Information interaction method, communication device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an information interaction method, a communication device and a computer readable storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The information interaction method comprises: a first network device receiving a first message sent by a second network device, the first message being used for requesting the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, the first message carrying first network slice information, the first network slice information is used for indicating network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network equipment and assisting the third network equipment to configure available network slices for the terminal equipment; and the first network device sends a second message to a second network device, the second message being used for indicating that the first connection is successfully established, the second message carrying second network slice information, the second network slice information being used for indicating one or more network slices supported by a land public mobile network (PLMN) related to the first network device. Therefore, network resources are saved under the condition of ensuring normal establishment of communication connection.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The authentication management function (AMF) is a core network element responsible for control plane function interaction in the 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) network. An NG connection is established between the AMF and the next generation node B (gNB) through the NG setup process. In the NG setup process, the AMF and the gNB need to exchange the network slices they support, so that the AMF can configure network slices for the user equipment (UE) covered by the gNB according to the network slices supported by the gNB, and the gNB can select a suitable AMF for the UE to access according to the network slices supported by the AMF.

[0003] With the rapid development of mobile communication networks, the demand for indoor 5G coverage is more obvious, and the home base station emerges as the times require. The home base station is a miniaturized base station, which is deployed in large numbers as an exclusive resource in places such as homes, groups, companies, enterprise private networks, or schools. Due to the large-scale deployment of home base stations, the home base stations need to access the AMF through the femtogateway (FGW). The role of the femtogateway is signaling aggregation, and the femtogateway uniformly operates on the signaling in the NG connection.

[0004] However, when introducing the NG setup process of the AMF and the gNB into the architecture of the home base station and the femtogateway, the AMF needs to know the network slices supported by all home base stations, and all home base stations need to know the network slices supported by the AMF. Therefore, a large amount of network resources are required for information interaction when establishing an NG connection, resulting in waste of network resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an information interaction method, a communication device, and a computer-readable storage medium to solve the problem in the prior art that a large amount of network resources are required for information interaction when establishing an NG connection, resulting in waste of network resources.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an information interaction method, and the method includes:

[0007] The first network device receives a first message sent by the second network device. The first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, or the first message is used to instruct the first network device to update first configuration information related to the second network device. Wherein, the first message carries first network slice information, and the first network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device. One or more second network devices are included in the tracking area, and the first network slice information is used to assist a third network device in configuring available network slices for terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. A second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device.

[0008] The first network device sends a second message to the second network device. The second message is used to indicate that the first connection is successfully established, or the second message is used to instruct the second network device to update second configuration information related to the first network device. Wherein, the second message carries second network slice information, and the second network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) related to the first network device.

[0009] In a possible design, the second network slice information is the network slice supported by the first PLMN supported by the first network device; or,

[0010] The second network slice information is the network slice supported by a second PLMN, and the second PLMN is the PLMN to which the tracking area served by the second network device belongs; or,

[0011] The second network slice information is the network slice supported by a third PLMN, and the third PLMN is a PLMN preset by the first network device.

[0012] In a possible design, the first network device serves one tracking area, and the network slices supported by all the second network devices within the tracking area are the same.

[0013] In a possible design, the first network device serves multiple tracking areas, and the network slices supported by all the second network devices within each tracking area are the same.

[0014] In a possible design, the method further includes:

[0015] The first network device sends a third message to the third network device. The third message is used to request the third network device to establish the second connection with the first network device. When the first network device serves one of the tracking areas and all the second network devices in the tracking area support the same network slice, the third message carries the first network slice information or the third network slice information, and the third network slice information is pre-configured. When the first network device serves multiple tracking areas and all the second network devices in each tracking area support the same network slice, the third message carries the fourth network slice information or the fifth network slice information, the fourth network slice information is the union of the network slices supported by the multiple tracking areas, and the fifth network slice information is pre-configured.

[0016] The first network device receives a fourth message sent by the third network device. The fourth message is used to indicate that the second connection is successfully established. The fourth message carries the sixth network slice information, and the sixth network slice information is used to indicate the network slice supported by the network element in the third network device. The sixth network slice information is used for the first network device to select the network element for the terminal device to access. Among them, the first connection and the second connection are used to establish a connection between the terminal device and the third network device.

[0017] In a possible design, the second network slice information is pre-configured.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application provides an information interaction method, and the method includes:

[0019] The second network device sends a first message to the first network device. The first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, or the first message is used to instruct the first network device to update the first configuration information related to the second network device. The first message carries the first network slice information, and the first network slice information is used to indicate the network slice supported by each tracking area served by the second network device. The tracking area includes one or more second network devices. The first network slice information is used to assist the third network device in configuring available network slices for the terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. A second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device.

[0020] The second network device receives a second message sent by the first network device. The second message is used to indicate that the first connection is successfully established, or the second message is used to instruct the second network device to update second configuration information related to the first network device; the second message carries second network slice information, and the second network slice information is used to indicate network slices supported by one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) related to the first network device.

[0021] In a possible design, the second network slice information is the network slice supported by the first PLMN supported by the first network device; or,

[0022] the second network slice information is the network slice supported by a second PLMN, and the second PLMN is the PLMN to which the tracking area served by the second network device belongs; or,

[0023] the second network slice information is the network slice supported by a third PLMN, and the third PLMN is a PLMN preset by the first network device.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, including: a module for executing the method in any of the possible designs in the first aspect above, or a module for executing the method in any of the possible designs in the second aspect above.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, including:

[0026] a second network device, a third network device, and a first network device for executing the method in the first aspect and any possible design in the first aspect above; or, a first network device, a third network device, and a second network device for executing the method in the second aspect and any possible design in the second aspect above.

[0027] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, the communication device includes a processor, and the processor is used to call a computer program or computer instruction in a storage, so that the processor implements the method in any of the possible designs in the first aspect above, or implements the method in any of the possible designs in the second aspect above.

[0028] Optionally, the communication device further includes a transceiver, and the processor is used to control the transceiver to send and receive signals.

[0029] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The memory is used to store computer-executable programs or instructions; the processor is used to call the computer-executable programs or instructions in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method in any possible design of the above first aspect, or executes the method in any possible design of the above second aspect.

[0030] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory through an interface.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-execution instructions are stored. When the computer-execution instructions are executed, the method in any possible design of the above first aspect is implemented, or the method in any possible design of the above second aspect is implemented.

[0032] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a chip, including: an interface circuit and a logic circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or send the signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip. The logic circuit is used to implement the method in any possible design of the above first aspect, or implement the method in any possible design of the above second aspect.

[0033] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer is caused to implement the method in any possible design of the above first aspect, or implement the method in any possible design of the above second aspect.

[0034] Embodiments of the present application provide an information interaction method, a communication device, and a computer-readable storage medium. In the information interaction method, a second network device sends a first message to a first network device. The first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device. The first message carries first network slice information indicating network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device, so that the first network device can learn about the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device through the first network slice information. In response to the first message, the first network device sends a second message indicating that the first connection is successfully established to the second network device. The second message carries second network slice information indicating network slices supported by one or more PLMNs related to the first network device. A second connection is to be established or has been established between the first network device and a third network device. When the second connection between the first network device and the third network device is successfully established, the first network device enables the third network device to learn about the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device by sending the first network slice information to the third network device, so that the third network device can configure available network slices for terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. In addition, when the third network device sends network slices supported by network elements in the third network device to the first network device, the first network device can select a suitable network element for the second network device to access based on the network slices supported by network elements in the third network device. In the present application, since the first network device can select a suitable network element for the second network device to access, that is, the second network device does not need to learn about the network slices supported by network elements in the third network device, only the network slices supported by one or more PLMNs related to the first network device are carried in the second message, and the network slices supported by network elements in the third network device are no longer carried. Thus, while ensuring the normal establishment of the connection between the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device, unnecessary signaling overhead and bandwidth waste are avoided, and network resources are saved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for NG setup provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the relationship between a first network device, a TA, a third network device, and a second network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the process of an information interaction method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5 It is a schematic flowchart of another information interaction method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of yet another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Apparently, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0045] Referring to "embodiment" herein means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The phrase "embodiment" appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Those skilled in the art explicitly and implicitly understand that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0046] The term "and / or" herein is only used to describe an association relationship of associated objects and means that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A, the simultaneous existence of A and B, and the existence of B. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0047] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of this application or in the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0048] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the meanings of "plurality" and "at least two" refer to more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" and "at least two groups" refer to more than two groups (including two groups).

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" or "coupled" can refer not only to a physical connection, but also to an electrical connection or a signal connection. For example, it can be a direct connection, that is, a physical connection, or it can be indirectly connected through at least one intermediate element, as long as the circuit is connected. It can also be the connection inside two elements; a signal connection can refer not only to a signal connection through a circuit, but also to a signal connection through a media medium. For example, radio waves. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0050] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that, without conflict, different technical features in this application can be combined with each other.

[0051] First, the noun terms involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are explained.

[0052] A Home gNB (HgNB) is usually used in a small area, such as a home or a small office. The HgNB provides wireless coverage so that user equipment in the small area can connect to the operator's core network. Among them, the HgNB is not directly connected to the core network, but is connected to the core network through a Femto Gateway (FGW).

[0053] A Femto Gateway is usually used for network connection in a small area. In a 5G network, as a Femto Gateway, the FGW is responsible for aggregating the signaling and data between multiple base stations (such as HgNBs) in the small area and the core network, simplifying the signaling process, and reducing the burden on the core network.

[0054] The NG connection is the connection between the gNB and the core network (such as AMF, SMF, etc.) in the 5G network. The NG connection is a connection established based on the NG interface (Next Generation interface) and is used for signaling transmission, data forwarding, etc. between the core network and the access network (such as gNB) in the 5G network.

[0055] Next, the implementation background of the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application will be introduced.

[0056] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for NG setup provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, in the traditional technology, the process of NG setup includes S11 and S12.

[0057] S11: The gNB sends the slice list supported by the tracking area (TA) where the gNB is located to the AMF through the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).

[0058] Among them, the number of AMFs is one or more, and the gNB needs to send the slice list supported by the tracking area where the gNB is located to each AMF separately. For the convenience of description, Figure 1 an example is given with the number of AMFs being 1.

[0059] For example, if the identities (IDs) of the network slices supported by the tracking area TA1 where the gNB is located are A, B, and C, the slice list sent by the gNB to the AMF can be TA1{A, B, C}, indicating that TA1 where the gNB is located supports network slice A, network slice B, and network slice C.

[0060] S12: The AMF sends the slice list supported under the public land mobile network (PLMN) where the AMF is located to the gNB.

[0061] For example, if the IDs of the network slices supported under the public land mobile network PLMN1 where the AMF is located are A, B, C, and D, the slice list sent by the AMF to the gNB can be PLMN1{A, B, C, D}, indicating that the AMF supports network slice A, network slice B, network slice C, and network slice D under PLMN1.

[0062] Based on the method steps shown in S11 and S12 above, the NG connection between the gNB and the AMF is established. The AMF can obtain the slice list supported by the tracking area where the gNB is located, so as to select a suitable network slice for the UE accessing the gNB subsequently; the gNB can obtain the slice list supported under the PLMN where the AMF is located, which is convenient for selecting a suitable AMF for access according to the request of the UE subsequently.

[0063] When the gNB is a home base station, a femto gateway (FGW) needs to be added between the gNB and the AMF. After adding the FGW, if the NG connection between the gNB and the AMF is still established according to the above NG setup process, the AMF needs to know the network slices supported by all home base stations. At the same time, all home base stations also need to know the network slices supported by the AMF. However, in the presence of the FGW, the FGW will select a suitable AMF for access on behalf of the home base station. Therefore, the home base station no longer needs to know the network slices supported by the AMF, and it is no longer necessary for the AMF to send the slice list supported under the PLMN where the AMF is located to the home base station. If the AMF continues to transmit the AMF to the home base station, it will cause additional signaling overhead and bandwidth waste, and further lead to waste of network resources.

[0064] Based on the above problems, the present application provides an information interaction method, a communication device, and a computer-readable storage medium. In the information interaction method, a second network device sends a first message to a first network device. The first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device. The first message carries first network slice information indicating the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device, so that the first network device can learn about the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device through the first network slice information. In response to the first message, the first network device sends a second message indicating the successful establishment of the first connection to the second network device. The second message carries second network slice information indicating the network slices supported by one or more PLMNs related to the first network device. Wherein, a second connection is to be established or has been established between the first network device and a third network device. When the second connection between the first network device and the third network device is successfully established, the first network device enables the third network device to learn about the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device by sending the first network slice information to the third network device, so that the third network device can configure available network slices for the terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. In addition, when the third network device sends the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device to the first network device, the first network device can select a suitable network element for the second network device to access based on the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device. In the present application, since the first network device can select a suitable network element for the second network device to access, that is, the second network device does not need to learn about the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device, therefore, only the network slices supported by one or more PLMNs related to the first network device are carried in the second message, and the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device are no longer carried. Thus, while ensuring the normal establishment of the connections between the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device, unnecessary signaling overhead and bandwidth waste are avoided, and network resources are saved.

[0065] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, the communication system 1 of the present application may include: a gateway 10, a core network device 20, a network device 30, and a terminal device 40.

[0066] Among them, the gateway 10 is connected to the core network device 20. The gateway 10 can serve one or more tracking areas. Each tracking area includes one or more network devices 30. The gateway 10 is connected to each network device 30 within all the tracking areas it serves. The gateway 10 can provide services for each network device 30 within all the tracking areas it serves. The network device 30 can access the core network device 20 through the gateway 10. Within the signal coverage range of the network device 30, there are one or more terminal devices 40. The terminal device 40 can request services from the core network device 20 through the network device 30.

[0067] It should be noted that in the communication system 1 of this application, the number of network devices 30 and terminal devices 40 can be set by the user himself / herself, and this embodiment does not make specific limitations on this. Figure 2 Only for illustration, the number of network devices 30 is 3 and the number of terminal devices is 3.

[0068] Specifically, the gateway 10 can be a home gateway. Among them, the home gateway can be an embedded home gateway, or an embedded home gateway. Specifically, it can be a wired access gateway, an access point (AP), a wireless relay node, or a wireless backhaul node, etc. The gateway 10 can implement signaling convergence, that is, perform unified operations on non-UE-related NG interface signaling.

[0069] In some examples, the gateway 10 can be a femto gateway (FGW).

[0070] Specifically, the core network device 20 can be, for example, a device in the core network (CN) of the existing mobile communication architecture or a device in the core network of the future mobile communication architecture. The core network device serves as a bearer network to provide an interface to the data network, and provides communication connection, authentication, management, policy control, and bearer of data services for the terminal device. Among them, the CN can further include: a location management function network element (LMF), an access and mobility management function network element (AMF), a session management function network element (SMF), an authentication server function network element (AUSF), a policy control function network element (PCF), a user plane function network element (UPF), and other network elements. Among them, the number of AMFs can be one or more.

[0071] Among them, the AMF can establish a Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) connection with the gateway 10, without establishing a connection with one or more network devices 30 under the gateway 10, and can also provide services for one or more network devices 30 under the gateway 10.

[0072] Specifically, the network device 30 can be a base station, or a femto cell, or a small cell, or an access point, or an access network device, or can refer to a device in the access network that communicates with wireless terminals through one or more sectors on the air interface. The network device can be used to mutually convert the received air frames and Internet Protocol (IP) packets, and act as a router between the wireless terminal and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network can include an IP network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device can be a backpack base station, a satellite, a drone, a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system of mobile communication (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA), or a NodeB (NB) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), or an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in long term evolution (LTE), or a terminal or relay station or access point that undertakes the base station function in V2X (vehicular to everything), Device-to-Device (D2D), and Machine-to-Machine (M2M), or a base station in a 5G mobile communication system, such as a gNB, etc., or a base station in a 6G mobile communication system, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0073] Specifically, the terminal device 40 may refer to a user equipment, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile device, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. The terminal device 40 may also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, or a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a terminal device in a 5G mobile communication system, a terminal device in a 6G mobile communication system, or a terminal device in a future mobile communication system, etc. In addition, the terminal device 40 may also be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system.

[0074] Based on the foregoing description, in the following embodiments of the present application, a communication system with the Figure 2 shown structure will be taken as an example, and in combination with Figures 4 to 6 , the information interaction method provided by the present application will be elaborated in detail.

[0075] In Figures 4 to 6 , the first network device may be the gateway 10 shown in Figure 2 , the second network device may be the network device 30 shown in Figure 2 , the third network device may be the core network device 20 shown in Figure 2 . The third network device includes one or more network elements. The network element may be, for example, an AMF, and the terminal device may be the terminal device 40 shown in Figure 2 .

[0076] Among them, the first network device serves one or more tracking areas, and each tracking area includes one or more second network devices. The first network device can serve each second network device within each tracking area. The second network device can access the network element in the third network device through the first network device.

[0077] It should be noted that for a tracking area, the tracking area supports one or more network slices. The first network device within this tracking area, as well as all second network devices within this tracking area, support the one or more network slices supported by this tracking area.

[0078] For example, the IDs of the network slices supported by TA1 include A, B, and C, and the second network devices included in TA1 are gNB1 and gNB2. Then, the IDs of the network slices supported by the first network device under TA1 include A, B, and C, the IDs of the network slices supported by gNB1 include A, B, and C, and the IDs of the network slices supported by gNB2 include A, B, and C.

[0079] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the relationship among the first network device, TA, third network device, and second network device provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, the dashed box represents the scope of TA. The first network device is FGW, the third network device is a core network device, and the core network device includes AMF. FGW serves TA1 and TA2. The IDs of the network slices supported by TA1 include A, B, and C, the IDs of the network slices supported by TA2 are A and B. The second network devices include gNB1, gNB2, gNB3, gNB4, and gNB5. FGW can serve gNB1, gNB2, gNB3, gNB4, and gNB5. For example, gNB1, gNB2, gNB3, gNB4, and gNB5 can all access AMF in the core network device through FGW.

[0080] Among them, gNB1 and gNB2 are located in TA1, and the IDs of the network slices supported by gNB1 and gNB2 include A, B, and C; gNB3, gNB4, and gNB5 are located in TA2, and the IDs of the network slices supported by gNB3, gNB4, and gNB5 include A and B.

[0081] It should be noted that within the signal coverage range of the second network device, there are one or more UEs. The UE can access the third network device through the second network device.

[0082] Next, through some specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, this application will be introduced in detail on how to solve the problem that a large amount of network resources are consumed for information interaction when establishing an NG connection, resulting in waste of network resources.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an information interaction method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 4 shown, the information interaction method provided by the embodiment of the present application specifically includes S401 and S402, which are described in detail below.

[0084] S401. The second network device sends a first message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the first message sent by the second network device.

[0085] Among them, the first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, or the first message is used to instruct the first network device to update the first configuration information related to the second network device.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present application, the first message sent by the second network device to the first network device is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device.

[0087] Specifically, the first connection can be an NG connection. By establishing the first connection, communication between the second network device and the first network device can be realized.

[0088] The first message can indicate relevant configuration parameters required for establishing an NG connection, the identity information of the second network device, and information such as the service type requested.

[0089] For example, the first message can indicate the IP address, Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, the identity information of the second network device, and the service type requested for establishing an NG connection.

[0090] By carrying the identity information of the second network device in the first message, authentication, authorization, and correct routing of signaling between the second network device and the first network device can be realized. The identity information of the second network device can be the unique identifier of the second network device, such as the ID of the second network device or the device serial number, etc.

[0091] By indicating the service type requested by the second network device in the first message, it is convenient for the first network device to provide the most suitable network slice and resources for the second network device according to the service type requested by the second network device. The service type requested by the second network device can be Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), etc., and this embodiment does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0092] In another embodiment of the present application, the first message sent by the second network device to the first network device is used to instruct the first network device to update the first configuration information related to the second network device.

[0093] It should be noted that the first configuration information refers to the configuration information stored on the first network device and related to the radio access network (RAN) parameters of the second network device.

[0094] The RAN parameters of the second network device generally include the frequency configuration, power control, channel configuration of the second network device, and the network slice information supported by the second network device, etc.

[0095] In the case where the network environment where the second network device is located changes (such as adjusting the radio frequency band, adjusting the tracking area of the service, etc.), the second network device can send a first message to the first network device and indicate the new first configuration information in the first message, so that the first network device can update the first configuration information according to the new first configuration information indicated by the first message, ensure that the new first configuration information can take effect in time, and avoid problems caused by inconsistent configuration information.

[0096] It should be noted that when the first network device updates the first configuration information based on the first message, if the update of the new first configuration information is successful, the first network device sends a fifth message to the second network device, and the fifth message is used to indicate that the update of the new first configuration information is successful; if the update of the first configuration information fails, the first network device sends a sixth message to the second network device, and the sixth message is used to indicate that the update of the new first configuration information fails. By sending the fifth message or the sixth message to the second network device, the first network device facilitates the second network device to timely know whether the update of the new first configuration information is successful.

[0097] Among them, the first message carries first network slice information, and the first network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device.

[0098] It should be noted that whether the first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device or to instruct the first network device to update the first configuration information related to the second network device, the first message carries the first network slice information used to indicate the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device, so as to ensure that in any case, the first network device can comprehensively understand and effectively manage the network slices in each tracking area served by the second network device, which helps to optimize the utilization of network resources, improve the service quality, and at the same time ensure the consistency and effective management of the network slices.

[0099] It should be noted that the management and configuration of the first network slice information are based on the tracking area as a unit or granularity.

[0100] In a mobile communication network, a tracking area is a management unit used to track the location and status of mobile terminal devices. When the first network slice information is based on the tracking area as the granularity, the network operator or network manager can perform personalized configuration and management of the network slice according to the specific requirements and conditions of each tracking area.

[0101] For example, the tracking areas served by the second network device are TA21, TA22, and TA23 respectively. The identifiers of the network slices supported by the second network device in TA21 are A and B. The identifiers of the network slices supported by the second network device in TA22 are C and D. The identifiers of the network slices supported by the second network device in TA23 are A and D. At this time, the first message carrying the first network slice information can be TA21{A, B}, TA22{C, D}, TA23{A, D}, indicating that the second network device supports network slice A and network slice B in TA21, the second network device supports network slice C and network slice D in TA22, and the second network device supports network slice A and network slice D in TA23.

[0102] Among them, a tracking area includes one or more second network devices. The first network slice information is used to assist the third network device in configuring available network slices for the terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. A second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device.

[0103] Specifically, the second connection can be an NG connection. By establishing the second connection, communication between the third network device and the first network device can be achieved. When both the first connection and the second connection are successfully established, communication between the second network device and the third network device can be achieved.

[0104] It should be noted that after the second connection between the third network device and the first network device is successfully established, the first network device will send the first network slice information to the third network device. The third network device can learn about the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device through the first network slice information. The third network device uses the network slices supported by the second network device for all tracking areas as a reference to configure available network slices for the UEs within the signal coverage range of the second network device from the network slices supported by the tracking area where the UEs are located.

[0105] S402: The first network device sends a second message to the second network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the second message sent by the first network device.

[0106] Wherein, the second message is used to indicate that the first connection is successfully established, or the second message is used to instruct the second network device to update the second configuration information related to the first network device.

[0107] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first message sent by the second network device to the first network device is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, and the first network device has successfully established the first connection based on the first message, the first network device sends a second message to the second network device to indicate that the first connection is successfully established.

[0108] In another embodiment of the present application, the second message sent by the first network device to the second network device is used to instruct the second network device to update the second configuration information related to the first network device.

[0109] It should be noted that the second configuration information refers to the configuration information stored on the second network device and related to the service configuration parameters when the first network device configures services for the second network device.

[0110] When the service configuration parameters of the first network device change, the first network device can send a second message to the second network device and indicate in the second message the need for new second configuration information, so that the second network device can update the second configuration information according to the new second configuration information indicated by the second message, ensuring that the new second configuration information can take effect in a timely manner and avoiding problems caused by inconsistent configuration information.

[0111] It should be noted that when the second network device updates the second configuration information based on the second message, if the update of the new second configuration information is successful, the second network device sends a seventh message to the first network device, and the seventh message is used to indicate that the update of the new second configuration information is successful; if the update of the second configuration information fails, the second network device sends an eighth message to the first network device, and the eighth message is used to indicate that the update of the new second configuration information fails. By sending the seventh message or the eighth message to the first network device, the second network device facilitates the first network device to timely learn whether the update of the new second configuration information is successful.

[0112] Wherein, the second message carries second network slice information, and the second network slice information is used to indicate one or more network slices supported by a public land mobile network (PLMN) related to the first network device.

[0113] It should be noted that, whether the second message is used to indicate the successful establishment of the first connection or to instruct the second network device to update the second configuration information related to the first network device, the second message carries second network slice information for indicating network slices supported by one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) related to the first network device, so as to ensure that in any case, the second network device can comprehensively understand the network slices supported by each PLMN related to the first network device.

[0114] It should be noted that the management and configuration of the second network slice information are based on the PLMN as a unit or granularity.

[0115] An embodiment of the present application provides an information interaction method. The second network device sends a first message to the first network device. The first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device. The first message carries first network slice information for indicating network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device, so that the first network device can learn about the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device through the first network slice information, and in response to the first message, sends a second message indicating the successful establishment of the first connection to the second network device. The second message carries second network slice information for indicating network slices supported by one or more PLMNs related to the first network device. Among them, a second connection is to be established or has been established between the first network device and the third network device. When the second connection between the first network device and the third network device is successfully established, the first network device enables the third network device to learn about the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device by sending the first network slice information to the third network device, so that the third network device can configure available network slices for terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. In addition, when the third network device sends the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device to the first network device, the first network device can select a suitable network element for the second network device based on the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device. In the present application, since the first network device can select a suitable network element for the second network device, that is, the second network device does not need to know the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device, therefore, only the network slices supported by one or more PLMNs related to the first network device are carried in the second message, and the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device are no longer carried. Thus, while ensuring the normal establishment of the connection between the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device, unnecessary signaling overhead and bandwidth waste are avoided, and network resources are saved.

[0116] In the above embodiments, the second network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by one or more PLMNs associated with the first network device. Next, the specific content of the second network slice information will be described in detail.

[0117] In a possible embodiment, the second network slice information is the network slice supported by the first PLMN supported by the first network device.

[0118] Wherein, the first PLMN is the PLMN supported by the first network device. The second network slice information is the network slices supported by all the PLMNs supported by the first network device.

[0119] It should be noted that the network slices supported by the PLMN supported by the first network device (the second network slice information) are pre-configured.

[0120] Specifically, the second network slice information may be pre-configured by an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) device, may be manually configured by a user, or may be pre-configured by a network operator according to the service scenario and network conditions of the first network device. This embodiment does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0121] In this embodiment, the second network slice information is pre-configured by the OAM. When the communication system is initially established, the OAM may configure the first PLMN supported by the first network device and the network slices supported by the first PLMN. Thus, the first network device may determine the second network slice information based on the OAM configuration information and send the second network slice information to the second network device through a second message.

[0122] For example, the OAM pre-configures that all the PLMNs supported by the first network device are PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, PLMN ID3, PLMN ID4, and PLMN ID5 respectively, and the first network device supports slice list 1 under PLMN ID1, the first network device supports slice list 2 under PLMN ID2, the first network device supports slice list 3 under PLMN ID3, the first network device supports slice list 4 under PLMN ID4, and the first network device supports slice list 5 under PLMN ID5. The second network slice information sent by the first network device to the second network device is slice list 1, slice list 2, slice list 3, slice list 4, and slice list 5.

[0123] In this embodiment, the second network slice information is a network slice supported by a first PLMN supported by a first network device, and the second network slice information is pre-configured, which helps to ensure that the second network slice information does not change frequently over time or with services, effectively simplifies the management and configuration of the second network slice information by the first network device, and reduces the management complexity of the first network device.

[0124] In another possible embodiment, the second network slice information is a network slice supported by a second PLMN, and the second PLMN is the PLMN to which the tracking area served by the second network device belongs.

[0125] It should be noted that when the first network slice information indicates the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device, the PLMN to which each tracking area belongs is also described. Therefore, the first network device can learn the PLMN supported by the second network device based on the first message sent by the second network device, and use the network slices supported by the PLMN supported by the second network device as the second network slice information to send to the second network device.

[0126] For example, the OAM pre-configures that all PLMNs supported by the first network device are PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, PLMN ID3, PLMN ID4, and PLMN ID5 respectively, and the first network device supports slice list 1 under PLMN ID1, the first network device supports slice list 2 under PLMN ID2, the first network device supports slice list 3 under PLMN ID3, the first network device supports slice list 4 under PLMN ID4, and the first network device supports slicelist 5 under PLMN ID5. When the first network device learns that the PLMN supported by the second network device is PLMN ID1 and PLMN ID2 through the first network slice information, the second network slice information sent by the first network device to the second network device is slicelist 1 and slice list 2.

[0127] In this embodiment, the second network slice information is flexibly configured according to the network slices supported by the second PLMN to which the tracking area served by the second network device belongs. The second network slice information can be dynamically adjusted according to the service requirements of different tracking areas, has high flexibility, and can effectively save network resources.

[0128] In yet another possible embodiment, the second network slice information is a network slice supported by a third PLMN, and the third PLMN is a PLMN preset by the first network device.

[0129] It should be noted that the first network device can preset a PLMN (the third PLMN) related to each second network device for each second network device based on the service requirements of each second network device connected to it.

[0130] For example, OAM pre-configures all PLMNs supported by the first network device as PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, PLMN ID3, PLMN ID4, and PLMN ID5 respectively. The first network device supports slice list 1 under PLMN ID1, the first network device supports slice list 2 under PLMN ID2, the first network device supports slice list 3 under PLMN ID3, the first network device supports slice list 4 under PLMN ID4, and the first network device supports slice list 5 under PLMN ID5. All slices in slice list 1, slice list 3, and slice list 5 support eMBB, and all slices in slice list 2 and slice list 4 support URLLC. When the first network device pre-knows that the service requirement of the second network device is URLLC, the second network slice information sent by the first network device to the second network device is slice list 2 and slice list 4; when the first network device pre-knows that the service requirement of the second network device is eMBB, the second network slice information sent by the first network device to the second network device is slice list 1, slice list 3, and slice list 5.

[0131] For another example, the OAM pre-configures all PLMNs supported by the first network device as PLMN ID1, PLMN ID2, PLMN ID3, PLMN ID4, and PLMN ID5 respectively. The first network device supports slice list 1 under PLMN ID1, slice list 2 under PLMN ID2, slice list 3 under PLMN ID3, slice list 4 under PLMN ID4, and slice list 5 under PLMN ID5. Slice list 1, slice list 2, slice list 3, slice list 4, and slice list 5 include both slices supporting URLLC and slices supporting eMBB. When the first network device pre-knows that the service requirement of the second network device is URLLC, the second network slice information sent by the first network device to the second network device is all network slices supporting URLLC in slice list 1, slice list 2, slice list 3, slice list 4, and slice list 5. When the first network device pre-knows that the service requirement of the second network device is eMBB, the second network slice information sent by the first network device to the second network device is all network slices supporting eMBB in slice list 1, slice list 2, slice list 3, slice list 4, and slice list 5.

[0132] In this embodiment, the second network slice information is the network slices supported by the third PLMN pre-set by the first network device. The second network slice information can be dynamically adjusted according to the service requirements of different second network devices, with high flexibility and can effectively save network resources.

[0133] In a possible embodiment, the first network device serves a tracking area, and all second network devices within the tracking area support the same network slices.

[0134] In another possible embodiment, the first network device serves multiple tracking areas, and all second network devices within each tracking area support the same network slices.

[0135] It should be noted that when the first network device serves multiple tracking areas and all second network devices within each tracking area support the same network slices, the network slices supported by the second network devices in different tracking areas may be the same or different.

[0136] For example, the first network device serves TA1, TA2, and TA3. The IDs of the network slices supported by all the second network devices within TA1 include A, B, and C; the IDs of the network slices supported by all the second network devices within TA2 include A and B; and the IDs of the network slices supported by all the second network devices within TA3 include A and B.

[0137] In the above embodiment, a second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device. Next, the specific process of establishing the second connection between the third network device and the first network device will be described in detail.

[0138] In a possible embodiment, the second connection between the third network device and the first network device can be established through the method steps shown in Sa1 and Sa2.

[0139] In the method step shown in S401, if a second connection is to be established between the third network device and the first network device, then Sa1 and Sa2 are after the method step shown in S402; if a second connection has been established between the third network device and the first network device, it means that Sa1 and Sa2 are executed before the method step shown in S401.

[0140] Figure 5 It is a schematic flowchart of another information interaction method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 5 shown, Sa1 and Sa2 are executed after the method step shown in S402, and Sa1 and Sa2 will be described in detail below.

[0141] Sa1: The first network device sends a third message to the third network device. Correspondingly, the third network device receives the third message sent by the first network device.

[0142] Among them, the third message is used to request the third network device to establish a second connection with the first network device.

[0143] Specifically, the second connection can be an NG connection. By establishing the second connection, communication between the first network device and the third network device can be realized.

[0144] The third message can indicate information such as the relevant configuration parameters required for establishing the NG connection, the identity information of the first network device, and the requested service type.

[0145] Among them, when the first network device serves a tracking area and all the second network devices within the tracking area support the same network slice, the third message carries the first network slice information or the third network slice information, and the third network slice information is pre-configured.

[0146] It should be noted that the third network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by a tracking area served by the first network device. The third network slice information can be pre-configured by the OAM, manually configured by the user, or pre-configured by the network operator according to the service scenario and network conditions of the first network device. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0147] In this embodiment, the third network slice information is pre-configured by the OAM. When the communication system is initially established, the OAM can configure the supported network slices for all tracking areas related to the third network device. Thus, the first network device can determine the third network slice information based on the OAM configuration information and send the third network slice information to the third network device through the third message.

[0148] It should be noted that since the first network device only serves one tracking area, the third network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by the tracking area served by the first network device, and the first network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device. The second network device is the second network device in the tracking area served by the first network device. Therefore, the first network slice information is the same as the third network slice information. However, when the tracking area where the second network device is located changes, the first network slice information and the third network slice information may also be different.

[0149] When the first network device serves one tracking area and all the second network devices in the tracking area support the same network slices, the third message can carry the first network slice information or the third network slice information. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0150] When the third message carries the first network slice information, the first network slice information accurately reflects the network slices supported by the tracking areas served by all the second network devices connected to the first network device, which can ensure the accuracy of the slice information sent by the first network device to the third network device, and further ensure that the third network device can configure available network slices for the terminal device.

[0151] When the third message carries the third network slice information, since the third network slice information is pre-configured, it reduces the complexity of the first network device generating the third message and effectively improves the speed of establishing the second connection.

[0152] Among them, when the first network device serves multiple tracking areas and all the second network devices in each tracking area support the same network slices, the third message carries the fourth network slice information or the fifth network slice information. The fourth network slice information is the union of the network slices supported by multiple tracking areas, and the fifth network slice information is pre-configured.

[0153] It should be noted that the fifth network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by multiple tracking areas served by the first network device. The fifth network slice information can be pre-configured by OAM, manually configured by the user, or pre-configured by the network operator according to the service scenario and network conditions of the first network device. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0154] In this embodiment, the fifth network slice information is pre-configured by OAM. When the communication system is initially established, OAM can configure the supported network slices for multiple tracking areas related to the fifth network device respectively. Thus, the first network device can determine the fifth network slice information based on the OAM configuration information and send the fifth network slice information to the third network device through the third message.

[0155] It should be noted that since the first network device serves multiple tracking areas, all the second network devices within each tracking area support the same network slices, but the second network devices in different tracking areas may support different network slices. And the third network device needs to know the network slices supported by the second network devices in all the tracking areas served by the first network device. Therefore, the union of the network slices supported by multiple tracking areas served by the first network device (the fourth network slice information) needs to be sent to the third network device through the third message.

[0156] The fourth network slice information and the fifth network slice information may be the same or different. When the first network device serves multiple tracking areas and all the second network devices within each tracking area support the same network slices, the third message can carry the first network slice information or the third network slice information. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0157] When the third message carries the fourth network slice information, the fourth network slice information accurately reflects the network slices supported by the tracking areas served by all the second network devices connected to the first network device, which can ensure the accuracy of the slice information sent by the first network device to the third network device, and further ensure that the third network device can configure available network slices for the terminal devices within the signal coverage of the second network device.

[0158] When the third message carries the fifth network slice information, since the fifth network slice information is pre-configured, it reduces the complexity of the first network device generating the third message and effectively improves the speed of establishing the second connection.

[0159] Sa2. The third network device sends a fourth message to the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the fourth message sent by the third network device.

[0160] Among them, the fourth message is used to indicate that the second connection is successfully established, and the fourth message carries the sixth network slice information.

[0161] It should be noted that when the first network device is a gateway, the second network device is a gNB, and the third network device is a core network device, relative to the core network device, the gateway is similar to the existence of a gNB. The core network device only needs to establish an SCTP connection with the gateway similar to the gNB, and does not need to establish an SCTP connection with multiple gNBs under the gateway. Relative to the gNB, the gateway exists as a functional entity similar to the AMF. Thus, when the UE accesses, the gateway can replace the gNB to select the AMF in the appropriate core network device for the UE to access. That is to say, the gateway needs to know which network slices are supported by the AMF in the core network device, so as to select an appropriate AMF for the UE to access.

[0162] Specifically, the first network device can obtain the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device through the sixth network slice information carried in the fourth message.

[0163] Among them, the third network device includes one or more network elements, and the network slices supported by each network element can be the same or different. When the third network device includes one network element, one network element in the third network device sends the fourth message to the first network device. When the second network device includes multiple network elements, multiple network elements in the third network device respectively send the fourth message to the first network device.

[0164] It should be noted that the network element in the third network device can be, for example, an AMF.

[0165] Among them, the sixth network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device.

[0166] It should be noted that the sixth network slice information may include the IDs of the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device. The sending form of the sixth network slice information can be a list, a set, or a matrix, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0167] For example, if the third network device includes three network elements, namely AMF1, AMF2, and AMF3, the IDs of the network slices supported by AMF1 include A, B, and C, the IDs of the network slices supported by AMF2 include A, and the IDs of the network slices supported by AMF3 include A and B. Then, the fourth message sent by AMF1 to the first network device can carry: AMF1{A, B, C}, the fourth message sent by AMF2 to the first network device can carry: AMF2{A}, and the fourth message sent by AMF3 to the first network device can carry: AMF3{A, B}.

[0168] Among them, the sixth network slice information is used for the first network device to select an access network element for the terminal device.

[0169] The first network device can learn about the network slices supported by all network elements in the third network device through the sixth network slice information, so that the first network device can select a suitable network element for the UE to access according to the network slices supported by all network elements in the third network device.

[0170] Based on this, by receiving the fourth message sent by the third network device, the first network device can confirm that the second connection is successfully established and learn about the network slices supported by the network elements in the third network device, so as to select an access network element for the UE.

[0171] Among them, the first connection and the second connection are used to establish a connection between the terminal device and the third network device.

[0172] It should be noted that when the first connection between the second network device and the first network device is successfully established and the second connection between the first network device and the third network device is successfully established, the connection between the second network device and the third network is successfully established. Therefore, the connection between the terminal device within the signal coverage of the second network device and the third network device can be successfully established.

[0173] Based on the above description, a first connection is established between the first network device and the second network device, and a second connection is established between the first network device and the third network device. The first connection and the second connection are used to implement the communication connection between the UE and the third network device. Thus, the third network device can configure network slices for the UE based on the first network slice information, the third network slice information, the fourth network slice information, or the fifth network slice information obtained during the establishment of the second connection, and the first network device can select a suitable access network element for the terminal device based on the sixth network slice information obtained during the establishment of the second connection.

[0174] Exemplarily, the present application further provides a communication device.

[0175] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6 shown, the communication device 600 provided in this embodiment can exist independently or be integrated in other devices, and can communicate with the second network device mentioned above, and is used to implement the operations corresponding to the first network device in the above method embodiments.

[0176] The communication device 600 may include: a transceiver module 601 and a processing module 602. The processing module 602 is used for data processing, and the transceiver module 601 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 601 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0177] Optionally, the communication device 600 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 602 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the communication device 600 can implement the steps implemented by the first network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0178] The transceiver module 601 is used to perform the operations related to receiving of the first network device in the foregoing method embodiments, and the processing module 602 is used to perform the operations related to processing of the first network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0179] Optionally, the transceiver module 601 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the foregoing method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0180] It should be noted that the communication device 600 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Or, the communication device 600 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it depends on whether the foregoing scheme executed by the communication device 600 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0181] As an example, the communication device 600 is used to perform the actions performed by the first network device in the foregoing Figure 4 illustrated embodiments.

[0182] The communication device 600 may include: a transceiver module 601.

[0183] The transceiver module 601 is configured to receive a first message sent by a second network device. The first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, or the first message is used to instruct the first network device to update first configuration information related to the second network device; wherein, the first message carries first network slice information, and the first network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device. The tracking area includes one or more second network devices, and the first network slice information is used to assist a third network device in configuring available network slices for terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. A second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device.

[0184] The transceiver module 601 is further configured to send a second message to the second network device. The second message is used to indicate that the first connection is successfully established, or the second message is used to instruct the second network device to update second configuration information related to the first network device; wherein, the second message carries second network slice information, and the second network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) related to the first network device.

[0185] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each module has been described in detail in the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0186] The processing module 602 in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The transceiver module 601 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver module 601 may also be referred to as a communication unit or communication interface. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0187] Exemplarily, the present application also provides another communication device.

[0188] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 7 shown, the communication device 700 provided in this embodiment may exist independently or be integrated in other devices, and may communicate with the first network device mentioned above to implement the operations corresponding to the second network device in the above method embodiments.

[0189] The communication device 700 may include: a transceiver module 701 and a processing module 702. The processing module 702 is used for data processing, and the transceiver module 701 may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 701 may also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit.

[0190] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 702 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device 700 implements the steps implemented by the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0191] The transceiver module 701 is used to perform the operations related to receiving of the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments, and the processing module 702 is used to perform the operations related to processing of the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0192] Optionally, the transceiver module 701 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0193] It should be noted that the communication device 700 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Or, the communication device 700 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 700 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0194] As an example, the communication device 700 is used to execute the foregoing Figure 4Actions performed by the second network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0195] The communication device 700 may include: a transceiver module 701.

[0196] The transceiver module 701 is configured to send a first message to a first network device, where the first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, or the first message is used to instruct the first network device to update first configuration information related to the second network device; the first message carries first network slice information, and the first network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device. The tracking area includes one or more second network devices, and the first network slice information is used to assist a third network device in configuring available network slices for terminal devices within the signal coverage range of the second network device. A second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device.

[0197] The transceiver module 701 is further configured to receive a second message sent by the first network device, where the second message is used to indicate that the first connection is successfully established, or the second message is used to instruct the second network device to update second configuration information related to the first network device; the second message carries second network slice information, and the second network slice information is used to indicate the network slices supported by one or more public land mobile networks (PLMNs) related to the first network device.

[0198] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each module has been described in detail in the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0199] The processing module 702 in the foregoing embodiments may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver module 701 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuits. The transceiver module 701 may also be referred to as a communication unit or communication interface. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0200] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0201] The communication device 800 includes a processor 801. The processor 801 is coupled to a memory 802. The memory 802 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 801 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 802, so that the methods in the foregoing method embodiments are executed.

[0202] Optionally, the communication device 800 includes one or more processors 801.

[0203] Optionally, as Figure 8As shown, the communication device 800 may further include a memory 802.

[0204] Optionally, the communication device 800 may include one or more memories 802.

[0205] Optionally, the memory 802 may be integrated with the processor 801 or separately provided.

[0206] As Figure 8 shown, the communication device 800 may further include a transceiver 803, and the transceiver 803 is used for receiving and / or sending signals. For example, the processor 801 is used to control the transceiver 803 to receive and / or send signals.

[0207] As a solution, the communication device 800 is used to implement the operations performed by the first network device or the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0208] For example, the processor 801 is used to implement the operations related to processing performed by the first network device or the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments, and the transceiver 803 is used to implement the operations related to receiving and sending performed by the first network device or the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0209] The above Figure 8 In the communication device shown above, the device in the transceiver 803 for receiving power may be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver 803 for the sending function may be regarded as a sending unit. That is, the transceiver 803 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The transceiver 803 may also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiver may also be referred to as a receiver, a receiving unit, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc. The transmitter may also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, a transmitting unit, or a transmitting circuit, etc. The processor 801 has a processing function, and the processor 801 may be referred to as a processing unit. The memory 802 is used to store computer program codes and data, and the memory 802 may also be referred to as a storage unit.

[0210] Wherein, when the communication device is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. Wherein, the transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor is a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. The sending operation of any one of the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device in the foregoing method embodiments may be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the first network device or the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments may be understood as the input of the chip.

[0211] Exemplarily, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions for implementing the method performed by the first network device or the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments are stored.

[0212] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the first network device or the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0213] Exemplarily, the present application further provides a computer program product including instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the methods executed by the first network device or the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0214] Exemplarily, the present application further provides a communication system, which includes a first network device, a second network device, and a third network device. The first network device is configured to execute the processes executed by the first network device in the foregoing embodiments. The second network device is configured to execute the processes executed by the second network device in the foregoing embodiments. The third network device is configured to execute the processes executed by the third network device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0215] Exemplarily, the present application further provides a chip device, including a processor, configured to call a computer program or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the information interaction method in the foregoing embodiments.

[0216] In a possible implementation manner, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in the foregoing Figure 4 illustrated embodiments, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in the foregoing Figure 4 illustrated embodiments.

[0217] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory through an interface.

[0218] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory, and computer programs or computer instructions are stored in the memory.

[0219] Wherein, the processor mentioned anywhere above may be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, a baseband processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the programs of the methods in the foregoing embodiments. The memory mentioned anywhere above may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0220] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the sake of convenience and brevity of description, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the foregoing communication devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0221] In this application, the first network device, the second network device, and the third network device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. Among them, the hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also known as main memory). The operating system in the operating system layer can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement service processing through processes. For example, Linux operating system, Unix operating system, Android operating system, iOS operating system, or Windows operating system, etc. The application layer may include applications such as a browser, an address book, a word processing software, and an instant messaging software.

[0222] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0223] In several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed couplings or direct couplings or communication connections to each other can be through some interfaces, and the indirect couplings or communication connections of devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0224] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0225] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of this application can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The above integrated units can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0226] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of this application, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the processes of the methods of various embodiments of this application. The foregoing storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories, random access memories, magnetic disks, or optical discs.

[0227] The above are only specific implementation manners of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application will not be limited to these embodiments described herein, but rather to the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An information interaction method, characterized in that: The method comprises: A first network device receives a first message sent by a second network device, where the first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, or the first message is used to instruct the first network device to update first configuration information related to the second network device; wherein the first message carries first network slice information, where the first network slice information is used to indicate network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device, where the tracking area includes one or more second network devices, and the first network slice information is used to assist a third network device in configuring available network slices for a terminal device within a signal coverage range of the second network device, and a second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device; The first network device sends a second message to the second network device, where the second message is used to indicate that the first connection is successfully established, or the second message is used to instruct the second network device to update second configuration information related to the first network device; wherein the second message carries second network slice information, and the second network slice information is used to indicate network slices supported by one or more land public mobile communication networks PLMN related to the first network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second network slice information is a network slice supported by a first PLMN supported by the first network device; or, The second network slice information is a network slice supported by a second PLMN, and the second PLMN is a PLMN to which the tracking area served by the second network device belongs; or, The second network slice information is a network slice supported by a third PLMN, and the third PLMN is a PLMN pre-set by the first network device.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first network device serves one tracking area, and all the second network devices in the tracking area support the same network slice.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first network device serves multiple tracking areas, and all the second network devices in each tracking area support the same network slice.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first network device sends a third message to the third network device, where the third message is used to request the third network device to establish the second connection with the first network device; when the first network device serves one tracking area and all the second network devices in the tracking area support the same network slice, the third message carries the first network slice information or the third network slice information, where the third network slice information is pre-configured; when the first network device serves multiple tracking areas and all the second network devices in each tracking area support the same network slice, the third message carries the fourth network slice information or the fifth network slice information, where the fourth network slice information is a union of network slices supported by multiple tracking areas, and the fifth network slice information is pre-configured; The first network device receives a fourth message sent by the third network device, the fourth message is used to indicate that the second connection is successfully established, the fourth message carries sixth network slice information, the sixth network slice information is used to indicate network slices supported by network elements in the third network device, and the sixth network slice information is used by the first network device to select a network element for the terminal device to access; wherein the first connection and the second connection are used to establish a connection between the terminal device and the third network device.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second network slice information is pre-configured.

7. An information interaction method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The second network device sends a first message to the first network device, where the first message is used to request the first network device to establish a first connection with the second network device, or the first message is used to instruct the first network device to update first configuration information related to the second network device; the first message carries first network slice information, where the first network slice information is used to indicate network slices supported by each tracking area served by the second network device, where the tracking area includes one or more second network devices, and the first network slice information is used to assist the third network device in configuring available network slices for terminal devices within the signal coverage of the second network device, and a second connection is to be established or has been established between the third network device and the first network device; The second network device receives a second message sent by the first network device, where the second message is used to indicate that the first connection is successfully established, or the second message is used to instruct the second network device to update second configuration information related to the first network device; the second message carries second network slice information, where the second network slice information is used to indicate network slices supported by one or more public land mobile communication networks PLMN related to the first network device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The second network slice information is a network slice supported by a first PLMN supported by the first network device; or, The second network slice information is a network slice supported by a second PLMN, and the second PLMN is a PLMN to which the tracking area served by the second network device belongs; or, The second network slice information is a network slice supported by a third PLMN, and the third PLMN is a PLMN pre-set by the first network device.

9. A communication device, characterized in that: include: memory and at least one processor; The memory stores computer-executable instructions; The at least one processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the at least one processor performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

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