Network slice request method and device, communication equipment and chip

Abstract

The invention provides a network slice request method and device, communication equipment and a chip, and relates to the technical field of 5G slices. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring priorities of a plurality of candidate single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAIs); according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, a network slice request list is determined, and the network slice request list comprises the S-NSSAI expected by the terminal to be used for the target service flow; a network slice request list is sent to the network device, the network slice request list is used for assisting the network device in determining a first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list comprises the S-NSSAI used by the network device permitting the terminal for the target service flow. According to the scheme provided by the invention, the network slice request list is determined based on the priorities of the plurality of S-NSSAIs, so that negotiation with the network according to the sequence of the priorities can be realized in a scene that a user or a terminal has too many slice demands and has differentiation, the user experience is improved, and meanwhile, the differentiated service demand quality of the terminal is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of Internet technology, and in particular to a network slicing request method, apparatus, communication equipment and chip. Background Art

[0002] Network slicing request technology refers to the process in which a terminal device sends a request to a network device in a communication network, requesting customized network slicing services. However, the existing network slicing request technology is difficult to consider the service flow's demand for the priority of single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), and cannot prioritize the request for S-NSSAI corresponding to high-priority service flows, resulting in a decrease in user network experience and a decrease in the quality of terminal differentiated service needs. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a network slice request method, apparatus, communication equipment and chip, which can determine a network slice request list according to the priority of S-NSSAI to solve the problems in related technologies, improve the user network experience, and improve the quality of differentiated terminal service requirements.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a network slice request method, the method comprising:

[0005] Obtaining priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI;

[0006] Determine a network slice request list according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, where the network slice request list includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow;

[0007] A network slice request list is sent to the network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining a first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list includes an S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow.

[0008] In some embodiments, the priority of obtaining multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI includes at least one of the following:

[0009] Obtaining priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs from a first storage space of the terminal;

[0010] Obtaining priorities of multiple S-NSSAI candidates from a second storage space of a third-party device;

[0011] A priority configuration instruction is obtained, where the priority configuration instruction is used to indicate the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, or to indicate the priorities of one or more application programs to which the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs belong.

[0012] In some embodiments, determining the network slice request list according to the priorities of the plurality of candidate S-NSSAIs comprises:

[0013] Determine whether there is a network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list, wherein the network slice configuration list includes the S-NSSAI supported under the public land mobile network PLMN configured by the network device, and the second network slice allowed list includes the S-NSSAI allowed by the network device for the terminal to use for the historical service flow;

[0014] If present, determine the network slice request list according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list;

[0015] If it does not exist, multiple candidate S-NSSAIs are placed in the network slice request list in descending order of their priorities.

[0016] In some embodiments, determining the network slice request list according to the priorities of the plurality of candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list comprises:

[0017] In descending order of priority of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, traverse the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in turn, and determine whether the current candidate S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list;

[0018] If there is a match, the current candidate S-NSSAI is put into the network slice request list until multiple candidate S-NSSAIs are traversed or the network slice request list is filled;

[0019] If there is no match, the current candidate S-NSSAI is used as the pending S-NSSAI.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method provided by the present disclosure further comprises:

[0021] In the first case, the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list is placed in the network slice request list until the network slice request list is filled.

[0022] Among them, the first situation is that multiple candidate S-NSSAI traversal is completed and the network slice request list is not filled.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method provided by the present disclosure further comprises:

[0024] In the second case, the pending S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list in descending order of priority until the network slice request list is filled.

[0025] Among them, the second situation is that the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list has been placed in the network slice request list and the network slice request list is not filled.

[0026] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a network slice request device, the device comprising:

[0027] An acquiring unit, configured to acquire priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI;

[0028] A determining unit, configured to determine a network slice request list based on the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, wherein the network slice request list includes an S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for a target service flow;

[0029] A sending unit is used to send a network slice request list to a network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining a first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list includes an S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for a target service flow.

[0030] The third aspect embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions are used to enable a computer to execute the method described in the first aspect embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The fourth 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 of the present disclosure.

[0032] The fifth aspect embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a chip, which includes one or more interfaces and one or more processors; the interface is used to receive signals from a memory of a communication device and send signals to the processor, the signals include computer instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the computer instructions, the communication device executes the method described in the first aspect embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] In summary, according to the network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure, the method includes: obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI; determining a network slice request list according to the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, wherein the network slice request list includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow; sending the network slice request list to the network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining the first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow. The scheme of the present disclosure determines the network slice request list based on the priorities of multiple S-NSSAIs, and uses the determined network slice request list to send a request to the network, so that in a scenario where the terminal has too many and differentiated slice demands, negotiation with the network can be performed in order of priority, thereby improving the user experience and the quality of differentiated terminal service demands.

[0034] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The drawings herein are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and together with the description are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure, and do not constitute improper limitations on the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 A flowchart of a network slice request method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3 A flowchart of another network slice request method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a structure for obtaining S-NSSAI priority in a network slice request method provided for an application example of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5 A flowchart of another network slice request method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 6 A flowchart of another network slice request method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 7 A flowchart of another network slice request method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 8 A flowchart of a network slice request method provided for an example application of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network slice request device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure 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 intended to be used to explain the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0048] Network slicing request technology refers to the process in which a terminal device sends a request to a network device in a 5G network, requesting customized network slicing services. However, the existing network slicing request technology is difficult to consider the service flow's demand for S-NSSAI priority, and cannot prioritize the request for S-NSSAI corresponding to high-priority service flows, resulting in a reduced user network experience and a decline in the quality of differentiated service needs of terminals.

[0049] Network slicing request is an important direction in the field of 5G slicing technology. When a user wants a user-configured application (Application, APP) / service flow to be transmitted based on a certain S-NSSAI, differentiated services need to be provided based on the specific S-NSSAI. When the terminal cannot guarantee that the S-NSSAI is in the allowed S-NSSAI list or cannot prioritize the S-NSSAI to which the high-priority APP / service flow belongs, it will affect the user experience and reduce the quality of the terminal's differentiated service needs.

[0050] Therefore, in order to solve the problems existing in the related technology, the present disclosure proposes a network slicing request scheme, by determining a network slicing request list based on the priorities of multiple S-NSSAIs, and using the determined network slicing request list to send a request to the network. In this way, in a scenario where users or terminals have excessive and differentiated slicing requirements, negotiation with the network can be carried out in order of priority, thereby improving user experience and the quality of differentiated terminal service requirements.

[0051] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 may include at least one of a terminal 101 , an access network device 102 , and a core network device 103 .

[0052] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited to these.

[0053] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a NodeB (NB), a Home NodeB (HNB), a Home evolved NodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a Radio Network Controller (RNC), a Base Station Controller (BSC), a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), a Base Band Unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (OpenRAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure may be applicable to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces may be implemented through software or programs.

[0055] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU may also be referred to as a control unit (Control Unit). The CU-DU structure may be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with some functions of the protocol layer being centrally controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the functions of the protocol layer being distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0056] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a device including a first network element 1031. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0057] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 is used to provide access and mobility management functions, such as access and mobility management functions (Access and Mobility Management Function, referred to as AMF).

[0058] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. A person of ordinary skill in the art can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0059] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system 100, or a portion thereof, is shown but is not limited thereto. Figure 1 The various entities shown are examples, and the communication system may include Figure 1 All or part of the subject, and may also include Figure 1 For entities other than the above, the number and form of each entity are arbitrary, and the connection relationship between the entities is an example. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, which may be direct or indirect, and may be wired or wireless.

[0060] Figure 2 A flowchart of a network slice request method provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, the network slice request method is executed by the terminal 101 in the communication system 100. The method includes steps 201-203.

[0061] Step 201: Obtain the priority of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI.

[0062] In some embodiments, the single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI is used to help devices or users select appropriate network slices in a specific network environment. It contains information about specific service types and slice distinctions. Through S-NSSAI, devices or users can obtain personalized and customized network services that suit their needs.

[0063] In some embodiments, the priority of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI can be obtained locally from the terminal, or from other devices, such as from a network device or from a third-party device, which is not limited by the present disclosure. For example, the terminal can pre-make an S-NSSAI priority list, for example, it can be placed in the terminal's memory / flash memory, or somewhere else, for the terminal to use. For example, the terminal can obtain the S-NSSAI priority configured by the network. For example, the terminal can obtain the S-NSSAI priority from the memory / flash memory of a third-party device.

[0064] Optionally, in some embodiments, the user can configure the priority of an application (Application, APP for short), and specify the priority of the S-NSSAI to which each traffic flow (Traffic Flow) under the APP belongs.

[0065] Optionally, in some embodiments, a priority indication may be added to the S-NSSAI in the route selection descriptor (RSD) of the user route selection policy (UE Route Selection Policy, URSP), so that the network can more conveniently and dynamically configure the S-NSSAI priority for the terminal.

[0066] In some embodiments, URSP is the core rule for configuring and managing slices for terminals, describing the association between business flows from business applications and slices.

[0067] In some embodiments, RSD is used to describe the slice S-NSSAI and other communication routing characteristics used by the service flow that conforms to the service flow description.

[0068] Step 202: Determine a network slice request list based on the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs.

[0069] In some embodiments, the network slice request list is a list of network slice subscription identifiers requested by the terminal when establishing a connection with the network, which includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method for determining a network slice request list includes:

[0071] The terminal traverses the priority list of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs. Every time an S-NSSAI is traversed, it needs to match it with the S-NSSAI in the existing configured NSSAI list and / or allowed NSSAI list. If the match is successful, the current S-NSSAI is added to the network request list. If the configured NSSAI list and / or allowed NSSAI list does not exist, the currently traversed S-NSSAI is directly added to the network request list.

[0072] In some embodiments, the configured NSSAI list is the configured NSSAI corresponding to each public land mobile network (PLMN), with a maximum of 16 S-NSSAI slices, which are mainly used to specify which network slices the terminal can access.

[0073] In some embodiments, the allowed NSSAI list is a list of slices allowed by the current network, up to 8 in number, and is mainly used to inform the terminal which network slices are available in the current environment.

[0074] In some embodiments, the PLMN is mainly used to provide high-quality mobile communication services to terminals, which are characterized by large-scale coverage, a wide range of business types, interconnection and interoperability, and support for unified standards.

[0075] Step 203: Send a network slice request list to the network device.

[0076] In some embodiments, the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining the first network slice allowed list.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first network slice allowed list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow.

[0078] In summary, according to the network slice request method disclosed in the present invention, the method includes: obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI; determining a network slice request list according to the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, wherein the network slice request list includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow; sending the network slice request list to the network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining the first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow. The scheme disclosed in the present invention determines the network slice request list based on the priorities of multiple S-NSSAIs, and sends a request to the network by determining the network slice request list, so that in the scenario where the user or terminal has too many and differentiated slice requirements, it can be negotiated with the network in the order of priority, thereby improving the user experience and the quality of differentiated terminal service requirements.

[0079] Figure 3 The flowchart of a network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure is further shown. Figure 2 The embodiment shown, Figure 3 Further description of step 201 includes the following steps.

[0080] Step 301: Obtain priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs from a first storage space of a terminal.

[0081] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in block diagram 401 , the terminal configures the priority of the APP and places the qualified S-NSSAI into the network allowed slice list as shown in block diagram 402 .

[0082] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in the application example, if: APP-1 priority>APP-2>…>APP-n, and the S-NSSAI to which the Traffic in each APP belongs: S-NSSAI-1>S-NSSAI-2>…>S-NSSAI-n, then the device can obtain an S-NSSAI priority list: S-NSSAI-1>S-NSSAI-2>…>S-NSSAI-n>…>S-NSSAI-(n+m+2)>…>S-NSSAI-(n+m+f). Traverse according to the priority in the list and put the S-NSSAI that meets the conditions into the network allowed slice list.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first storage space may refer to a local memory / flash memory of the terminal, and the terminal may pre-store priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs locally.

[0084] Step 302: Obtain priorities of multiple S-NSSAI candidates from the second storage space of the third-party device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second storage space of the third-party device refers to the memory / flash memory of the third-party device, which is used by the device to obtain the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs.

[0086] Step 303: Obtain priority configuration instructions.

[0087] In some embodiments, the priority configuration instruction is used to indicate the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, or to indicate the priorities of one or more applications to which the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs belong.

[0088] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned rules for obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs may be implemented separately or in combination.

[0089] In some embodiments, a separate implementation of a rule for obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs includes:

[0090] The S-NSSAI priority list is directly pre-made and placed in the first storage space of the terminal for the device to obtain and use.

[0091] In some embodiments, a combination of rules for obtaining priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs may include:

[0092] A portion of the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs is directly pre-configured and placed in the first storage space of the terminal, and a portion of the S-NSSAI is dynamically configured by adding a priority indication to the S-NSSAI in the RSD of the URSP, and then placed in the first storage space of the terminal, and the priority of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs is configured in combination for the device to obtain and use. The URSP may be pre-configured or configured by the network device for the terminal, and this is not limited.

[0093] In summary, according to the network slice request method disclosed in the present invention, the method includes: obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs from the first storage space of the terminal; obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs from the second storage space of the third-party device; and obtaining priority configuration instructions. This solution obtains the priorities of multiple candidate S-NS SAIs from the corresponding storage spaces of different devices to obtain priority configuration instructions, so that in scenarios where the user or terminal slice requirements are excessive and differentiated, negotiation with the network can be carried out in the order of priority, thereby improving the user experience and the quality of differentiated terminal service requirements.

[0094] Figure 5The flowchart of a network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure is further shown. Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment further describes step 202, which includes the following steps.

[0095] Step 501: Determine whether there is a network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second network slice allowed list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for historical service flows.

[0097] In some embodiments, the S-NSSAI used by the historical service flow refers to the S-NSSAI that has been allowed in the established Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0098] In some embodiments, a PDU session refers to a logical connection established between a terminal and a core network. It provides an independent transmission channel for transmitting a specific type of data traffic or implementing a specific service. Typically, a user device can establish multiple PDU sessions at the same time. Each PDU session corresponds to a different type of communication demand or service, has independent characteristics and configuration parameters, and can provide customized network services based on user needs and application scenarios.

[0099] Step 502: If present, determine the network slice request list based on the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list.

[0100] In some embodiments, if there is a network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list, the priority of the S-NSSAI is traversed in descending order, and the traversed S-NSSAI is matched with the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list, and the successfully matched S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list, thereby determining the network slice request list.

[0101] Step 503: If it does not exist, multiple candidate S-NSSAIs are put into the network slice request list in descending order of their priorities.

[0102] In some embodiments, if there is no network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list, and the network slice request list has not been filled, the S-NSSAIs traversed in descending order are placed in the network slice request list in sequence.

[0103] In summary, according to the network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure, the method includes: determining whether there is a network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list; if so, determining a network slice request list according to the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list; if not, placing multiple candidate S-NSSAIs into the network slice request list in descending order of their priorities. The scheme of the present disclosure lays the foundation for determining the accuracy of the network slice request list by determining whether there is a network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list, and then determining the network slice request list.

[0104] Figure 6 The flowchart of a network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure is further shown. Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment further describes step 502 and includes the following steps.

[0105] Step 601: traverse multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in descending order of their priorities, and determine whether the current candidate S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list.

[0106] In some embodiments, the terminal first traverses multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in descending order of priority. If the network slice configuration list exists and the traversed S-NSSAI exists in the network slice configuration list, the S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list. If the network slice configuration list does not exist, the second network slice permission list exists, and the traversed S-NSSAI exists in the second network slice permission list, the S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list. If neither the network slice configuration list nor the second network slice permission list exists, continue to traverse the next S-NSSAI.

[0107] Step 602: If there is a match, the current candidate S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list until multiple candidate S-NSSAIs are traversed or the network slice request list is filled.

[0108] In some embodiments, if the currently traversed S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list, the currently traversed S-NSSAI is directly placed in the network slice request list until multiple candidate S-NSSAI traversal is completed or until the network slice request list is filled.

[0109] Step 603: If there is no match, the current candidate S-NSSAI is used as the pending S-NSSAI.

[0110] In some embodiments, if the currently traversed S-NSSAI does not match the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list, the currently traversed S-NSSAI is used as the pending S-NSSAI, is not put into the network slice request list, and the descending traversal continues.

[0111] In some embodiments, if multiple candidate S-NSSAIs do not match the S-NSSAIs in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list, and multiple candidate S-NSSAI priority lists have been traversed, if the network slice request list is not filled at this time, the pending S-NSSAIs are placed in the network slice request list in sequence.

[0112] In summary, according to the network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure, the method includes: traversing multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in descending order of priority of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in turn, and determining whether the current candidate S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice permission list; if matched, the current candidate S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list until the traversal of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs is completed or until the network slice request list is filled; if not matched, the current candidate S-NSSAI is used as the pending S-NSSAI. The method of the present disclosure implements the screening of S-NSSAI in the network slice request list by traversing multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in descending order of priority, placing the S-NSSAI that matches the current S-NSSAI in the network slice request list, and using the unmatched S-NSSAI as the pending S-NSSAI, thereby further ensuring the accuracy of the S-NSSAI in the network slice request list.

[0113] Figure 7 A flowchart of a network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure is further shown. Based on the above embodiment, the method may also include at least one of the following steps.

[0114] Step 701. In the first case, the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list is placed in the network slice request list until the network slice request list is filled.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first case is that multiple candidate S-NSSAI traversal is completed and the network slice request list is not filled.

[0116] In some embodiments, if the S-NSSAI in the traversal list and the S-NSSAI matching the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice permission list are put into the network slice request list, and the network slice request list is still not filled, step 702 will be executed, otherwise it will not be executed further and the placement operation will be terminated directly.

[0117] Step 702. In the second case, the pending S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list in descending order of priority until the network slice request list is filled.

[0118] In some embodiments, the second situation is that the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list has been placed in the network slice request list and the network slice request list is not filled.

[0119] In summary, according to the network slice request method proposed in the present disclosure, the method includes: in the first case, the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice permission list is placed in the network slice request list until the network slice request list is full; in the second case, the pending S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list in descending order of priority until the network slice request list is full. The scheme of the present disclosure further improves the quality of the network slice request list by determining the fullness of the network slice request list, thereby realizing the fullness processing of the network slice request list.

[0120] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 A flowchart of a network slice request method provided for an example application of the present disclosure includes the following steps:

[0121] Step 801: Obtain priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI;

[0122] Step 802: traverse the plurality of candidate S-NSSAIs in descending order of their priorities;

[0123] If S-NSSAI is found, go to step 803;

[0124] If the S-NSSAI cannot be traversed, proceed to step 808;

[0125] Step 803: Determine whether there is a network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list;

[0126] If yes, proceed to step 804;

[0127] If not, proceed to step 806;

[0128] Step 804, the network slice configuration list exists, and the current S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list.

[0129] If there is a match, proceed to step 805;

[0130] If there is no match, proceed to step 806;

[0131] Step 805, put this S-NSSAI into the network slice request list;

[0132] Step 806, the second network slice allow list exists, and the current S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the second network slice allow list;

[0133] If there is a match, proceed to step 807;

[0134] If there is no match, return to step 802 to traverse the S-NSSAI again;

[0135] Step 807, put this S-NSSAI into the network slice request list;

[0136] Step 808, put the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allow list into the network slice request list until the network slice request list is full;

[0137] Step 809, put the pending S-NSSAI into the network slice request list in descending order of priority until the network slice request list is full.

[0138] The solution of the present disclosure determines the network slice request list through the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, so that in a scenario where the slice requirements of users or terminals are excessive and differentiated, negotiation with the network can be carried out in the order of priority, improving the user experience and meeting the quality requirements of terminal differentiated services.

[0139] Therefore, the present solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0140] 1. By obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice request list is determined, so that in a scenario where the slice requirements of users or terminals are excessive and differentiated, negotiation with the network can be carried out in the order of priority, improving the user experience and meeting the quality requirements of terminal differentiated services.

[0141] 2. By screening the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allow list for determining the network slice request list, the certainty of the S-NSSAI in the network slice request list is further improved, laying a foundation for finally sending the network slice request list to the network device.

[0142] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network slice request device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the network slice request device 900 includes:

[0143] An acquiring unit 901 is configured to acquire priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI;

[0144] A determining unit 902 is used to determine a network slice request list based on the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, wherein the network slice request list includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow;

[0145] The sending unit 903 is used to send a network slice request list to the network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining a first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list includes an S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow.

[0146] The present disclosure provides a network slice request method, apparatus, communication equipment and chip, the method comprising: obtaining the priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI; determining a network slice request list according to the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAI, wherein the network slice request list includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow; sending the network slice request list to the network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining a first network slice permission list, wherein the first network slice permission list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow. The scheme of the present disclosure determines the network slice request list based on the priorities of multiple S-NSSAIs, and sends a request to the network by using the determined network slice request list, so that in a scenario where the user or terminal has too many and differentiated slice requirements, negotiation with the network can be carried out in the order of priority, thereby improving the user experience and the quality of differentiated terminal service requirements.

[0147] In some embodiments, the acquisition unit 901 is also used to obtain the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs from the first storage space of the terminal; obtain the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs from the second storage space of the third-party device; and obtain priority configuration instructions, the priority configuration instructions being used to indicate the priorities of multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, or to indicate the priorities of one or more applications to which the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs belong.

[0148] In some embodiments, the determining unit 902 is further used to determine whether there is a network slice configuration list and / or a second network slice allowed list, wherein the network slice configuration list includes the S-NSSAI supported under the public land mobile network PLMN configured by the network device, and the second network slice allowed list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the historical service flow;

[0149] If present, determine the network slice request list according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list;

[0150] If it does not exist, multiple candidate S-NSSAIs are placed in the network slice request list in descending order of their priorities.

[0151] In some embodiments, the determining unit 902 is further configured to traverse the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in descending order of priority of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, and determine whether the current candidate S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list;

[0152] If there is a match, the current candidate S-NSSAI is put into the network slice request list until multiple candidate S-NSSAIs are traversed or the network slice request list is filled;

[0153] If there is no match, the current candidate S-NSSAI is used as the pending S-NSSAI.

[0154] In some embodiments, the determining unit 902 is further used to, in the first case, put the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list into the network slice request list until the network slice request list is filled.

[0155] Among them, the first situation is that multiple candidate S-NSSAI traversal is completed and the network slice request list is not filled.

[0156] In some embodiments, the determining unit 902 is further configured to, in the second case, place the pending S-NSSAI in the network slice request list in descending order of priority until the network slice request list is filled.

[0157] Among them, the second situation is that the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list has been placed in the network slice request list and the network slice request list is not filled.

[0158] Since the device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure corresponds to the methods provided in the above-mentioned embodiments, the implementation of the method is also applicable to the device provided in the embodiment and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0159] Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 may be a network device, or a terminal device, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the network device to implement the above method, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the terminal device to implement the above method. The device may be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment, and the details may refer to the description in the above method embodiment.

[0160] The communication device 1000 may include one or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, etc. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute a computer program, and process the data of the computer program.

[0161] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more memories 1002, on which a computer program 1004 may be stored, and the processor 1001 executes the computer program 1004 so that the communication device 1000 performs the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, data may also be stored in the memory 1002. The communication device 1000 and the memory 1002 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0162] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1005 and an antenna 1006. The transceiver 1005 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, etc., for implementing a transceiver function. The transceiver 1005 may include a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver may be referred to as a receiver or a receiving circuit, etc., for implementing a receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or a transmitting circuit, etc., for implementing a transmitting function.

[0163] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more interface circuits 1007. The interface circuit 1007 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1001. The processor 901 executes the code instructions to enable the communication device 1000 to execute the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0164] In one implementation, the processor 1001 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and sending functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing the receiving and sending functions may be separate or integrated. The above-mentioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or the above-mentioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0165] In one implementation, the processor 1001 may store a computer program 1003, which runs on the processor 1001 and enables the communication device 1000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. The computer program 1003 may be fixed in the processor 1001, in which case the processor 1001 may be implemented by hardware.

[0166] In one implementation, the communication device 1000 may include a circuit that can implement the functions of sending or receiving or communicating in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in the present application can be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC, a mixed signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal oxide semiconductor (nMetal-oxide-semiconductor, NMOS), P-type metal oxide semiconductor (positive channelmetal oxide semiconductor, PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (bipolar junction transistor, BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0167] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal device, but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may not be limited thereto. Fig. 9 The communication device may be a stand-alone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0168] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0169] (2) having a set of one or more ICs, and optionally, the IC set may also include a storage component for storing data and computer programs;

[0170] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0171] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0172] (5) Receivers, terminal devices, intelligent terminal devices, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc.;

[0173] (6)Others

[0174] For the case where the communication device may be a chip or a chip system, see Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the chip structure shown.

[0175] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a chip, such as Fig.11 The chip shown includes a processor 1101 and an interface 1102. The number of processors 1101 may be one or more, and the number of interfaces 1102 may be multiple. The interface 1102 is used to receive signals and send signals to the processor 1101. The signal is a computer instruction, and when the processor 1101 is used to execute the computer instruction, the communication device executes the network slice request method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions are used to enable a computer to execute the method described in the above embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0177] Those skilled in the art may also appreciate that the various illustrative logic blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. Whether such functions are implemented by hardware or software depends on the design requirements of the specific application and the entire system. Those skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be understood as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0178] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0179] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples" or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments or examples 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.

[0180] Any process or method description in a flowchart or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a specific logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention includes alternative implementations in which functions may not be performed in the order shown or discussed, including performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order depending on the functions involved, which should be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention belong.

[0181] 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 processing module, or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, device or apparatus and execute instructions), or in combination with these 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 combination with these instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. More specific examples of computer-readable media (a non-exhaustive list) include the following: an electrical connection with one or more wires (control method), a portable computer disk box (magnetic device), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable and programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a fiber optic device, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may even be paper or other suitable medium on which the program is printed, since the program may be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium and then editing, interpreting or otherwise processing in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0182] It should be understood that the various parts of the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple 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.

[0183] A person skilled in the art may understand that all or part of the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment method 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.

[0184] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present invention 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. The above-mentioned storage medium may be a read-only memory, a disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0185] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A network slice request method, It is characterized in that The method comprises: Obtaining priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI; Determine a network slice request list according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, wherein the network slice request list includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow; The network slice request list is sent to the network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining a first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The priority of obtaining the plurality of candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI includes at least one of the following: Acquire, from a first storage space of the terminal, priorities of the plurality of candidate S-NSSAIs; Acquire, from a second storage space of the third-party device, priorities of the plurality of candidate S-NSSAIs; Obtain a priority configuration instruction, where the priority configuration instruction is used to indicate the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, or to indicate the priorities of one or more applications to which the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs belong.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The determining, according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, a network slice request list comprises: Determine whether the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list exist, wherein the network slice configuration list includes the S-NSSAI supported under the public land mobile network PLMN configured by the network device, and the second network slice allowed list includes the S-NSSAI allowed by the network device to be used by the terminal for the historical service flow; If it is determined that the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list exist, the network slice request list is determined according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list.

4. The method according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: If it is determined that the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice permission list does not exist, the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs are placed in the network slice request list in descending order of their priorities.

5. The method according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The determining, according to the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list, the network slice request list comprises: In descending order of priority of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, traverse the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs in turn, and determine whether the current candidate S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list; If the current candidate S-NSSAI matches the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list, the current candidate S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list until the traversal of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs is completed or until the network slice request list is filled.

6. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: If the current candidate S-NSSAI does not match the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list, the current candidate S-NSSAI is used as the pending S-NSSAI.

7. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: In the first case, the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list is placed in the network slice request list until the network slice request list is filled, Among them, the first situation is that the traversal of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs is completed and the network slice request list is not filled.

8. The method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: In the second case, the pending S-NSSAI is placed in the network slice request list in descending order of priority until the network slice request list is filled. The second situation is that the S-NSSAI in the network slice configuration list and / or the second network slice allowed list has been placed in the network slice request list and the network slice request list is not filled.

9. A network slice request device, It is characterized in that include: An acquiring unit, configured to acquire priorities of multiple candidate single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI; A determining unit, configured to determine a network slice request list based on the priorities of the multiple candidate S-NSSAIs, wherein the network slice request list includes the S-NSSAI that the terminal expects to use for the target service flow; A sending unit is used to send the network slice request list to the network device, wherein the network slice request list is used to assist the network device in determining a first network slice permission list, and the first network slice permission list includes the S-NSSAI that the network device allows the terminal to use for the target service flow.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, It is characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

11. A communication device comprising a storage medium, a processor, and a computer program stored on the storage medium and executable on the processor, It is characterized in that When the processor executes the computer program, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

12. A chip, It is characterized in that The invention comprises one or more interfaces and one or more processors; the interface is used to receive a signal from a memory of a communication device and send the signal to the processor, wherein the signal includes a computer instruction stored in the memory; when the processor executes the computer instruction, the communication device executes the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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