Network sharing method and device, equipment and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a network sharing method and device, equipment and a computer readable storage medium. A first operator is an operator providing shared resources, a second operator is an operator participating in sharing, in the embodiment of the application, a core network element of the first operator is connected with a core network element of the second operator, and a signing terminal of the second operator is connected with a core network of the first operator through an access network of the first operator. The core network of the second operator does not need to be directly connected with the access network of the first operator, so that the system complexity is reduced on the premise of realizing network sharing. Moreover, the network element of the core network of the first operator shares the network interaction information of the signed terminal of the second operator to the network element of the core network of the first operator, so that the first operator provides business service for the signed terminal of the first operator according to the network interaction information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a network sharing method, apparatus, device, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In mobile communication technologies, the system architecture generally includes an access network that directly communicates with user equipment, and a core network connected to the access network. In application scenarios where network upgrade or network coverage improvement is required, a shared network solution may be used. The shared network solutions proposed in related technologies include two types. One is that multiple operators only share the access network while the core networks are independent; the other is that multiple operators share not only the access network but also some core network elements. However, regardless of which solution is adopted, the core network of each operator needs to be connected to the shared access network, that is, one access network is connected to multiple core networks. This will result in a large number of interfaces between the shared access network and the core networks of multiple operators, increasing the complexity of the system and thus reducing the stability of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above technical problems, embodiments of the present application provide a network sharing method, apparatus, device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network sharing method, which is applied to a core network element of a first operator. The core network element of the first operator is connected to a core network element of a second operator. The method includes: after a subscribed terminal of the second operator communicates with the access network of the first operator, obtaining network interaction information of the subscribed terminal; and sharing the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal with the core network element of the second operator.

[0005] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network sharing apparatus, which is applied to a core network element of a first operator. The core network element of the first operator is connected to a core network element of a second operator. The apparatus includes: a first obtaining module configured to obtain network interaction information of a subscribed terminal after the subscribed terminal of the second operator communicates with the access network of the first operator; and a sharing module configured to share the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal with the core network element of the second operator.

[0006] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another network sharing method, which is applied to a core network element of a second operator. The subscribed terminal of the second operator is connected to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator. The method includes: connecting to the core network element of the first operator; receiving the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the first operator, where the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal is generated after the subscribed terminal communicates with the access network of the first operator.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another network sharing device, which is applied to a core network element of a second operator. The subscribed terminal of the second operator is connected to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator. The device includes: a connection module configured to connect to the core network element of the first operator; a first receiving module configured to receive the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the first operator, where the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal is generated after the subscribed terminal communicates with the access network of the first operator.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network sharing device, including: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more programs, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the network sharing device to implement the network sharing method as described above.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer-readable instructions are stored. When the computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor of a computer, the computer is caused to execute the network sharing method as described above.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which when executed by a processor, implements the network sharing method as described above.

[0011] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, the core network element of the first operator is connected to the core network element of the second operator. The subscribed terminal of the second operator is connected to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator. The core network of the second operator does not need to be directly connected to the access network of the first operator. Thus, on the premise of realizing network sharing, the system complexity is reduced, and further the system stability can be improved. Moreover, the core network element of the first operator shares the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal of the second operator with the core network element of the second operator, so that the second operator can provide service to its subscribed terminal according to the network interaction information, which can meet the service processing requirements of the operators participating in the sharing in the network sharing scenario.

[0012] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the deployment architecture of the network sharing mechanism provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of network interaction corresponding to the network sharing architecture shown;

[0015] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in yet another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in yet another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in yet another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in yet another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a network sharing device shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 10 is a block diagram of a network sharing device shown in another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system of a network sharing device suitable for implementing the embodiments of this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Here, the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and the examples are shown in the drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. On the contrary, they are only examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0025] The block diagrams shown in the drawings are only functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software form, or implemented in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or implemented in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0026] The flowcharts shown in the drawings are only illustrative descriptions and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they have to be executed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be decomposed, while some operations / steps can be combined or partially combined, so the actual execution order may change according to the actual situation.

[0027] The "plurality" mentioned in this application refers to two or more. The "and / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0028] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. in the description, claims and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. The terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0029] To solve the problems existing in the existing network sharing solutions, the embodiments of this application propose a more flexible network sharing mechanism, which not only supports sharing between different operator networks, but also does not require a direct interface to be established between the access network of the operator providing the shared resources and the core network of the operator participating in the sharing. Therefore, it is more conducive to the service provision of the increasing number of virtual operators.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 which is a schematic diagram of the deployment architecture of the network sharing mechanism provided by the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that Figure 1The first operator shown provides shared resources, the second operator participates in the sharing, and the terminal (UE, User Equipment) is a subscribed terminal of the second operator. That is, the terminal uses the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card of the second operator. The subscribed terminal of the second operator connects to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator, and the core network of the second operator is connected to the core network of the first operator. After the subscribed terminal of the second operator communicates with the access network of the first operator, the second operator can obtain the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal from the core network of the first operator through the network information opening method. It should be understood that the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal of the second operator includes one or more types of information such as but not limited to location, status, session, Quality of Service flow (QoS flow), etc.

[0031] In Figure 1 Under the network sharing architecture shown, the second operator only needs to establish a core network and does not need to have direct N2 / N3 interfaces with the access network of the first operator. That is, the core network of the operator participating in the sharing is not directly connected to the access network of the operator providing the shared resources. Under the premise of realizing network sharing, the system complexity is reduced, so the system stability can be improved, and it is also more conducive to the service provision of the increasing number of virtual operators.

[0032] And in Figure 1 Under the network sharing architecture shown, the access and mobility management of the subscribed terminal of the second operator can be responsible by the network of the first operator. For example, the access and mobility management function of the subscribed terminal of the second operator can be realized by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element of the first operator. The session management of the subscribed terminal of the second operator can also be responsible by the network of the first operator. For example, the first operator provides the session management function (Session Management Function, SMF) for the subscribed terminal of the second operator. The authentication function of the subscribed terminal of the second operator can also be responsible by the network of the first operator. For example, the first operator provides the unified data management (Unified Data Management) function for the subscribed terminal of the second operator. The second operator can provide the UDM function.

[0033] It should be noted that the network elements included in each operator in the above-mentioned network sharing architecture are only exemplary. For example, the core network of the first operator may further include other network elements. For another example, the core network of the second operator may also have AMF and SMF network elements, and corresponding management can also be carried out, but it is not directly connected to the access network of the first operator.

[0034] Furthermore, considering that under the Figure 1 shown network sharing architecture, since the second operator may not provide the AMF function and SMF function of its subscribed terminals, and in some application scenarios, the service provided by the second operator requires the network interaction information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator. It can also be understood that in the network sharing scenario, the operators participating in the sharing also have business processing requirements. Therefore, the present application also proposes to share the network interaction information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator from the first operator to the second operator through a network information opening mechanism.

[0035] This network information opening mechanism can be understood as that the first operator's network provides an interface for network information opening, so that the core network elements of the first operator have the ability to share information, so as to be able to provide the network interaction information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator to the core network elements of the second operator. The way of network information opening is generally that the core network elements with information sharing ability in the first operator share the network information to the second operator's network. The core network elements with this ability can be one or more of the Application Function (AF) network element, Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element, Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, User Plane Function (UPF) network element or other core network elements, which are not limited here.

[0036] Similarly, the core network elements of the second operator obtain the network interaction information of its subscribed terminals from the first operator's network through this network information opening mechanism. The second operator can deploy AF to obtain the network interaction information of its subscribed terminals, or obtain the network interaction information of its subscribed terminals through one or more of NEF, PCF, UPF or other core network elements, and the present application does not limit this either.

[0037] Based on this network information opening mechanism, since the first operator is responsible for the SMF function of the subscribed terminals of the second operator, the core network of the first operator can share the status information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator, including idle, inactive, connected, and location information, etc., with the network elements of the core network of the second operator.

[0038] Exemplarily, when the subscribed terminal of the second operator is in the idle state, the first operator can share the cell-level and TA (Tracking Area)-level information of the subscribed terminal of the second operator with the network elements of the core network of the second operator.

[0039] When the subscribed terminal of the second operator is in the idle state or the inactive state, the first operator can share the tracking area (TA) information and the notification area information of the subscribed terminal of the second operator with the network elements of the core network of the second operator. The second operator can configure the priority of the public land mobile network (PLMN) selection or the priority of the frequency for this subscribed terminal, and transmit this configuration to this subscribed terminal through the first operator to guide this subscribed terminal to camp on or select the operator network to be accessed.

[0040] When the subscribed terminal of the second operator is in the connected state, in addition to the location information mentioned above, the session information and the QoS flow information of the subscribed terminal of the second operator can also be shared with the second operator, so that the second operator can perform scheduling control on the network resources allocated by the first operator to the subscribed terminal of the second operator according to the obtained QoS flow information.

[0041] Furthermore, considering that in the network sharing scenario, the user subscription data of the operators participating in the sharing is not suitable to be fully exposed to the operator providing the shared resources, the present application also proposes a user subscription information mapping mechanism. The user subscription information mapping mechanism can be understood as follows: for the subscribed terminal of the second operator, the second operator has the user subscription data configured for it, which is called the original subscription information, while the first operator does not directly use this original subscription information, but uses the mapped user subscription data, which is called the mapped subscription information. That is to say, the original subscription information is the user subscription data used by the subscribed terminal of the second operator in the network of the second operator, and the mapped subscription information is the user subscription data used by the subscribed terminal of the second operator in the network of the first operator.

[0042] The mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information can be completed by the UDM network element of the first operator or the UDM network element of the second operator, or by another entity, such as a device like a server or node that provides the mapping function. Exemplarily, it can be determined through negotiation between the first operator and the second operator which party will specifically complete the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information; or, in the case where neither the first operator nor the second operator can complete this mapping, it can be completed by another entity; or, the first operator and the second operator can negotiate the triggering conditions for another entity to complete the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information, which is not restricted here.

[0043] The mapping method between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information can also be obtained through an agreement between the first operator and the second operator, and this application does not impose specific restrictions on the mapping method. Exemplarily, the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information can include the mapping of user identifiers. For example, the user identifier of the subscribed terminal of the second operator in the network of the second operator is SUPI_OP#1_Ux, and the user identifier in the network of the first operator is SUPI_OP#2_Ux, and the SUPI_OP#1_Ux and the SUPI_OP#2_Ux are mutually mapped. It can be understood that the user identifier in the above example is, for example, the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI). Therefore, the subscribed terminal of the second operator uses the mapped SUPI in the first operator to obtain shared services, which can improve the privacy of user data.

[0044] Of course, the network of the first operator can also directly use the user identifier of the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator, and this application does not restrict that the user identifier of the subscribed terminal of the second operator in the network of the second operator must be mapped to the user identifier in the network of the first operator.

[0045] The mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information can also include the selection of service-related entries. For the sake of easy understanding, for example, if the original subscription information contains the subscription data of 100 entries subscribed by the second operator and the user, but only the subscription data of 10 entries needs to be used when the first operator provides shared services to the user, then the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information only provides the subscription data of these 10 entries to the second operator.

[0046] By performing the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information, it can be understood that the mapped subscription information contains the user subscription data required for the first operator to provide shared services to the subscribed users of the second operator, rather than all the user subscription data configured by the second operator for its subscribed users. Therefore, this mapping relationship can also isolate the user subscription data, and the operator providing the shared resources only obtains the user subscription data related to providing the shared services, without the need for all the user subscription data, thus achieving the minimization sharing of user subscription information.

[0047] Furthermore, it is also considered that in the network sharing scenario, the charging rules generated between the first operator and the second operator for network sharing should also be independent. In the network sharing architecture provided in this application, since the first operator will share the network interaction information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator with the first operator through the network information opening method, the first operator will independently charge its subscribed users based on the shared network interaction information. As for how the first operator and the second operator finally settle accounts, this can also be determined through negotiation between the two operators, and this application does not limit this settlement rule.

[0048] It should also be understood that Figure 1 The network sharing architecture shown only exemplifies the network architecture part related to implementing the network sharing scenario. In the actual application scenario, the subscribed terminals of the first operator are also connected to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator, and there may be some subscribed terminals of the second operator connected to the core network of the second operator through the access network of the second operator. Since this does not involve the process of network sharing, this application does not describe this network interaction process.

[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is Figure 1 The network interaction schematic diagram corresponding to the network sharing architecture shown. Corresponding to Figure 1 The network sharing architecture shown, the first operator is the operator providing the shared resources, and the second operator is the operator participating in the sharing.

[0050] The subscribed terminal UE used by the subscribed users of the second operator accesses the core network of the first operator through the base station gNB of the first operator. Therefore, the first operator is responsible for the AMF function and the SMF function of the UE. As shown in Figure 2 shown, the base station gNB, AMF network element, SMF network element, PCF network element, UPF network element, and UDN network element of the first operator establish the PDU session of the UE and perform the mobility management of the UE.

[0051] The second operator only needs to construct the core network, for example Figure 2As shown in the figure, the core network of the second operator includes a UDM network element, an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) network element, an AF network element, or other network elements, and the core network elements of the second operator are connected to the core network elements of the first operator. It can be seen that the core network of the second operator does not need to be directly connected to the base station gNB of the first operator, thereby reducing the number of interfaces between the shared access network and the operator's core network in the network sharing scenario. On the premise of realizing the network sharing scenario, the service degree of the system is reduced, thereby being able to provide the stability of the system.

[0052] Of course, the second operator can also build an access network. For example, the subscribed terminals that do not use the shared network provided by the first operator still connect to the core network of the second operator through the access network of the second operator. However, since the access network of the second operator can not participate in network sharing, Figure 2 the access network of the second operator is not shown either. Similarly, the core network of the second operator can also have network elements such as AMF and SMF, which are used to provide network services for its subscribed terminals when its subscribed terminals do not need to use the shared network. However, since these core network elements do not participate in network sharing either, Figure 2 the access network of the second operator is not shown either.

[0053] In addition, since the service provided by the second operator has the need to obtain UE information, such as independent charging for UEs using the shared network, recommending location service data to UEs, updating end-to-end QoS requirements according to the network status of the first operator, configuring network selection information of UEs, etc., the first operator also provides a network information opening mechanism to share the network interaction information of UEs with the second operator.

[0054] In order to avoid exposing all the user subscription data of the participating sharing operator to the operator providing the shared resources, based on the user subscription information mapping mechanism, it is necessary to map the original subscription information used by the UE in the network of the second operator to the mapped subscription information used by the UE in the network of the first operator. As Figure 2 shown, the user identifier SUPI_OP#1_Ux of the UE in the network of the second operator is mapped to the user identifier UPI_OP#2_Ux of the UE in the network of the first operator. Therefore, the UE uses UPI_OP#2_Ux to establish a PDU session and perform access and mobility management in the network of the first operator.

[0055] It can be obtained therefrom that in the network sharing scenario of a shared access network and a carrier core network that are not directly connected, the present application realizes end-to-end mobile service support, including access control and mobility management of terminals in different states, etc., and avoids sharing user subscription information between the carrier network providing shared resources and the carrier network participating in the sharing, and is applicable to network sharing solutions for realizing a non-directly connected shared access network and a carrier core network in core network forms such as the 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (5G) and the 6th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (6G).

[0056] Based on Figure 1 the network sharing architecture shown, embodiments of the present application also correspondingly propose a network sharing method, a network sharing device, a network sharing device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product, which will be introduced in detail below.

[0057] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, and this method is applied to a core network element of a first carrier. And as Figure 1 shown, the core network element of the first carrier is connected to the core network element of the second carrier, and the subscribed terminal of the second carrier is connected to the core network of the first carrier through the access network of the first carrier. Therefore, it is the core network of the first carrier that provides shared services to the subscribed terminal of the second carrier.

[0058] As Figure 3 shown, this exemplary network sharing method includes S310 - S320, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0059] S310, after the subscribed terminal of the second carrier communicates with the access network of the first carrier, obtain the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal through the access network of the first carrier.

[0060] In the network sharing scenario, the subscribed terminal of the second carrier is connected to the core network of the first carrier through the access network of the first carrier. Therefore, the subscribed terminal of the second carrier will communicate with the access network of the first carrier, and this communication includes, but is not limited to, the first carrier performing access and mobility management and session management, etc. on the subscribed terminal of the second carrier.

[0061] Correspondingly, the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal of the second carrier that the core network element of the first carrier can obtain includes, but is not limited to, one or more pieces of information such as the location, status, session, QoS flow, etc. of the subscribed terminal.

[0062] It should be noted that the core network of the first operator can obtain the network interaction information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator through the access network of the first operator, or can also obtain the above network interaction information through other network elements, such as AF, PCF or other network elements. This application does not make any restrictions on this.

[0063] S320, share the network interaction information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator with the core network elements of the second operator.

[0064] The core network elements of the first operator share the network interaction information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator with the core network elements of the second operator, so that the core network of the second operator can still provide service to the corresponding subscribed terminals according to the obtained network interaction information.

[0065] For example, the second operator can send service data matching the terminal location, such as restaurant recommendation information, surrounding map information, etc., to the subscribed terminals of the second operator through the core network and access network of the first operator according to the location of the subscribed terminals accessing the network of the first operator. There is no limitation here.

[0066] For another example, the second operator can configure the priority of PLMN selection or the priority of communication frequency selection for the subscribed terminals in the idle state or inactive state, and send the configured information to the subscribed terminals of the second operator through the core network and access network of the first operator to guide the subscribed terminals to camp on or select the accessed operator network. The operator network can be the network of the first operator or the second operator, or other operator networks. There is also no limitation on the specific configuration content of the second operator here.

[0067] For another example, the second operator can perform independent charging on its subscribed terminals according to the session information of the subscribed terminals in the connected state.

[0068] For still another example, the second operator can generate corresponding QoS requirements according to the QoS flow information of its subscribed terminals in the connected state, and send the QoS requirements to the core network elements of the first operator, so that the first operator schedules the network resources allocated to the subscribed terminals of the second operator according to the received QoS requirements, so as to make the end-to-end QoS meet the service requirements.

[0069] From the above, it can be concluded that the network sharing method provided in this embodiment is based on Figure 1In the implementation of the schematic network sharing architecture, the core network of the second operator participating in the sharing does not need to be directly connected to the access network of the first operator providing the shared resources, thereby reducing the number of interfaces between the shared access network and the operator's core network. On the premise of realizing network sharing, the complexity of the system is reduced, which can improve the stability of the system and is more conducive to the service provision of the increasing number of virtual operators. Moreover, the first operator providing the shared resources shares the network interaction information of the users subscribed in the second operator participating in the sharing with the second operator through the network information opening method, which can also meet the service processing requirements of the operators participating in the sharing in the network sharing scenario.

[0070] In another exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the network sharing method further includes S410 - S420, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0071] S410, obtain the mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminals of the second operator in the network of the first operator, where the mapped subscription information is obtained by mapping the original subscription information used by the subscribed terminals in the network of the second operator.

[0072] To avoid completely exposing the user subscription data of the subscribed terminals of the second operator to the first operator, it is necessary to map the user subscription data of the subscribed terminals. That is, the user subscription data used by the subscribed terminals of the second operator in the network of the second operator is the original subscription information, and the user subscription data used by the subscribed terminals in the network of the first operator is the mapped subscription information, which is obtained by mapping the original subscription information. The content related to the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information has been described in the foregoing embodiments, so it will not be elaborated here.

[0073] And as described in the foregoing embodiments, the network element that completes the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information can be the UDM network element of the first operator or the UDM network element of the second operator, or other entities with user subscription data mapping. Therefore, the method for the core network element of the first operator to obtain the mapped subscription information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator can also include various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the core network element of the first operator receives the original subscription information about the subscribed terminals sent by the core network element of the second operator, and obtains the mapped subscription information by mapping this original subscription information; or, for another example, the core network element of the first operator directly receives the mapped subscription information sent by the core network element of the second operator or other entities.

[0074] S420, authenticate the subscribed terminals according to the mapped subscription information.

[0075] A core network element of the first operator, such as a UDM network element, authenticates the subscribed terminal of the second operator according to the mapped subscription information of the subscribed terminal of the second operator. This authentication can be understood to include user identification or authentication.

[0076] Thus, the network sharing method provided in this embodiment can avoid completely exposing the user subscription data of the operator participating in the sharing to the operator providing the shared resources through the method of user subscription data mapping, improving the privacy of user data in the network sharing scenario.

[0077] In another exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the network sharing method further includes S510 - S520, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0078] S510, receiving the QoS requirements corresponding to the subscribed terminal of the second operator sent by the core network element of the second operator.

[0079] The QoS requirements disclosed in this embodiment may include initial QoS requirements or updated QoS requirements. To meet the requirements of users for different services with different service qualities, the core network of the first operator providing the shared resources also needs to have QoS functions. The protocol data unit (PDU) session between the core network of the first operator and the subscribed terminal of the second operator accessing it is established according to the initial QoS requirements, so that the resource allocation provided by the core network of the first operator to the subscribed terminal meets the service quality requirements of the user.

[0080] The core network element of the first operator sends the QoS flow information of the subscribed terminal of the second operator to the core network element of the second operator, so that the second operator can judge whether it is necessary to change the QoS requirements of the subscribed terminal according to the obtained QoS flow information. For example, when there is congestion in the network of the first operator, it is necessary to reduce the service quality requirements of the subscribed terminal. When it is necessary to change the QoS requirements, the core network element of the second operator sends the new QoS requirements to the core network element of the first operator.

[0081] S520, controlling the PDU session established between the subscribed terminal and the core network of the first operator according to the QoS requirements.

[0082] The core network element of the first operator controls the PDU session established between the corresponding subscribed terminal and the core network of the first operator according to the received QoS requirements, including the PDU session established according to the initial QoS requirements described above, and also including modifying the PDU session established between the subscribed terminal and the core network of the first operator according to the new QoS requirements, so that the resource allocation provided by the core network of the first operator to the subscribed terminal remains matched with the service quality requirements of the user.

[0083] Thus, in the network sharing method provided in this embodiment, even if the core network of the second operator participating in the sharing is not directly connected to the access network of the first operator providing the shared resources, based on the network information sharing mechanism provided by the first operator, the second operator can still control the quality of service for the subscribed terminals accessing the first operator, meet the service requirements, and achieve the predictability of the shared network performance, enabling the shared network to effectively allocate network bandwidth and achieving more reasonable utilization of network resources in the network sharing scenario.

[0084] In another exemplary embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the network sharing method further includes S610 - S620, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0085] S610, receive the network selection configuration information sent by the core network element of the second operator, where the network selection configuration information includes the priority of PLMN selection or the priority of communication frequency selection for the subscribed terminals of the second operator.

[0086] Based on the network information opening mechanism provided by the first operator, the core network element of the first operator shares the location and status information of the subscribed terminals of the second operator with the second operator. When the subscribed terminal is in the inactive state, the second operator can configure the priority of PLMN selection or the priority of communication frequency selection for the subscribed terminal, thereby generating the network selection configuration information. The network selection configuration information is used to guide the subscribed terminal to camp on or select the network of the first operator, the second operator, or other operators.

[0087] S620, forward the network selection configuration information to the subscribed terminal.

[0088] After receiving the network selection configuration information sent by the core network element of the second operator, the core network element of the first operator forwards the received network selection configuration information to the corresponding subscribed terminals of the second operator through the access network, enabling the subscribed terminal to camp on or select the network of the first operator, the second operator, or other operators according to the network selection configuration information.

[0089] Thus, in the network sharing method provided in this embodiment, even if the core network of the second operator participating in the sharing is not directly connected to the access network of the first operator providing the shared resources, based on the network information sharing mechanism provided by the first operator, the second operator can still guide the subscribed terminals accessing the first operator to select the operator network, thereby meeting the service control requirements of the operators participating in the sharing for the subscribed users in the network sharing scenario.

[0090] Similarly, based on the network information sharing mechanism provided by the first operator, the second operator participating in the sharing can also transmit service data to its subscribed terminals through the first operator that provides the shared resources, such as the recommendation data based on the terminal location described above, without limitation here.

[0091] As can be obtained from the above, in the scenario of the shared access network and the operator core network that are not directly connected, the end-to-end service support can still be provided through the network sharing solution provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0092] Please continue to refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a flowchart of a network sharing method shown in another exemplary embodiment of the present application. This method is applied to the core network element of the second operator. Similarly, as Figure 1 shown, the subscribed terminals of the second operator are connected to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator, and the core network of the first operator provides shared services to the subscribed terminals of the second operator.

[0093] As Figure 7 shown, the exemplary network sharing method includes the following steps:

[0094] S710, connect to the core network element of the first operator;

[0095] S720, receive the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the first operator. The network interaction information of the subscribed terminal is generated after the subscribed terminal communicates with the access network of the first operator.

[0096] Under the network sharing architecture proposed in the present application, since the core network of the first operator participating in the sharing is not directly connected to the access network of the second operator that provides the shared resources, but the second operator needs to obtain the network interaction information of its subscribed terminals in the network of the second operator for relevant service processing. Therefore, based on the network information opening mechanism provided by the first operator, the core network element of the second operator connects to the core network element of the first operator to obtain the network interaction information of its subscribed terminals after communicating with the access network of the first operator through the core network element of the first operator.

[0097] As recorded in the foregoing embodiments, the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal obtained by the core network element of the second operator can be one or more types of information such as the location, status, session, QoS flow, etc. of the subscribed terminal. According to the obtained network interaction information, the second operator can provide service to its subscribed terminals through the first operator based on the requirements of its own business services.

[0098] Exemplarily, the core network element of the second operator generates network selection configuration information indicating that its subscribed terminal is in the idle state or the inactive state. The network selection configuration information includes the priority of PLMN selection or the priority of communication frequency selection for the subscribed terminal, and sends the network selection configuration information to the core network element of the first operator, so that the core network element of the first operator transmits the network selection configuration information to the subscribed terminal. The subscribed terminal then camps on or selects a certain operator network connection according to the received network selection configuration information.

[0099] Exemplarily, the core network element of the second operator generates the QoS requirements corresponding to the subscribed terminal, and sends the QoS requirements to the core network element of the first operator, so that the core network of the first operator controls the PDU session of the subscribed terminal according to the QoS requirements.

[0100] Exemplarily, the core network element of the second operator generates location service data according to the location information of its subscribed terminal, and transmits the location service data to the corresponding subscribed terminal through the core network element of the first operator.

[0101] Exemplarily, the core network element of the second operator performs traffic statistics on the data transmission between its subscribed terminal and the core network of the first operator according to the session information of its subscribed terminal, that is, realizes independent charging for its subscribed terminal.

[0102] It should be noted that the processes of the relevant service processing performed by the core network element of the second operator mentioned above according to the obtained network interaction information of its subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator have been recorded in the foregoing embodiments, so this embodiment does not introduce them in detail.

[0103] Thus, in the network sharing method provided in this embodiment, based on Figure 1 the schematic network sharing architecture shown, the core network of the second operator participating in the sharing does not need to be directly connected to the access network of the first operator providing the shared resources, thereby reducing the number of interfaces between the shared access network and the operator core network. On the premise of realizing network sharing, the complexity of the system is reduced, the stability of the system is improved, and it is more conducive to the service provision of an increasing number of virtual operators. Moreover, the first operator providing the shared resources shares the network interaction information of the users subscribed in the second operator participating in the sharing to the second operator through the network information opening method, which can meet the service processing requirements of the operators participating in the sharing in the network sharing scenario, such as realizing the control of the service quality of the subscribed terminal accessing the first operator, guiding the subscribed terminal accessing the first operator to select the operator network, transmitting service data to the subscribed terminal, and independently charging the subscribed terminal using the shared network.

[0104] In another exemplary embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the network sharing method further includes the following steps:

[0105] S810, obtaining the original subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator;

[0106] S820, mapping the original subscription information to the mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator, and sharing the mapped subscription information with the core network element of the first operator; or, sending the original subscription information to the core network element or other entity of the first operator, so that the original subscription information can be mapped to the mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator through the core network element or other entity of the first operator.

[0107] Under the network sharing architecture provided by this application, the subscribed terminal of the second operator participating in the sharing obtains data services through the network of the first operator that provides the shared resources. Based on the subscription of the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator, the core network element of the second operator can obtain the original subscription information of its subscribed terminal. Exemplarily, the core network element of the second operator may be a UDM network element.

[0108] As described above, in order to avoid completely exposing the user subscription data of the subscribed terminal of the second operator to the first operator, it is necessary to map the user subscription data of this subscribed terminal. That is to say, the user subscription data used by the subscribed terminal of the second operator in the network of the second operator is the original subscription information, and the user subscription data used by this subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator is the mapped subscription information, and this mapped subscription information is obtained by mapping the original subscription information. The network element that completes the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information may be the UDM network element of the first operator or the UDM network element of the second operator, or other entity with user subscription data mapping. Therefore, in the embodiment where the UDM network element of the second operator completes the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information, the UDM network element of the second operator also shares the mapped subscription information with the core network element of the first operator. And in the embodiment where the UDM network element or other entity of the first operator completes the mapping between the original subscription information and the mapped subscription information, the UDM network element of the second operator sends the original subscription information to the UDM network element or other entity of the first operator.

[0109] A more detailed process related to the mapping of user subscription data has been described in the foregoing embodiments. It can be obtained therefrom that the network sharing method provided in this embodiment can avoid completely exposing the user subscription data of the participating operators to the operator that provides the shared resources through the method of mapping user subscription data, and improves the privacy of user data in the network sharing scenario.

[0110] Please continue to refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 which is a block diagram of a network sharing device shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that the network sharing device is applied to a core network element of a first operator, and the core network element of the first operator is connected to a core network element of a second operator.

[0111] As Figure 9 shown, the exemplary network sharing device 900 includes:

[0112] A first acquisition module 910, configured to acquire network interaction information of a subscribed terminal after the subscribed terminal of the second operator communicates with the access network of the first operator;

[0113] A sharing module 920, configured to share the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal with the core network element of the second operator.

[0114] In another exemplary embodiment, the network sharing device 900 further includes:

[0115] A second acquisition module, configured to acquire mapped subscribed information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator, where the mapped subscribed information is obtained by mapping the original subscribed information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator;

[0116] An authentication module, configured to authenticate the subscribed terminal according to the mapped subscribed information.

[0117] In another exemplary embodiment, the second acquisition module is further configured to:

[0118] Receive the original subscribed information of the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the second operator, and map the original subscribed information to obtain the mapped subscribed information;

[0119] Alternatively, receive the mapped subscribed information sent by the core network element of the second operator or other entities, where the other entities are connected to the core network element of the first operator.

[0120] In another exemplary embodiment, the network sharing device 900 further includes:

[0121] A second receiving module, configured to receive the QoS requirements corresponding to the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the second operator;

[0122] A first response module, configured to control the PDU session established by the subscribed terminal based on the core network of the first operator according to the QoS requirements.

[0123] In another exemplary embodiment, the network sharing device 900 further includes:

[0124] A third receiving module, configured to receive network selection configuration information sent by a core network element of a second operator, where the network selection configuration information includes the priority of PLMN selection or the priority of communication frequency selection for a subscribed terminal;

[0125] A second response module, configured to forward the network selection configuration information to the subscribed terminal.

[0126] Please continue to refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 which is a block diagram of a network sharing device shown in another exemplary embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that this network sharing device is applied to a core network element of a second operator, and a subscribed terminal of the second operator is connected to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator.

[0127] As Figure 10 shown, an exemplary network sharing device 1000 includes:

[0128] A connection module 1010, configured to connect to a core network element of a first operator;

[0129] A first receiving module 1020, configured to obtain network interaction information of a subscribed terminal after communication interaction with the access network of the first operator through the core network element of the first operator.

[0130] In another exemplary embodiment, the network sharing device 1000 further includes:

[0131] A third obtaining module, configured to obtain original subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator;

[0132] A first processing module, configured to map the original subscription information to mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator and share the mapped subscription information with the core network element of the first operator; or, send the original subscription information to the core network element of the first operator or other entities to map the original subscription information to mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator through the core network element of the first operator or other entities.

[0133] In another exemplary embodiment, the network sharing device 1000 further includes a second processing module, and the second processing module is configured to:

[0134] Generate network selection configuration information when the subscribed terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, where the network selection configuration information includes the priority of PLMN selection or the priority of communication frequency selection for the subscribed terminal; send the network configuration information to the core network element of the first operator to transmit the network configuration information to the subscribed terminal through the core network element of the first operator;

[0135] Alternatively, generate the QoS requirements corresponding to the subscribed terminal; send the QoS requirements to the core network element of the first operator, so that the core network of the first operator controls the PDU session established between the subscribed terminal and the core network based on the first operator according to the QoS requirements;

[0136] Alternatively, perform traffic statistics on the data transmission between the subscribed terminal and the core network of the first operator according to the session information;

[0137] Alternatively, generate location service data according to the location information of the subscribed terminal;

[0138] Transmit the location service data to the subscribed terminal through the core network element of the first operator.

[0139] It should be noted that the network sharing device provided in the above embodiment and the network sharing method provided in the above embodiment belong to the same concept. The specific manners in which each module and unit perform operations have been described in detail in the method embodiment, and will not be elaborated herein. In practical applications, the network sharing device provided in the above embodiment may, according to needs, allocate the above functions to different functional modules, that is, divide the internal structure of the device into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. This is not limited herein either.

[0140] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network sharing device, including: one or more processors; a memory for storing one or more programs, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the network sharing device to implement the network sharing method provided in each of the above embodiments.

[0141] Figure 11 The structural schematic diagram of a computer system suitable for implementing the network sharing device of the embodiment of the present application is shown. It should be noted that Figure 11 The computer system 1000 of the network sharing device shown is only an example and should not impose any limitations on the functions and usage scope of the embodiment of the present application.

[0142] Such as Figure 11As shown, the computer system 1100 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1101, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1102 or a program loaded from a storage section 1108 into a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1103, such as executing the method described in the above embodiments. In the RAM 1103, various programs and data required for system operations are also stored. The CPU 1101, ROM 1102, and RAM 1103 are connected to each other via a bus 1104. An Input / Output (I / O) interface 1105 is also connected to the bus 1104.

[0143] The following components are connected to the I / O interface 1105: an input section 1106 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output section 1107 including, for example, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), etc., and a speaker, etc.; a storage section 1108 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1109 including a network interface card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a modem, etc. The communication section 1109 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 1110 is also connected to the I / O interface 1105 as needed. A removable medium 1111, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 1110 as needed so that a computer program read from it can be installed into the storage section 1108 as needed.

[0144] Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present application, the process described above with reference to the flowchart can be implemented as a computer software program. For example, an embodiment of the present application includes a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program includes a computer program for executing the method shown in the flowchart. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via the communication section 1109, and / or installed from the removable medium 1111. When the computer program is executed by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1101, various functions defined in the system of the present application are executed.

[0145] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiments of the present application may be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. The computer program contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0146] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architectures, functions, and operations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present application. Among them, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, a program segment, or a part of code, and the above-mentioned module, program segment, or part of code contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks shown may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram or flowchart, and the combination of blocks in the block diagram or flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system for performing the specified functions or operations, or can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0147] The units described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in software or in hardware, and the described units can also be provided in a processor. Among them, the names of these units do not constitute a limitation to the units themselves in some cases.

[0148] On the other hand, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the network sharing method as described above. The computer-readable storage medium may be included in the network sharing device described in the above embodiments, or may exist separately and not be assembled into the network sharing device.

[0149] Another aspect of the present application also provides a computer program product or a computer program. 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 reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the network sharing method provided in each of the above embodiments.

[0150] The above content is only a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present application and is not used to limit the implementation of the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art can easily make corresponding adaptations or modifications according to the main concept and spirit of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope required by the claims.

[0151] It can be understood that in the specific implementation of the present application, when it comes to data such as network interaction data, when the above embodiments of the present application are applied to specific products or technologies, user permission or consent needs to be obtained, and the collection, use, and processing of relevant data need to comply with relevant laws, regulations, and standards of relevant countries and regions.

Claims

1. A network sharing method, characterized in that, A core network element applied to a first operator, the core network element of the first operator being connected to a core network element of a second operator, the method comprising: After communication interaction between a subscribed terminal of the second operator and an access network of the first operator, obtaining network interaction information of the subscribed terminal; Sharing the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal with the core network element of the second operator.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further comprises: Obtaining mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator, the mapped subscription information being obtained by mapping original subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator; Authenticating the subscribed terminal according to the mapped subscription information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The obtaining the mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator includes: Receiving the original subscription information of the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the second operator; Mapping the original subscription information to obtain the mapped subscription information.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The obtaining the mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator includes: Receiving the mapped subscription information sent by the core network element of the second operator or other entity, the other entity being connected to the core network element of the first operator.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further comprises: Receiving the quality of service QoS requirements corresponding to the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the second operator; Performing control on a PDU session established between the subscribed terminal and the core network based on the first operator according to the QoS requirements.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further comprises: Receiving network selection configuration information sent by the core network element of the second operator, the network selection configuration information including priorities for public land mobile network PLMN selection or communication frequency selection by the subscribed terminal; Forwarding the network selection configuration information to the subscribed terminal.

7. A network sharing method, characterized in that, A core network element applied to a second operator, a subscribed terminal of the second operator being connected to the core network of the first operator through an access network of the first operator, the method comprising: Connecting to the core network element of the first operator; Receiving the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the first operator, the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal being generated after communication interaction between the subscribed terminal and the access network of the first operator.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: Obtaining the original subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator; Mapping the original subscription information to the mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator; Sharing the mapped subscription information with the core network element of the first operator.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: Obtaining the original subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the second operator; Send the original subscription information to the core network element or other entity of the first operator, so that the original subscription information can be mapped to the mapped subscription information used by the subscribed terminal in the network of the first operator through the core network element or the other entity of the first operator.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The network interaction information includes the status of the subscribed terminal; the method further includes: Generate network selection configuration information when the subscribed terminal is in an idle state or an inactive state, where the network selection configuration information includes the priority of the subscribed terminal for PLMN selection or the priority of communication frequency selection; Send the network configuration information to the core network element of the first operator, so that the core network element of the first operator transmits the network configuration information to the subscribed terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The method further includes: Generate the QoS requirements corresponding to the subscribed terminal; Send the QoS requirements to the core network element of the first operator, so that the core network of the first operator controls the PDU session established between the subscribed terminal and the core network based on the first operator according to the QoS requirements.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The network interaction information further includes session information; the method further includes: Perform traffic statistics on the data transmission between the subscribed terminal and the core network of the first operator according to the session information.

13. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The network information of the subscribed terminal includes location information, and the method further includes: Generate location service data according to the location information of the subscribed terminal; Transmit the location service data to the subscribed terminal through the core network element of the first operator.

14. A network sharing device, wherein, Applied to the core network element of the first operator, the core network element of the first operator is connected to the core network element of the second operator, and the device includes: A first acquisition module, configured to acquire the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal after the subscribed terminal of the second operator communicates with the access network of the first operator; A sharing module, configured to share the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal with the core network element of the second operator.

15. A network sharing device, wherein, Applied to the core network element of the second operator, the subscribed terminal of the second operator is connected to the core network of the first operator through the access network of the first operator, and the device includes: A connection module, configured to connect to the core network element of the first operator; A first receiving module, configured to receive the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal sent by the core network element of the first operator, where the network interaction information of the subscribed terminal is generated after the subscribed terminal communicates with the access network of the first operator.

16. A network sharing device, wherein, Includes: One or more processors; A memory, configured to store one or more programs, and when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, enable the network sharing device to implement the network sharing method according to any one of claims 1-6 or 7-13.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, Computer-readable instructions are stored thereon, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor of a computer, enable the computer to execute the network sharing method according to any one of claims 1-6 or 7-13.

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