information to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE may receive the indication information.

[0141] The indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use and / or the status of the target subscription information. Optionally, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use; optionally, the indication information includes the status of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use; optionally, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use and the status of the target subscription information.

[0142] According to a network access method of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device may send a contract switching indication message to a UE after determining that the UE needs to switch contracts, wherein the indication message is used to instruct the UE to select target contract information for network access registration based on the indication message, so as to implement network access registration, so that when the UE has multiple contracts at the same time, there is no need to replace the USIM card, and specific target contract information can be selected / switched before network access based on the contract switching indication message, so as to obtain desired services through the corresponding network.

[0143] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, if the network device is an AMF network element, it can receive a deregistration request message or configuration signaling sent by the UDM, wherein the deregistration request message or configuration signaling carries indication information. Further, the AMF can send a subscription switching indication information to the UE.

[0144] As a possible implementation, Fig.11 As shown, the network access method is performed by a network device and includes the following steps:

[0145] Step 1101: receiving a service request sent by a UE.

[0146] In the disclosed embodiment, the AMF may send a service request to the network device. Correspondingly, the network device may receive the service request.

[0147] Step 1102: In response to the inability to satisfy the service request of the UE, index information of candidate subscription information that satisfies the service request is sent to the UDM.

[0148] In the disclosed embodiment, the AMF may send index information of candidate subscription information satisfying the service request to the UDM in response to the inability to satisfy the service request of the UE. Accordingly, the UDM may receive the index information.

[0149] Step 1103: Receive a deregistration request message sent by the UDM.

[0150] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the UDM may send a deregistration request message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF may receive the deregistration request message.

[0151] Further, if the network device is an AMF, in response to the indication information being determined for the UE, a deregistration request message sent by the UE may be received, wherein the deregistration request message carries the indication information. Further, target index information may be sent to the UDM.

[0152] Further, in the present disclosure, after sending indication information to the UE, a contract information list may be sent to the UE, wherein the contract information list includes index information of the contract information and the status of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0153] It should be noted that if Fig.12 ,In order to achieve network registration, the network equipment can determine to execute the ,contract switching, and then achieve re-entry through communication between ,different network elements.

[0154] Optionally, different from the related art, the present disclosure adds step 12-0, and the network device can determine to execute the contract switching according to the current service request of the UE, network policy and other information. For example, if the UE requests a specific service in the current network, and the current network cannot meet the demand, in this case, the target index information (Target NID) that can meet the demand can be provided. Among them, the relevant triggering network element can be PCF, AMF, etc.

[0155] Optionally, in step 12-1, UDM sends a deregistration request message to AMF.

[0156] The request message carries a new deregistration type: subscriptionswitch, information about the switch target subscription, and switch constraint information, such as time, time period, location, and the like.

[0157] Optionally, in step 12-2, the UE receives a deregistration request and updates a subscription information list according to the deregistration type and information.

[0158] Optionally, the target contract information priority can be reset to the highest, and the current contract status can be changed to deregistered. For example, the priority can be adjusted as follows: Fig.13 The contract information list is shown.

[0159] Furthermore, in steps 12-3 to 12-7, the UE may notify the network to delete the context related to the session and release related resources.

[0160] Optionally, in step 12-3, if the deregistration process is triggered by UDM, AMF can respond to UDM via Nudm_UECM_DeRegistrationNotification message. At the same time, AMF can also unregister data via Nudm_SDM_Unsubscribe.

[0161] Optionally, in step 12-4, if the UE has established a PDU Session in the target access network shown in step 12-2, in this case, the deregistration process of steps 12-2 to 12-5 initiated by the UE will be executed.

[0162] Optionally, in step 12-5, if there is a PCF associated with the UE and the UE is no longer registered through any other access, the AMF will initiate the AM Policy Association Termination process to delete the associated PCF.

[0163] Optionally, in step 12-5a, if there is a PCF associated with the UE and the UE has no registration information for any access technology, the AMF will initiate the UE Policy Association Termination process to delete the associated PCF.

[0164] Optionally, in step 12-6, if the UE receives a Deregistration Request message from the AMF in step 12-2, after sending the Deregistration Accept message to the AMF, the (R)AN (shared radio access network) may forward a NAS (Network Access Server) message to the AMF.

[0165] Optionally, in step 12-7, the cause value is sent by AMF.

[0166] Among them, if the target access network is 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or uses 3GPP and non-3GPP at the same time, and there is an N2 signaling connection to NG-RAN, AMF will send N2 UE Release command to (R)AN; if the target access network is non-3GPP or uses 3GPP and non-3GPP at the same time, and there is a signaling connection to N3IWF. AMF will send N2 UE Release command to N3IWF to release the N2 signaling connection.

[0167] Optionally, different from the related art, the present disclosure adds step 12-8, and the UE re-enters the network.

[0168] Optionally, the index information with the highest priority may be selected for trial, and its corresponding subscription information may be selected for network selection.

[0169] To sum up, in the present disclosure, if the device has multiple contract information and only one contract information is allowed to access the network at the same time, in this case, the de-registration process can be triggered according to the network access method proposed in the present disclosure, and then the corresponding contract reselection and network selection can be performed, so that the UE can select / switch specific contract information before accessing the network, so as to obtain the desired service through the corresponding network.

[0170] Corresponding to the network access methods provided in the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a network access device. Since the network access device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure corresponds to the methods provided in the above-mentioned embodiments, the implementation method of the network access method is also applicable to the network access device provided in this embodiment and will not be described in detail in this embodiment. Figure 14-16 It is a structural schematic diagram of the network access device proposed according to the present disclosure.

[0171] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network access device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 As shown, the network access device 1000 is applicable to user equipment, including: an acquisition module 100 and a selection module 200, wherein:

[0172] The acquisition module 100 is configured to acquire the indication information of the subscription switching;

[0173] The selection module 200 is configured to select target contract information for network registration based on the indication information.

[0174] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig.14 The acquisition module 100 in is further configured as follows:

[0175] receiving the indication information sent by the network device; or,

[0176] The subscription switching triggering condition is monitored, and in response to monitoring the triggering condition, the indication information is generated.

[0177] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig.14 The selection module 200 in is further configured to:

[0178] Determining the priority of the subscription information of the UE based on the indication information;

[0179] Based on the determined priority, the target signing information is selected.

[0180] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use, and the selection module is also configured to: determine the priority of the target index information as the highest priority; and / or determine the state of the target index information as a deregistered state.

[0181] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the selection module 200 is further configured to: select one of the contract information as the target contract information in order of the priority from high to low; and in response to the target contract information being successfully registered with the network, stop selecting the contract information corresponding to the next priority as the target contract information.

[0182] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the selection module 200 is further configured to:

[0183] In response to the indication information being determined for the UE, a deregistration request message is sent to the network device according to the indication information.

[0184] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the selection module 200 is further configured to:

[0185] A deregistration request message or a configuration signaling sent by the network device is received, wherein the deregistration request message or the configuration signaling carries the indication information.

[0186] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the selection module 200 is further configured to:

[0187] Sending a service request to the network device;

[0188] The deregistration request message sent by the network device is received, wherein the deregistration request message is sent by the network device when it is determined that the service request of the UE cannot be met.

[0189] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the selection module 200 is further configured to:

[0190] Obtain a contract information list, wherein the contract information list includes the priority of the contract information and the status of the contract information.

[0191] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the contract information list includes index information of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0192] According to a network access device of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user equipment can obtain indication information of contract switching, and based on the indication information, select target contract information for network access registration to achieve network access registration, so that when the UE has multiple contracts at the same time, there is no need to replace the USIM card, and specific target contract information can be selected / switched before network access based on the indication information of contract switching, so as to obtain desired services through the corresponding network.

[0193] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the network access device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.15 As shown, the network access device 2000 is applicable to a network device, and includes: a sending module 300, wherein:

[0194] The sending module 300 is configured to determine that the UE needs to switch the contract; send indication information of the contract switching to the UE, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the UE to select the target contract information for network registration based on the indication information.

[0195] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use and / or the status of the target subscription information.

[0196] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device is an access and mobility management function AMF network element, and the sending module 300 is further configured to:

[0197] Receive a deregistration request message or configuration signaling sent by a unified data management network element UDM, wherein the deregistration request message or configuration signaling carries the indication information.

[0198] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sending module 300 is further configured to:

[0199] Receive the service request sent by the UE; in response to the service request of the UE being unable to be satisfied, send index information of candidate contract information that satisfies the service request to the UDM; receive the deregistration request message sent by the UDM.

[0200] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the network device is an AMF network element, such as Fig.16 As shown, the network access device 200 further includes:

[0201] The receiving module 400 is configured to receive a deregistration request message sent by the UE when the indication information is generated by the UE; wherein the deregistration request message carries the indication information.

[0202] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sending module 300 is further configured to: send the target index information to the UDM.

[0203] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sending module 300 is further configured to: send a contract information list to the UE, wherein the contract information list includes index information of the contract information and the status of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

[0204] According to a network access device of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the network device can send a contract switching indication information to the UE, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the UE to select the target contract information for network access registration based on the indication information to implement network access registration, so that when the UE has multiple contracts at the same time, there is no need to replace the USIM card, and specific target contract information can be selected / switched before network access based on the contract switching indication information, so as to obtain the desired service through the corresponding network.

[0205] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 As shown, the user equipment 3000 includes: at least one processor 310; and a memory 320 communicatively connected to the at least one processor 310; wherein the memory 320 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 310, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor 310 so that the at least one processor 310 can execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or claims 11-17.

[0206] A person skilled in the art may understand that all or part of the steps in the method for implementing the above-mentioned embodiment may be completed by instructing related hardware through a program, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed, includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiment.

[0207] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present disclosure may be integrated into a processing module, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0208] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0209] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present disclosure. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A network access method, characterized in that: Applicable to user equipment UE, the method includes: Obtaining instruction information for contract switching; Based on the indication information, select target contract information for network registration.

2. The network access method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The obtaining the instruction information of the subscription switching includes: receiving the indication information sent by the network device; or, The subscription switching triggering condition is monitored, and in response to monitoring the triggering condition, the indication information is generated.

3. The network access method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The selecting target contract information for network registration based on the indication information includes: Determining the priority of the subscription information of the UE based on the indication information; Based on the determined priority, the target signing information is selected.

4. The network access method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The indication information includes target index information of target subscription information that the UE needs to use, and the method further includes: Determine the priority of the target index information as the highest priority; and / or, The state of the target index information is determined to be a deregistered state.

5. The network access method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The selecting the target signing information based on the determined priority information includes: Selecting one of the contract information as the target contract information in descending order of priority; In response to the target contract information being successfully registered on the network, the selection of the contract information corresponding to the next priority level as the target contract information is stopped.

6. The network access method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: In response to the indication information being determined for the UE, a deregistration request message is sent to the network device according to the indication information.

7. The network access method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A deregistration request message or a configuration signaling sent by the network device is received, wherein the deregistration request message or the configuration signaling carries the indication information.

8. The network access method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The receiving a deregistration request message sent by the network device includes: Sending a service request to the network device; The deregistration request message sent by the network device is received, wherein the deregistration request message is sent by the network device when it is determined that the service request of the UE cannot be met.

9. The network access method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also includes: Obtain a contract information list, wherein the contract information list includes the priority of the contract information and the status of the contract information.

10. The network access method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The contract information list includes index information of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

11. A network access method, characterized in that: Applicable to a network device, the method comprises: Determine that the UE needs to perform a subscription switch; Sending subscription switching indication information to the UE, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the UE to select target subscription information for network registration based on the indication information.

12. The network access method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The indication information includes target index information of the target subscription information that the UE needs to use and / or the status of the target subscription information.

13. The network access method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The network device is an access and mobility management function AMF network element, and sends a subscription switching indication message to the UE, further comprising: Receive a deregistration request message or configuration signaling sent by a unified data management network element UDM, wherein the deregistration request message or configuration signaling carries the indication information.

14. The network access method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The receiving a deregistration request message sent by a unified data management network element UDM includes: Receiving a service request sent by the UE; In response to failing to satisfy the service request of the UE, sending index information of candidate subscription information satisfying the service request to the UDM; Receive the deregistration request message sent by the UDM.

15. The network access method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The network device is an AMF network element, and the method further includes: When the indication information is generated by the UE, a deregistration request message sent by the UE is received; wherein the deregistration request message carries the indication information.

16. The network access method according to claim 15, characterized in that: Also includes: The target index information is sent to the UDM.

17. The network access method according to claim 11, characterized in that: Also includes: A contract information list is sent to the UE, wherein the contract information list includes index information of the contract information and status of the contract information, and the index information is sorted in the contract information list from high to low according to the priority corresponding to the contract information.

18. A network access device, characterized in that: Applicable to user equipment UE, the device includes: An acquisition module, configured to acquire indication information of a subscription switching; The selection module is configured to select target contract information for network registration based on the indication information.

19. A network access device, characterized in that: Applicable to network equipment, the device comprises: The sending module is configured to send an indication message of a subscription switching to the UE, wherein the indication message is used to instruct the UE to select target subscription information for network registration based on the indication message.

20. A user equipment, characterized in that: include: at least one processor; as well as a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 or claims 11 to 17.

21. A computer storage medium, characterized in that The computer storage medium stores computer executable instructions, and after the computer executable instructions are executed by the processor, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 or claims 11 to 17 can be implemented.

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