4G / 5G fusion service bearing method and device, electronic equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a 4G / 5G fusion service bearing method and device, electronic equipment and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps: issuing first APN subscription data through an HSS or UDM when a 4G number opens an account, and selecting a PCRF or PCF to issue a control strategy according to whether the first APN subscription data carries an IWK field; when the 5G number opens an account, DNN subscription data is issued through the UDM, and a control strategy is issued through the PCF; when the NB number opens an account, issuing second APN subscription data through the HSS or the UDM, and selecting a PCRF or a PCF to issue a control strategy according to whether the second APN subscription data carries an IWK field; the method comprises the following steps: uploading a charging message to an NCG through an SMF, carrying out call ticket collection on an NCG side through a preset call ticket collection strategy, and carrying out charging according to a call ticket collection result. According to the invention, the bearing stability of the 4G / 5G fusion service is improved, and the method can be widely applied to the technical field of networks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of network technology, and in particular to a 4G / 5G converged service carrying method, device, electronic device and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the deepening of IoT application scenarios and the development of the industry, the development momentum of cameras, video billboards, car networking and other services is rapid, and the IoT service form has gradually developed from low-speed and small-traffic to high-speed and large-traffic forms. The use of provincial-based IoT service bearer has become the target architecture for the adjustment of the IoT network architecture. With the gradual aging and withdrawal of 4G network elements, the network architecture has gradually evolved to the stage of using 4G / 5G converged network elements (SMF / UPF) to bear IoT 4G services, NB services and 5G services. Therefore, how to improve the stability of 4G / 5G converged service bearer has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0003] Terminology explanation:

[0004] LBO (Local BreakOut): A roaming architecture that connects the SGW and PGW of a mobile network. LBO is a way of accessing a visited location, which diverts traffic to the nearest location.

[0005] NB (NarrowBand-Internet of Things): A standards-based low-power wide-area (LPWA) technology designed to enable a wide range of new IoT devices and services.

[0006] SMF (Session Management Function): 5G network element, responsible for session management, UEIP address allocation and management, UP selection and control, etc.

[0007] UPF (User Plane Function): 5G network element responsible for user plane forwarding processing

[0008] UDM (Unified Data Management): 5G network element that manages and stores contract data and authentication data

[0009] PCF (Policy Control Function): 5G network element, supports unified policy framework, and provides policy rules

[0010] CHF (Charging Function): 5G network element, responsible for processing 5G charging messages, including traffic calculation and quota management

[0011] NCG (Notification Charging Gateway): 5G network element, responsible for processing notifications and call records related to billing, and is the transit network element for call records

[0012] SCP (Service Control Point): 5G network element, responsible for forwarding billing messages between NCG and CHF

[0013] IWK (Interworking): A message field transmitted on the MME to identify whether the number supports 4G / 5G interoperability

[0014] HSS (Home Subscriber Server): A 4G network element used to store user subscription information. It is mainly responsible for managing user subscription data and mobile user location information.

[0015] PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function): 4G network element, responsible for user policy control

[0016] MME (Mobility Management Entity): A 4G network element responsible for mobility management and access authentication.

[0017] DRA (Diameter Route Agent): 4G network element responsible for proxy forwarding of Diameter messages

[0018] DNN (Data Network Name): A key network identifier in 5G networks. Its role in 5G systems is similar to that of APN in 4G systems. DNN is mainly used to define and identify external networks to which users are connected and resources such as requested services.

[0019] APN (Access Point Name): A key concept in 4G networks. It is the name of a network configuration used to identify a specific external network that a user device (such as a mobile phone) should connect to when accessing the Internet.

[0020] PCC interface (Policy Control and Charging): This type of interface is a key component of 4G / 5G network elements. The main functions of PCC include policy control and charging control. Policy control involves setting various attributes for user services, such as QoS (Quality of Service), etc.

[0021] N7 interface: interface in the 5G core network, PCC interface between SMF and PCF, used to issue 5G control strategies

[0022] Gx interface: interface in the 4G core network, PCC interface between PGW and PCRF, used to issue 4G control policies

[0023] N40 interface: the interface in the 5G core network, the interface between SMF and CHF, generally forwarded to CHF through NCG and SCP, mainly forwarding 5G real-time billing messages

[0024] N4 interface: The interface in the 5G core network, the interface between SMF and UPF, responsible for session management, packet processing strategy delivery and traffic control.

[0025] S11-U interface: The interface between SMF and UPF for sending NB service user plane messages. Only NB services use this interface. Summary of the invention

[0026] The purpose of the present invention is to solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art to at least a certain extent.

[0027] To this end, an object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a 4G / 5G converged service carrying method, which improves the stability of 4G / 5G converged service carrying.

[0028] Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a 4G / 5G converged service bearing device.

[0029] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the technical solutions adopted by the embodiments of the present invention include:

[0030] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides a 4G / 5G converged service bearing method, comprising the following steps:

[0031] When a 4G number is opened, the first APN subscription data is sent through HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control policy based on whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0032] When a 5G number is opened, DNN subscription data is sent through UDM, and control policies are sent through PCF;

[0033] When the NB number is opened, the second APN subscription data is sent through HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control policy based on whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0034] The billing message is uploaded to NCG through SMF, and the call records are collected for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively on the NCG side through the preset call record collection strategy, and then billing is performed based on the call record collection results.

[0035] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the 4G number includes an existing 4G number and a newly opened 4G number, the existing 4G number is opened in the HSS, and the newly opened 4G number is opened in the UDM, and the sending of the first APN subscription data through the HSS or the UDM specifically includes:

[0036] When the existing 4G number opens an account in HSS, the first APN subscription data is sent to MME through HSS, and the first APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field;

[0037] When the newly opened 4G number opens an account in UDM, the first APN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM, and the first APN subscription data carries an IWK field with a field value of 1.

[0038] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the PCRF or PCF is selected to issue a control strategy based on whether the first APN subscription data carries an IWK field, which specifically includes:

[0039] When the first APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field, the MME fills in the IWK field with a field value of 0, and sends a first session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field;

[0040] When the first APN subscription data carries an IWK field, the IWK field with a field value of 1 is extracted by the MME, and a first session establishment request is sent to the SMF according to the IWK field;

[0041] Parsing the first session establishment request through SMF to obtain an IWK field;

[0042] When the field value of the IWK field is 0, the control policy is requested from the Gx interface of the PCRF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued by the PCRF;

[0043] When the field value of the IWK field is 1, the control policy is requested from the N7 interface of the PCF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

[0044] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the 5G number opens an account in the UDM, the DNN subscription data is sent through the UDM, and the control strategy is sent through the PCF, which specifically includes:

[0045] When the 5G number is accessed through 4G, the DNN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM, the IWK field is set to 1 through MME, and a second session establishment request is sent to SMF according to the IWK field, so that SMF requests a control policy from the N7 interface of PCF, and then sends the control policy through PCF;

[0046] When the 5G number is accessed through 5G, the DNN contract data is sent to AMF through UDM, AMF selects SMF based on the DNN contract data, and requests the control strategy from the N7 interface of PCF through SMF, and then the control strategy is sent through PCF.

[0047] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the NB number includes an existing NB number and a newly opened NB number, the existing NB number is opened in the HSS, the newly opened NB number is opened in the UDM, and the S11-U interface is opened between the SMF and the UPF for transmitting the user plane message of the NB service, and the second APN subscription data is sent through the HSS or UDM, which specifically includes:

[0048] When the existing NB number is opened in the HSS, the second APN subscription data is sent to the MME through the HSS, and the second APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field;

[0049] When the newly opened NB number opens an account in UDM, the second APN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM, and the second APN subscription data carries an IWK field with a field value of 1.

[0050] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the PCRF or PCF is selected to issue a control strategy based on whether the second APN subscription data carries an IWK field, which specifically includes:

[0051] When the second APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field, the MME fills in the IWK field with a field value of 0, and sends a third session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field;

[0052] When the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field, the IWK field with a field value of 1 is extracted by the MME, and a third session establishment request is sent to the SMF according to the IWK field;

[0053] Parsing the third session establishment request through SMF to obtain an IWK field;

[0054] When the field value of the IWK field is 0, the control policy is requested from the Gx interface of the PCRF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued by the PCRF;

[0055] When the field value of the IWK field is 1, the control policy is requested from the N7 interface of the PCF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

[0056] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the call bill collection for 4G services, 5G services and NB services is performed respectively by using a preset call bill collection strategy, and then billing is performed according to the call bill collection results, which specifically includes:

[0057] Collect 5G normal call bills through SMF, and send the 5G normal call bills to the Internet of Things CHF through NCG, provincial SCP and centralized node SCP;

[0058] Collect 5G abnormal call records through SMF, and send the 5G abnormal call records to the abnormal call record collector through NCG and group IDEP;

[0059] Generate a billing file according to the 5G normal call bill and / or the 5G abnormal call bill, and send the billing file to the Internet of Things billing system for real-time billing;

[0060] 4G call bills and NB call bills are collected through SMF, and the 4G call bills and NB call bills are converted into offline call bills, and then the offline call bills are sent to the 4G and NB call bill collectors of the Internet of Things billing system through NCG and the group IDEP for offline billing.

[0061] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides a 4G / 5G converged service bearing device, including:

[0062] The first access module is used to send the first APN subscription data through HSS or UDM when the 4G number is opened, and select PCRF or PCF to send the control strategy according to whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0063] The second access module is used to issue DNN contract data through UDM when a 5G number is opened, and to issue control policies through PCF;

[0064] The third access module is used to send the second APN subscription data through HSS or UDM when the NB number is opened, and select PCRF or PCF to send the control strategy according to whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0065] The call billing module is used to upload the billing message to NCG through SMF, and collect call bills for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively on the NCG side according to the preset call bill collection strategy, and then perform billing according to the call bill collection results.

[0066] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising a memory, a processor, a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and a data bus for realizing connection and communication between the processor and the memory, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, realizes the 4G / 5G converged service carrying method as described above.

[0067] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage medium, which is a computer-readable storage medium for computer-readable storage, and stores one or more programs, and the one or more programs can be executed by one or more processors to implement the 4G / 5G converged service carrying method as described above.

[0068] The advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention will be partly given in the following description, partly become apparent from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present invention:

[0069] In the embodiment of the present invention, when a 4G number is opened, the first APN subscription data is sent through HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control policy according to whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field. When a 5G number is opened, the DNN subscription data is sent through UDM, and the control policy is sent through PCF. When an NB number is opened, the second APN subscription data is sent through HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control policy according to whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field. The billing message is uploaded to NCG through SMF, and the call bill collection is performed for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively on the NCG side through the preset call bill collection strategy, and then billing is performed according to the call bill collection results. The embodiment of the present invention distinguishes different types of account opening numbers based on the IWK field of DNN subscription data and APN subscription data and connects them to the 4G / 5G converged network element, thereby realizing the continuous evolution of the network from 4G to 5G and the smooth migration of services. By presetting the call record collection strategy, offline call record paths are configured for 4G services and NB services, and abnormal call record paths are configured for 5G abnormal call records. This reduces the impact of the signaling load of the Internet of Things CHF when the 4G / 5G converged network element carries services, and improves the stability of the 4G / 5G converged service carrying. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention, the following introduction is made to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings introduced below are only for the convenience of clearly describing some embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0071] Figure 1 A step flow chart of a 4G / 5G converged service bearing method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 2 A step flow chart of step S101 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 3 Another step flow chart of step S101 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a control strategy request flow for existing 4G numbers provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a control strategy request flow for a newly opened 4G number provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 6 A step flow chart of step S102 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a control strategy request process for a 5G number provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 8 A step flow chart of step S103 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Fig. 9 Another step flow chart of step S103 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a control strategy request flow for existing NB numbers provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a control strategy request flow for a newly opened NB number provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Fig.12 A step flow chart of step S104 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the billing collection process of a 4G / 5G converged network element provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a 4G / 5G converged service carrying device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a storage medium provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments 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 only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. It should be noted that, although the functional module division is performed in the system schematic diagram and the logical order is shown in the flow chart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order from the module division in the system schematic diagram or the flow chart. For the step numbers in the following embodiments, they are only set for the convenience of explanation, and the order between the steps is not limited in any way. The execution order of each step in the embodiment can be adaptively adjusted according to the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0088] In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more. If there is a description of the first or the second, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing the technical features, and it cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meaning as those commonly understood by technicians in the technical field of this application. The terms used in this document are only for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0089] The 4G / 5G converged service carrying method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the terminal, can also be applied to the server side, and can also be software running in the terminal or the server side. In some embodiments, the terminal can be a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a set-top box, etc.; the server side can be configured as an independent physical server, or a server cluster or a distributed system composed of multiple physical servers, and can also be configured as a cloud server that provides basic cloud computing services such as cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communications, middleware services, domain name services, security services, CDN, and big data and artificial intelligence platforms; the software can be an application that implements the 4G / 5G converged service carrying method, etc., but is not limited to the above forms.

[0090] The present application can be used in many general or special computer system environments or configurations. For example: personal computers, server computers, handheld or portable devices, tablet devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronic devices, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, etc. The present application can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The present application can also be practiced in distributed computing environments, in which tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected through a communication network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in local and remote computer storage media including storage devices.

[0091] It should be noted that in each specific implementation of the present application, when it comes to the need to perform relevant processing based on data related to user identity or characteristics such as user information, user behavior data, user historical data, and user location information, the user's permission or consent will be obtained first, and the collection, use, and processing of these data will comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of the relevant countries and regions. In addition, when the embodiment of the present application needs to obtain the user's sensitive personal information, the user's separate permission or consent will be obtained through a pop-up window or by jumping to a confirmation page. After clearly obtaining the user's separate permission or consent, the necessary user-related data for the normal operation of the embodiment of the present application will be obtained.

[0092] like Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a method for carrying 4G / 5G converged services according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The embodiment of the present invention provides a 4G / 5G converged service bearing method, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0093] S101. When a 4G number is opened, the first APN subscription data is sent through the HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control policy according to whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0094] S102: When a 5G number is opened, DNN contract data is sent through UDM, and control policies are sent through PCF;

[0095] S103. When the NB number is opened, the second APN subscription data is sent through the HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control strategy according to whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0096] S104. Upload the billing message to NCG through SMF, and collect call records for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively on the NCG side through the preset call record collection strategy, and then perform billing according to the call record collection results.

[0097] The embodiment of the present invention proposes a 4G / 5G converged service bearing method based on the existing 4G and 5G network architecture, and the main ideas are as follows:

[0098] 1) Method for 4G account opening number to access the converged network element: The converged network element SMF is connected to the Gx interface and the N7 interface at the same time; the 4G APN distinguishes the Gx interface and the N7 interface through the IWK field; the existing numbers opened by HSS / PCRF do not carry the IWK field, and the MME fills the IWK field with 0 by default. When IWK=0 on the converged SMF, the Gx interface is selected, and the control policy is issued through the PCRF; the existing numbers opened by UDM / PCF carry the IWK field and are signed as 1. When IWK=1 on the converged SMF, the N7 interface is selected, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

[0099] 2) Method for accessing the integrated network element with a 5G account opening number: The DNN signed with a 5G number is separated from the 4G one. The 5G DNN uses the N7 interface by default, and the IWK field recognition is turned off under the DNN.

[0100] 3) Method for NB account opening number to access the converged network element: add an S11-U interface between the converged network element SMF and UPF; the PCC interface selection method for NB services is consistent with 4G, and the NB APN distinguishes the Gx interface and the N7 interface through the IWK field; the existing numbers opened by HSS / PCRF do not carry the IWK field, and the MME fills the IWK field with 0 by default. When IWK=0 on the converged SMF, the Gx interface is selected, and the control policy is issued through the PCRF; the existing numbers opened by UDM / PCF carry the IWK field and are signed as 1. When IWK=1 on the converged SMF, the N7 interface is selected, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

[0101] 4) Converged network element billing collection method: 5G DNN uses the N40 interface to maintain real-time control capabilities for billing; 4G APN and NB APN configure a dedicated offline bill path based on APN on NCG, and upload it to the IoT billing collection machine through the offline bill path. This method reduces the message interaction from 4G numbers to CHF and reduces the signaling processing load of CHF.

[0102] The embodiment of the present invention distinguishes different types of account opening numbers based on the IWK field of DNN subscription data and APN subscription data and connects them to the 4G / 5G converged network element, thereby realizing the continuous evolution of the network from 4G to 5G and the smooth migration of services. By presetting the call record collection strategy, offline call record paths are configured for 4G services and NB services, and abnormal call record paths are configured for 5G abnormal call records. This reduces the impact of the signaling load of the Internet of Things CHF when the 4G / 5G converged network element carries services, and improves the stability of the 4G / 5G converged service carrying.

[0103] like Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of step S101 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Figure 2 As an optional implementation, the 4G number includes an existing 4G number and a newly opened 4G number, the existing 4G number is opened in the HSS, and the newly opened 4G number is opened in the UDM, and the first APN subscription data is sent through the HSS or the UDM, which specifically includes:

[0104] S1011. When the existing 4G number is opened in HSS, the first APN subscription data is sent to MME through HSS. The first APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field.

[0105] S1012. When a new 4G number is opened in UDM, the first APN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM. The first APN subscription data carries an IWK field with a field value of 1.

[0106] like Figure 3 FIG. 1 is another step flow chart of step S101 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Figure 3 As an optional implementation, the PCRF or PCF is selected to issue a control strategy based on whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field, which specifically includes:

[0107] S1013. When the first APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field, the MME fills the IWK field with a field value of 0, and sends a first session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field;

[0108] S1014. When the first APN subscription data carries an IWK field, the MME extracts the IWK field with a field value of 1, and sends a first session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field.

[0109] S1015. Parse the first session establishment request through SMF to obtain an IWK field;

[0110] S1016. When the field value of the IWK field is 0, a control policy is requested from the Gx interface of the PCRF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCRF;

[0111] S1017. When the field value of the IWK field is 1, a control policy is requested from the N7 interface of the PCF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

[0112] Specifically, the 4G account opening number includes two parts: the existing number is opened in HSS / PCRF, and the new number is opened in UDM / PCF. The biggest difference between the two account opening methods is the control policy delivery interface: PCRF belongs to the 4G network element and only supports the Gx interface; PCF is a 5G network element and only supports the N7 interface. Because the IoT 4G service uses the same APN, in order to be compatible with the two types of control policy network element policy delivery interfaces, when UDM and HSS are used to open accounts, the interoperability parameter IWK is carried to control the selection of the control interface on the converged network element.

[0113] The converged network element SMF of the embodiment of the present invention configures both the Gx interface and the N7 interface, wherein the Gx interface requires the converged SMF to be connected to the DRA within the province, and the N7 interface requires the converged network element SMF to register the interface capability with the NRF within the province. The converged network element SMF side configures the IWK to be turned on under the 4G APN, and selects the Gx interface when IWK=0, and selects the N7 interface when IWK=1.

[0114] like Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the control policy request process for the existing 4G number provided in an embodiment of the present invention. When the existing number is opened in the HSS, the control policy is issued through the PCRF Gx interface. There is no IWK field in the APN subscription data issued by the HSS. The MME fills the field with 0 by default. The IWK under the 4G APN in the session establishment request message is 0, and the converged network element SMF sends a policy request message to the Gx interface.

[0115] like Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the control policy request process for a newly opened 4G number provided in an embodiment of the present invention. When the newly opened number opens an account in the UDM, the control policy is issued through the PCF N7 interface. The number contract IWK identifier for the 4G APN in the UDM is set, the IWK field in the APN contract data issued is 1, the IWK under the 4G APN in the session establishment request message is 1, and the converged network element SMF sends a policy request message to the N7 interface.

[0116] like Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of step S102 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Figure 4 As an optional implementation, the 5G number opens an account in the UDM, sends the DNN subscription data through the UDM, and sends the control strategy through the PCF, which specifically includes:

[0117] S1021. When the 5G number is accessed through 4G, the DNN subscription data is sent to the MME through the UDM, the IWK field is set to 1 through the MME, and a second session establishment request is sent to the SMF according to the IWK field, so that the SMF requests the control policy from the N7 interface of the PCF, and then sends the control policy through the PCF;

[0118] S1022. When a 5G number is accessed through 5G, the DNN contract data is sent to AMF through UDM, and AMF selects SMF based on the DNN contract data, and requests the control strategy from the N7 interface of PCF through SMF, and then sends the control strategy through PCF.

[0119] Specifically, 5G number accounts are opened in UDM and PCF, and the DNN used has a different name from the 4G APN. Therefore, it is relatively simple for 5G numbers to access converged network elements. All DNNs use the N7 interface request control strategy by default and turn off IWK field recognition.

[0120] like Figure 7 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the control policy request process for 5G numbers provided in an embodiment of the present invention. When 4G access is performed, the default contract interoperability switch IWK is set in UDM, the IWK field is set to 1 in MME, and is sent to the fused SMF through a session establishment request. The fused SMF queries the N7 interface request based on the DNN and sends a control policy request message to the PCF. When 5G access is performed, the AMF selects the SMF based on the DNN, and the SMF side sends a query request to the PCF based on the N7 interface policy under the DNN.

[0121] like Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of step S103 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Figure 8 As an optional implementation, the NB number includes an existing NB number and a newly opened NB number. The existing NB number is opened in the HSS, and the newly opened NB number is opened in the UDM. The S11-U interface is opened between the SMF and the UPF to transmit the user plane message of the NB service, and the second APN subscription data is sent through the HSS or UDM, which specifically includes:

[0122] S1031. When the existing NB number is opened in HSS, the second APN subscription data is sent to MME through HSS. The second APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field.

[0123] S1032. When a new NB number is opened in UDM, the second APN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM. The second APN subscription data carries an IWK field with a field value of 1.

[0124] like Fig. 9FIG. 1 is another step flow chart of step S103 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Fig. 9 As an optional implementation, the PCRF or PCF sends a control strategy based on whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field, which specifically includes:

[0125] S1033. When the second APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field, the MME fills the IWK field with a field value of 0, and sends a third session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field;

[0126] S1034. When the second APN subscription data carries an IWK field, the MME extracts the IWK field with a field value of 1, and sends a third session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field.

[0127] S1035, parsing the third session establishment request through SMF to obtain an IWK field;

[0128] S1036. When the field value of the IWK field is 0, a control policy is requested from the Gx interface of the PCRF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCRF;

[0129] S1037. When the field value of the IWK field is 1, a control policy is requested from the N7 interface of the PCF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

[0130] Specifically, the method of carrying NB through a converged network element is similar to the method of carrying 4G, and can be divided into two categories: opening an account through HSS / PCRF and opening an account through UDM / PCF. The APN for NB services is a dedicated APN, such as ctnb, etc. The IWK field is used to distinguish the selection of Gx and N7 interfaces. Under these APNs, the IWK field is turned on. When IWK=0, the Gx interface is selected, and when IWK=1, the N7 interface is selected. At the same time, because the NB service uses the NAS layer of 4G to transmit user plane messages, it is necessary to open the S11-U interface between the converged SMF and the converged UPF to transmit user plane messages for NB services.

[0131] like Fig.10 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the control policy request process for the existing NB number provided in an embodiment of the present invention. When the existing NB number is opened in the HSS, the control policy is issued through the PCRF Gx interface. There is no IWK field in the APN subscription data issued by the HSS. The MME fills the field with 0 by default. The IWK under the NB APN in the session establishment request message is 0, and the converged network element SMF sends a policy request message to the Gx interface.

[0132] like Fig.11The figure shows a schematic diagram of the control policy request process for a newly opened NB number provided in an embodiment of the present invention. When a newly opened NB number is opened in the UDM, the control policy is issued through the PCF N7 interface. The number contract IWK identifier given to the NB in ​​the UDM, the IWK field in the APN contract data issued is 1, the IWK under the NB APN in the session establishment request message is 1, and the converged network element SMF sends a policy request message to the N7 interface.

[0133] like Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of step S104 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Fig.12 As an optional implementation method, call bills are collected for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively through a preset call bill collection strategy, and then billing is performed according to the call bill collection results, which specifically includes:

[0134] S1041. Collect 5G normal call bills through SMF, and send the 5G normal call bills to the Internet of Things CHF through NCG, provincial SCP and centralized node SCP;

[0135] S1042. Collect 5G abnormal call records through SMF, and send the 5G abnormal call records to the abnormal call record collector through NCG and group IDEP;

[0136] S1043. Generate a billing file according to the 5G normal call bill and / or the 5G abnormal call bill, and send the billing file to the IoT billing system for real-time billing;

[0137] S1044. Collect 4G call bills and NB call bills through SMF, and convert them into offline call bills. Then send the offline call bills to the 4G and NB call bill collector of the Internet of Things billing system through NCG and group IDEP for offline billing.

[0138] Specifically, in the billing method of the converged network element, the SMF billing message of the converged network element is uploaded to the NCG using the N40 interface. Different call bill collection strategies are configured for different services on the NCG side. Because CHF is a real-time interactive network element for billing messages and carries a high number of concurrent users, the system overhead of CHF is large and the investment resources of the network element are high. For current services, 5G services have real-time billing control requirements, while the IoT 4G and NB services do not have strong requirements for real-time billing control. All 4G and NB services can be converted to offline call bills, which can reduce the load on the CHF side network elements.

[0139] like Fig.13The figure shows a schematic diagram of the billing collection process of the 4G / 5G converged network element provided by an embodiment of the present invention. For a normal 5G call bill, NCG sends it to the Internet of Things CHF of the Internet of Things BBC platform in the form of a billing message. The billing message transmission path is: SMF→NCG→provincial SCP→2B intensive node SCP→Internet of Things CHF; for an abnormal 5G call bill, NCG puts it in the abnormal call bill path in the form of an abnormal file, and the provincial billing collection system sends the call bill file to the group IDEP. The billing call bill path is: SMF→NCG→5G abnormal call bill path→group IEDP→5G abnormal call bill processor of the Internet of Things BBC platform; for 4G and NB call bills, policies are configured on NCG. Based on 4G APN and NB APN, they are forced to be converted to offline call bills and placed on a dedicated path for collection by the billing side. The billing call bill path is: SMF→NCG→4G and NB call bill path (offline call bill path)→group IEDP→4G and NB call bill collector of the Internet of Things billing system.

[0140] The above is a description of the method steps of the embodiment of the present invention. It can be recognized that the embodiment of the present invention distinguishes different types of account opening numbers based on the IWK field of the DNN contract data and the APN contract data and connects to the 4G / 5G converged network element, realizing the continuous evolution of the network from 4G to 5G and the smooth migration of services. By presetting the call record collection strategy, an offline call record path is configured for 4G services and NB services, and an abnormal call record path is configured for 5G abnormal call records, which reduces the impact of the signaling load of the Internet of Things CHF when the 4G / 5G converged network element carries services, and improves the stability of the 4G / 5G converged service carrying.

[0141] like Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 4G / 5G converged service carrying device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Fig.14 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a 4G / 5G converged service bearing device, including:

[0142] The first access module is used to send the first APN subscription data through HSS or UDM when the 4G number is opened, and select PCRF or PCF to send the control strategy according to whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0143] The second access module is used to issue DNN contract data through UDM when a 5G number is opened, and to issue control policies through PCF;

[0144] The third access module is used to send the second APN subscription data through HSS or UDM when the NB number is opened, and select PCRF or PCF to send the control strategy according to whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field;

[0145] The call billing module is used to upload the billing message to NCG through SMF, and collect call bills for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively on the NCG side according to the preset call bill collection strategy, and then perform billing according to the call bill collection results.

[0146] The contents of the above method embodiments are all applicable to the present device embodiments. The functions specifically implemented by the present device embodiments are the same as those of the above method embodiments, and the beneficial effects achieved are also the same as those achieved by the above method embodiments.

[0147] The embodiment of the present invention further provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a memory, a processor, a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and a data bus for realizing connection and communication between the processor and the memory, wherein the program is executed by the processor to realize the above-mentioned 4G / 5G converged service carrying method. The electronic device may be any intelligent terminal including a tablet computer, a vehicle-mounted computer, etc.

[0148] like Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. Fig.15 , an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, including:

[0149] The processor 1501 may be implemented by a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, and is used to execute relevant programs to implement the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0150] The memory 1502 can be implemented in the form of a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1502 can store an operating system and other applications. When the technical solution provided in the embodiment of this specification is implemented by software or firmware, the relevant program code is stored in the memory 1502, and the processor 1501 is called to execute the 4G / 5G converged service bearing method of the embodiment of the present invention;

[0151] Input / output interface 1503, used to implement information input and output;

[0152] Communication interface 1504, used to realize communication interaction between the device and other devices, which can be realized through wired mode (such as USB, network cable, etc.) or wireless mode (such as mobile network, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.);

[0153] A bus 1505 that transmits information between the various components of the device (e.g., the processor 1501, the memory 1502, the input / output interface 1503, and the communication interface 1504);

[0154] The processor 1501 , the memory 1502 , the input / output interface 1503 and the communication interface 1504 are connected to each other in communication within the device via the bus 1505 .

[0155] like Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.16 An embodiment of the present invention further provides a storage medium, which is a computer-readable storage medium used for computer-readable storage. The storage medium stores one or more programs 1601, and the one or more programs 1601 can be executed by one or more processors to implement the above-mentioned 4G / 5G converged service bearing method.

[0156] The memory, as a non-transient computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transient software programs and non-transient computer executable programs. In addition, the memory may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-transient memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-transient solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, the memory may optionally include a memory remotely disposed relative to the processor, and these remote memories may be connected to the processor via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0157] The embodiment of the present invention also discloses a computer program product or a computer program, wherein the computer program product or the computer program includes computer instructions, and the computer instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device can read the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes Figure 1 The method shown.

[0158] In some selectable embodiments, the function / operation mentioned in the block diagram may not occur in the order mentioned in the operation diagram. For example, depending on the function / operation involved, the two boxes shown in succession can actually be executed substantially simultaneously or the above-mentioned boxes can sometimes be executed in reverse order. In addition, the embodiment presented and described in the flow chart of the present invention is provided by way of example, for the purpose of providing a more comprehensive understanding of technology. The disclosed method is not limited to the operation and logic flow presented herein. Selectable embodiments are expected, wherein the order of various operations is changed and the sub-operation of a part for which is described as a larger operation is performed independently.

[0159] In addition, although the present invention is described in the context of functional modules, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, one or more of the above-mentioned functions and / or features can be integrated into a single physical device and / or software module, or one or more functions and / or features can be implemented in a separate physical device or software module. It is also understood that a detailed discussion of the actual implementation of each module is unnecessary for understanding the present invention. More specifically, in view of the properties, functions and internal relationships of the various functional modules in the device disclosed herein, the actual implementation of the module will be understood within the conventional skills of the engineer. Therefore, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention set forth in the claims without excessive experimentation using ordinary techniques. It is also understood that the specific concepts disclosed are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is determined by the full scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0160] If the above functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the above methods of each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0161] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, device or apparatus and execute instructions), or in conjunction with such instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transmit a program for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus, or in conjunction with such instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses.

[0162] More specific examples of computer-readable media (a non-exhaustive list) include the following: an electrical connection with one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk case (magnetic device), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber device, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may even be a paper or other suitable medium on which the above-mentioned program is printed, since the above-mentioned program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, deciphering or processing in other suitable ways as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0163] It should be understood that the various parts of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-mentioned embodiments, a plurality of steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or their combination: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function for a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0164] In the above description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment / example", "another embodiment / example" or "certain embodiments / examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0165] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0166] The above is a specific description of the preferred implementation of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art may make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without violating the spirit of the present invention. These equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included in the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A 4G / 5G converged service bearing method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: When a 4G number is opened, the first APN subscription data is sent through HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control policy based on whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field; When a 5G number is opened, DNN subscription data is sent through UDM, and control policies are sent through PCF; When the NB number is opened, the second APN subscription data is sent through HSS or UDM, and the PCRF or PCF is selected to send the control policy based on whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field; The billing message is uploaded to NCG through SMF, and the call records are collected for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively on the NCG side through the preset call record collection strategy, and then billing is performed based on the call record collection results.

2. A 4G / 5G converged service carrying method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 4G number includes an existing 4G number and a newly opened 4G number, the existing 4G number is opened in the HSS, and the newly opened 4G number is opened in the UDM, and the sending of the first APN subscription data through the HSS or the UDM specifically includes: When the existing 4G number opens an account in HSS, the first APN subscription data is sent to MME through HSS, and the first APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field; When the newly opened 4G number opens an account in UDM, the first APN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM, and the first APN subscription data carries an IWK field with a field value of 1.

3. A 4G / 5G converged service bearing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The selecting of the PCRF or PCF to issue a control strategy based on whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field specifically includes: When the first APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field, the MME fills in the IWK field with a field value of 0, and sends a first session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field; When the first APN subscription data carries an IWK field, the IWK field with a field value of 1 is extracted by the MME, and a first session establishment request is sent to the SMF according to the IWK field; Parsing the first session establishment request through SMF to obtain an IWK field; When the field value of the IWK field is 0, the control policy is requested from the Gx interface of the PCRF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued by the PCRF; When the field value of the IWK field is 1, the control policy is requested from the N7 interface of the PCF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

4. A 4G / 5G converged service bearing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The 5G number opens an account in UDM, the DNN subscription data is sent through UDM, and the control strategy is sent through PCF, which specifically includes: When the 5G number is accessed through 4G, the DNN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM, the IWK field is set to 1 through MME, and a second session establishment request is sent to SMF according to the IWK field, so that SMF requests a control policy from the N7 interface of PCF, and then sends the control policy through PCF; When the 5G number is accessed through 5G, the DNN contract data is sent to AMF through UDM, AMF selects SMF based on the DNN contract data, and requests the control strategy from the N7 interface of PCF through SMF, and then the control strategy is sent through PCF.

5. A 4G / 5G converged service bearing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The NB number includes an existing NB number and a newly opened NB number, the existing NB number is opened in the HSS, and the newly opened NB number is opened in the UDM, an S11-U interface is opened between the SMF and the UPF for transmitting a user plane message of the NB service, and the second APN subscription data is sent through the HSS or the UDM, which specifically includes: When the existing NB number is opened in the HSS, the second APN subscription data is sent to the MME through the HSS, and the second APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field; When the newly opened NB number opens an account in UDM, the second APN subscription data is sent to MME through UDM, and the second APN subscription data carries an IWK field with a field value of 1.

6. A 4G / 5G converged service bearing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The selecting of the PCRF or PCF to issue a control strategy based on whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field specifically includes: When the second APN subscription data does not carry the IWK field, the MME fills in the IWK field with a field value of 0, and sends a third session establishment request to the SMF according to the IWK field; When the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field, the IWK field with a field value of 1 is extracted by the MME, and a third session establishment request is sent to the SMF according to the IWK field; Parsing the third session establishment request through SMF to obtain an IWK field; When the field value of the IWK field is 0, the control policy is requested from the Gx interface of the PCRF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued by the PCRF; When the field value of the IWK field is 1, the control policy is requested from the N7 interface of the PCF through the SMF, and the control policy is issued through the PCF.

7. A 4G / 5G converged service bearing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method collects call bills for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively through a preset call bill collection strategy, and then charges according to the call bill collection results, which specifically includes: Collect 5G normal call bills through SMF, and send the 5G normal call bills to the Internet of Things CHF through NCG, provincial SCP and centralized node SCP; Collect 5G abnormal call records through SMF, and send the 5G abnormal call records to the abnormal call record collector through NCG and group IDEP; Generate a billing file according to the 5G normal call bill and / or the 5G abnormal call bill, and send the billing file to the Internet of Things billing system for real-time billing; 4G call bills and NB call bills are collected through SMF, and the 4G call bills and NB call bills are converted into offline call bills, and then the offline call bills are sent to the 4G and NB call bill collectors of the Internet of Things billing system through NCG and the group IDEP for offline billing.

8. A 4G / 5G converged service bearing device, characterized in that: include: The first access module is used to send the first APN subscription data through HSS or UDM when the 4G number is opened, and select PCRF or PCF to send the control strategy according to whether the first APN subscription data carries the IWK field; The second access module is used to issue DNN subscription data through UDM when a 5G number is opened, and to issue control policies through PCF; The third access module is used to send the second APN subscription data through HSS or UDM when the NB number is opened, and select PCRF or PCF to send the control strategy according to whether the second APN subscription data carries the IWK field; The call billing module is used to upload the billing message to NCG through SMF, and collect call bills for 4G services, 5G services and NB services respectively on the NCG side according to the preset call bill collection strategy, and then perform billing according to the call bill collection results.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and a data bus for realizing connection and communication between the processor and the memory. When the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the 4G / 5G converged service bearing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 are realized.

10. A storage medium, the storage medium being a computer-readable storage medium, used for computer-readable storage, characterized in that: The storage medium stores one or more programs, and the one or more programs can be executed by one or more processors to implement the steps of the 4G / 5G converged service bearing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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