Network interoperation information sending method, device, equipment, medium and product

Abstract

The invention relates to a network interoperation information sending method and device, equipment, a medium and a product. The method comprises: a first network element obtaining network interoperation information, the network interoperation information being used for indicating a switching capability between a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network and a non-3GPP network, the first network element being a network element associated with session establishment; and the first network element sends the network interoperation information to a terminal. By adopting the method provided by the invention, the condition of switching failure of the terminal during network switching can be avoided to a certain extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and particularly to a method, apparatus, device, medium, and product for sending network interoperability information. Background Art

[0002] There are great challenges in the deployment of the new generation of cellular networks to form continuous wide-area coverage. To make up for the lack of cellular network coverage, business services are provided through WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) networks indoors. Supporting the IP continuity of WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) networks and cellular networks can ensure smooth handover of services when the terminal moves to an area without cellular network coverage or WiFi network coverage during business operations.

[0003] Currently, the standard does not define how a terminal can know whether the current cellular network supports handover with a WiFi network, resulting in the terminal still attempting a handover even when the cellular network does not support handover with the WiFi network, leading to handover failures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a method, apparatus, device, medium, and product for sending network interoperability information, which can, to a certain extent, avoid handover failures when a terminal performs network handover.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for sending network interoperability information is provided. The method includes:

[0006] A first network element obtains network interoperability information, where the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network and a non-3GPP network, and the first network element is a network element related to session establishment; the first network element sends the network interoperability information to a terminal.

[0007] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is included in subscription data or terminal policies.

[0008] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information includes at least one of network two-way interoperability information and network one-way interoperability information;

[0009] wherein the network two-way interoperability information is used to indicate the two-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network;

[0010] The network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the one-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0011] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is used to indicate at least one of the following handover capabilities:

[0012] Whether it supports handover between the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network and the evolved packet data gateway (ePDG);

[0013] Whether it supports handover between the LTE network and the non-3GPP interworking function network element (N3IWF);

[0014] Whether it supports handover between the New Radio (NR) network and the ePDG;

[0015] Whether it supports handover between the NR network and the N3IWF.

[0016] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the first network element obtains the network interoperability information, including:

[0017] In the network attachment phase, the MME obtains user subscription data from the Home Subscriber Server (HSS), and the user subscription data contains the network interoperability information.

[0018] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), and the first network element obtains the network interoperability information, including:

[0019] In the Packet Data Network (PDN) connection establishment phase, the PGW obtains the network interoperability information from the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF).

[0020] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal, including at least one of the following:

[0021] In the network attachment phase, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through an attachment response message;

[0022] In the PDN connection establishment phase, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDN connection establishment response message.

[0023] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the core network through a WiFi network, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal, including:

[0024] The first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

[0025] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is a session management function SMF, and the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including:

[0026] In the stage of establishing a protocol data unit PDU session, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the unified data management function UDM, and the session management subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

[0027] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF, and the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including:

[0028] In the stage of establishing a PDU session, the SMF obtains user subscription data from the UDM, and the user subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

[0029] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF, and the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including:

[0030] In the stage of establishing a PDU session, the SMF receives network interoperability information corresponding to the communication services subscribed by the terminal sent by the mobility management function AMF.

[0031] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information sent by the AMF to the SMF is obtained by the AMF from the SMF-selected subscription data according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal in the 5G registration stage. The SMF-selected subscription data at least includes an interoperability information list of the communication services supported by the SMF, and the interoperability information list includes the network interoperability information corresponding to different communication services respectively.

[0032] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities, and the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including:

[0033] In the stage of establishing a PDU session, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, and the session management subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

[0034] In one embodiment, the SMF is the SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities selected by the AMF according to the subscribed data during the 5G registration phase, and the subscribed data selected by the SMF includes indication information on whether different SMFs support 3GPP and non-3GPP handover capabilities.

[0035] In one embodiment, the communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following: the access point name used by the terminal; the data network to which the terminal is connected; the slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0036] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the SMF, and the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including:

[0037] In the stage of PDU session establishment, the SMF receives the updated data of the subscribed data subscribed by the SMF sent by the UDM, where the updated data includes the network interoperability information.

[0038] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is the SMF, and the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal, including:

[0039] In the stage of PDU session establishment, the SMF sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0040] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is the SMF, and the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal, including:

[0041] The SMF assigns values to network interoperability metrics according to the network;

[0042] The SMF sends the network interoperability indication obtained after the value assignment process to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0043] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0044] In the case that the terminal does not receive the network interoperability information, it is indicated that the service type subscribed by the terminal does not subscribe to the handover capabilities indicated by the network interoperability information.

[0045] In a second aspect, a network interoperability information sending device is provided for a first network element, where the first network element is a network element related to session establishment; the device includes:

[0046] An obtaining module, configured to obtain network interoperability information, where the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network and a non-3GPP network;

[0047] A sending module, configured to send the network interoperability information to a terminal.

[0048] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is included in subscription data or a terminal policy.

[0049] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information includes at least one of network two-way interoperability information and network one-way interoperability information;

[0050] Wherein, the network two-way interoperability information is used to indicate the two-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network;

[0051] The network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the one-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0052] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is used to indicate at least one of the following handover capabilities:

[0053] Whether it supports the handover between a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network and an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG);

[0054] Whether it supports the handover between an LTE network and a non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF);

[0055] Whether it supports the handover between a New Radio (NR) network and an ePDG;

[0056] Whether it supports the handover between an NR network and an N3IWF.

[0057] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is a Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the obtaining module is specifically configured to:

[0058] In the network attachment phase, obtain user subscription data from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), where the user subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

[0059] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses an EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), and the obtaining module is specifically configured to:

[0060] In the Packet Data Network (PDN) connection establishment phase, obtain the network interoperability information from a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF).

[0061] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network, the sending module is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0062] In the network attachment phase, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through an attachment response message;

[0063] In the PDN connection establishment phase, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDN connection establishment response message.

[0064] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the core network through a WiFi network, the sending module is specifically configured to:

[0065] Send the network interoperability information to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

[0066] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is a session management function SMF, the obtaining module is specifically configured to:

[0067] In the protocol data unit PDU session establishment phase, obtain session management subscription data from the unified data management function UDM, where the session management subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

[0068] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is an SMF, the obtaining module is specifically configured to:

[0069] In the PDU session establishment phase, obtain user subscription data from the UDM, where the user subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

[0070] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is an SMF, the obtaining module is specifically configured to:

[0071] In the PDU session establishment phase, receive network interoperability information corresponding to the communication services subscribed by the terminal sent by the mobility management function AMF.

[0072] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information sent by the AMF to the SMF is obtained by the AMF from the SMF selected subscription data according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal in the 5G registration phase. The SMF selected subscription data at least includes a list of interoperability information of communication services supported by the SMF, and the interoperability information list includes network interoperability information corresponding to different communication services respectively.

[0073] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities, and the obtaining module is specifically configured to:

[0074] In the stage of PDU session establishment, obtain session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, where the session management subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

[0075] In one embodiment, the SMF is an SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities selected by the AMF according to SMF selection subscription data in the 5G registration stage, and the SMF selection subscription data includes indication information on whether different SMFs support 3GPP and non-3GPP handover capabilities.

[0076] In one embodiment, the communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following:

[0077] The access point name used by the terminal;

[0078] The data network to which the terminal is connected;

[0079] The slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0080] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF, and the obtaining module is specifically configured to:

[0081] In the stage of PDU session establishment, receive updated data of the subscription data subscribed by the SMF sent by the UDM, where the updated data includes the network interoperability information.

[0082] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is an SMF, and the sending module is specifically configured to:

[0083] In the stage of PDU session establishment, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0084] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is an SMF, and the sending module is specifically configured to:

[0085] Perform an assignment process on network interoperability metrics according to the network;

[0086] Send the network interoperability indication obtained after the assignment process to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0087] In one embodiment, in the case where the terminal does not receive the network interoperability information, it is indicated that the service type subscribed by the terminal does not subscribe to the handover capability indicated by the network interoperability information.

[0088] In a third aspect, a network element device is provided, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0089] The memory is used to store computer programs; the transceiver is used to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and execute any of the methods described in the first aspect above by controlling the transceiver.

[0090] In a fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, any of the methods described in the first aspect above is implemented.

[0091] In a fifth aspect, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, any of the methods described in the first aspect above is implemented.

[0092] For the above network interoperability information sending method, apparatus, device, medium, and product, the first network element obtains the network interoperability information and sends the network interoperability information to the terminal. Among them, the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network, and the first network element is a network element related to session establishment. In this way, the terminal can receive the network interoperability information sent by the first network element, thereby obtaining the handover capability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. Therefore, in subsequent communication processes, the terminal can decide whether to perform a network handover or how to perform a network handover based on the handover capability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network, thereby avoiding the situation of handover failure to a certain extent when the terminal performs a network handover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] Figure 1 It is an application environment diagram of the network interoperability information sending method in one embodiment;

[0094] Figure 2 It is another application environment diagram of the network interoperability information sending method in one embodiment;

[0095] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of the network interoperability information sending method in one embodiment;

[0096] Figure 4 It is a structural block diagram of the network interoperability information sending apparatus in one embodiment;

[0097] Figure 5 Internal structure diagram of the first network element in an embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0098] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear and understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0099] Currently, there is a problem of insufficient coverage in cellular networks. Especially in indoor environments, the problem of poor signal in cellular networks due to signal attenuation through walls is more prominent, affecting communication services such as voice and SMS. To make up for the insufficient coverage of cellular networks, many operators have deployed WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) networks to provide communication service. In this way, the terminal can switch between the cellular network and the WiFi network to conduct communication services through the WiFi network in areas without cellular network coverage or with poor cellular network coverage, so as to achieve continuous wide-area coverage of the network and ensure the continuity of terminal communication services.

[0100] Currently, whether to perform network switching between the cellular network and the WiFi network, and how to perform network switching between the cellular network and the WiFi network are generally determined by the terminal independently. However, the current communication standards do not define how the terminal can know whether the current network supports switching between the cellular network and the WiFi network, resulting in the terminal still attempting to switch when the network does not support switching between the cellular network and the WiFi network, thus resulting in a switching failure.

[0101] In view of this, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for sending network interoperability information. In this method for sending network interoperability information, the first network element can obtain the network interoperability information and send the network interoperability information to the terminal. Among them, the network interoperability information is used to indicate the switching ability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. The first network element is a network element related to session establishment. In this way, the terminal can receive the network interoperability information sent by the first network element, thereby obtaining the switching ability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. Therefore, in the subsequent communication process, the terminal can decide whether to perform network switching or how to perform network switching based on the switching ability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network, so as to avoid the situation of switching failure when the terminal performs network switching to a certain extent.

[0102] It should be noted that the beneficial effects or technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this one, and there may be other implicit or related problems. For details, please refer to the description of the following embodiments.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of an application environment involved in the network interoperability information sending method provided in the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, the application environment may include a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a first network element 103. The first network element 103 is deployed in the core network. The first network element 103 is a network element related to session establishment in the core network. The terminal 101 communicates with the first network element 103 deployed in the core network through the access network device 102.

[0104] Among them, if the core network described above is an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), that is, the core network in LTE (Long Term Evolution), then the first network element 103 may be a Mobility Management Entity (MME) in the EPC, or the first network element 103 may be a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) in the EPC; if the core network described above is a 5G Core Network (5GC), then the first network element 103 may be a Session Management Function (SMF) in the 5GC.

[0105] In addition, the terminal 101 may be a wireless terminal. A wireless terminal may be a device that provides voice and / or other service data connectivity to a user, or a handheld device with a wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The wireless terminal may be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone (or a "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-integrated, or vehicle-mounted mobile device. The wireless terminal may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device or user equipment, which is not limited herein.

[0106] The terminal 101 can access the core network through the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access method or the non-3GPP access method. Correspondingly, the access network device 102 can be a 3GPP access network device or a non-3GPP access network device.

[0107] Among them, the 3GPP access network device can be, for example, a base transceiver station (BTS) in Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or a base station (NodeB, abbreviated as NB) in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or an evolved base station (Evolutional Node B, abbreviated as eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, or a relay station or an access point, or a base station in a 5G network, etc., which is not limited here.

[0108] The non-3GPP access network device can be, for example, an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG), or a Non-3GPP Inter Working Function (N3IWF). Among them, the terminal 101 can access the EPC through the ePDG, and the terminal 101 can access the 5GC through the N3IWF.

[0109] Please refer to Figure 2 , which shows a schematic diagram of another application environment involved in the network interoperability information sending method provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, in addition to including the terminal 101, the access network device 102, and the first network element 103, this application environment may further include a subscription management network element 104, which is deployed in the core network, and the first network element 103 can communicate with the subscription management network element 104 through the network.

[0110] If the core network is an EPC, the subscription management network element 104 may be a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) in the EPC, or the subscription management network element 104 may be a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) in the EPC. If the core network is a 5GC, the subscription management network element 104 may be a Unified Data Management (UDM) function in the 5GC, or the subscription management network element 104 may be a converged network element, which may be a converged network element of the UDM and the HSS.

[0111] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the core network is a 5GC, the application environment may further include an Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) in the 5GC.

[0112] The technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above technical problems will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments below may be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0113] In one embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, a method for sending network interoperability information is provided. Taking the method applied to the Figure 1 and Figure 2 in the first network element as an example, the method includes the following steps:

[0114] Step 3011: The first network element obtains network interoperability information.

[0115] As described above, if the terminal accesses the EPC, the first network element may be an MME or a PGW. If the terminal accesses the 5GC, the first network element may be an SMF.

[0116] It should be noted that the terminal accessing the EPC includes the case where the terminal accesses the EPC in a 3GPP manner and the case where the terminal accesses the EPC in a non-3GPP manner. For example, the case where the terminal accesses the EPC in a 3GPP manner may be that the terminal accesses the EPC through an eNB, and the case where the terminal accesses the EPC in a non-3GPP manner may be that the terminal accesses the EPC through an ePDG.

[0117] The terminal accessing the 5GC includes the case where the terminal accesses the 5GC in a 3GPP manner and the case where the terminal accesses the 5GC in a non-3GPP manner. For example, the case where the terminal accesses the 5GC in a 3GPP manner can be that the terminal accesses the 5GC through a gNB, and the case where the terminal accesses the 5GC in a non-3GPP manner can be that the terminal accesses the 5GC through an N3IWF.

[0118] It should be noted that the terminal accessing the EPC in a 3GPP manner can also be understood as the terminal accessing the EPC through a cellular network, and the terminal accessing the EPC in a non-3GPP manner can be understood as the terminal accessing the EPC through a WiFi network. The terminal accessing the 5GC in a 3GPP manner can also be understood as the terminal accessing the 5GC through a cellular network, and the terminal accessing the 5GC in a non-3GPP manner can be understood as the terminal accessing the 5GC through a WiFi network.

[0119] This network interoperability information is used to indicate the network handover capabilities supported by the network. Specifically, this network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capabilities between 3GPP networks and non-3GPP networks supported by the network.

[0120] Among them, typical 3GPP networks can be, for example, LTE networks and NR (English: New Radio; Chinese: New Air Interface) networks. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the so-called LTE network refers to the network where the terminal accesses the EPC through an eNB, and the so-called NR network in the embodiments of this application refers to the network where the terminal accesses the 5GC through a gNB. Typical non-3GPP networks can be, for example, the network where the terminal accesses the EPC through an ePDG and the network where the terminal accesses the 5GC through an N3IWF.

[0121] It should be noted that the above-mentioned 3GPP networks and non-3GPP networks are only illustrative examples and are not used to limit the scope of this application. In actual applications, there may also be other types of 3GPP networks and non-3GPP networks.

[0122] Step 302: The first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal.

[0123] In an alternative embodiment of this application, if the terminal accesses the EPC, the first network element can send the network interoperability information to the terminal during the network attachment phase or during the establishment phase of a Packet Data Network (PDN) connection; if the terminal accesses the 5GC, the first network element can send the network interoperability information to the terminal during the establishment phase of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0124] It should be noted that the signaling interaction processes involved in the network attachment phase, the PDN connection establishment phase, and the PDU session establishment phase involve the interaction of various types of information. In step 302, the first network element may reuse a piece of existing information in the signaling interaction process to carry the network interoperability information, or the first network element may send the network interoperability information to the terminal based on a newly defined piece of information in the signaling interaction process. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0125] The method for sending network interoperability information provided in this embodiment is to obtain network interoperability information by the first network element and send the network interoperability information to the terminal. Among them, the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. The first network element is a network element related to session establishment. In this way, the terminal can receive the network interoperability information sent by the first network element, thereby obtaining the handover capability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. Therefore, in the subsequent communication process, the terminal can decide whether to perform a network handover or how to perform a network handover based on the handover capability between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network, thereby avoiding the situation of handover failure to a certain extent when the terminal performs a network handover.

[0126] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information may be included in the subscription data. For example, the network interoperability information may be included in at least one of the session management subscription data, the user subscription data, and the SMF selection subscription data. In an optional embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information may be included in the terminal policy.

[0127] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information may be used to indicate at least one of the following handover capabilities: 1. Whether it supports the handover between the LTE network and the ePDG; 2. Whether it supports the handover between the LTE network and the N3IWF; 3. Whether it supports the handover between the NR network and the ePDG; 4. Whether it supports the handover between the NR network and the N3IWF.

[0128] In an optional embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the EPC, the network interoperability information sent by the first network element may indicate the following handover capabilities: 1. Whether it supports the handover between the LTE network and the ePDG; 2. Whether it supports the handover between the NR network and the ePDG.

[0129] In an optional embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the EPC, the network interoperability information sent by the first network element may indicate the following handover capabilities: 1. Whether it supports the handover between the LTE network and the ePDG; 2. Whether it supports the handover between the LTE network and the N3IWF; 3. Whether it supports the handover between the NR network and the ePDG; 4. Whether it supports the handover between the NR network and the N3IWF.

[0130] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the 5GC, the network interoperability information sent by the first network element may indicate the following handover capabilities: 1. Whether it supports handover between the NR network and the ePDG; 2. Whether it supports handover between the LTE network and the N3IWF; 3. Whether it supports handover between the NR network and the N3IWF.

[0131] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, in the case where the terminal does not receive the network interoperability information, it indicates that the service type subscribed by the terminal does not subscribe to the handover capabilities indicated by the network interoperability information.

[0132] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information includes at least one of network two-way interoperability information and network one-way interoperability information. Among them, the network two-way interoperability information is used to indicate the two-way handover capabilities between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network; the network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the one-way handover capabilities between the 3GPP network and the non-3GPP network. That is to say, the network two-way interoperability information is used to indicate the capabilities of the 3GPP network to switch to the non-3GPP network and the non-3GPP network to switch to the 3GPP network, while the network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the capabilities of the 3GPP network to switch to the non-3GPP network, or the network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the capabilities of the non-3GPP network to switch to the 3GPP network.

[0133] Please refer to Table 1, which is an exemplary schematic table of the network two-way interoperability information. As shown in Table 1, the network two-way interoperability information may include 4 bits. Among them, the 0th bit is used to indicate whether it supports two-way handover between the N3IWF and the 5GC network, the 1st bit is used to indicate whether it supports two-way handover between the N3IWF and the EPC network, the 2nd bit is used to indicate whether it supports two-way handover between the ePDG and the 5GC network, or whether it supports two-way handover between the ePDG and the 5G system, and the 3rd bit is used to indicate whether it supports two-way handover between the ePDG and the EPC network. It should be noted that Yes in Table 1 indicates that the corresponding handover capability is supported, while No indicates that the corresponding handover capability is not supported. In practical applications, the 4 bits included in the network two-way interoperability information can take values of 0 or 1. When the value is 0, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is not supported, and when the value is 1, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is supported. Of course, it can also be the opposite. When the value is 0, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is supported, and when the value is 1, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is not supported.

[0134] Table 1

[0135]

[0136] Please refer to Table 2, which is an exemplary schematic table of network one-way interoperation information. As shown in Table 2, the network one-way interoperation information may include 8 bits. Among them, the 0th bit is used to indicate whether VoLTE to VoWiFi access to 5GC through N3iWF is supported, the 1st bit is used to indicate whether VoNR to VoWiFi access to EPC through ePDG is supported, the 2nd bit is used to indicate whether VoNR to VoWiFi access to 5GC through N3WIF is supported, the 3rd bit is used to indicate whether VoWiFi access to EPC through ePDG to VoNR is supported, the 4th bit is used to indicate whether VoWiFi access to 5GC through N3iWF to VoLTE is supported, the 5th bit is used to indicate whether VoWiFi access to 5GC through N3iWF to VoNR network is supported, the 6th bit is used to indicate whether VoLTE to VoWiFi access to EPC through ePDG is supported, and the 7th bit is used to indicate whether VoWiFi access to EPC through ePDG to VoLTE is supported. It should be noted that Yes in Table 2 indicates that the corresponding handover capability is supported, while No indicates that the corresponding handover capability is not supported. In practical applications, the 8 bits included in the network two-way interoperation information can take values of 0 or 1. When the value is 0, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is not supported. When the value is 1, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is supported. Of course, it can also be exactly the opposite. When the value is 0, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is supported. When the value is 1, it can indicate that the corresponding handover capability is not supported.

[0137] Table 2

[0138] Bit handover case Supported 0 VoLTE→VoWiFioN3WIF Yes / No 1 VoNR→VoWiFioePDG Yes / No 2 VoNR→VoWiFioN3WIF Yes / No 3 VoWiFioePDG→VoNR Yes / No 4 VoWiFioN3IWF→VoLTE Yes / No 5 VoWiFioN3IWF→VoNR Yes / No 6 VoLTE→VoWiFioePDG Yes / No 7 VoWiFioePDG→VoLTE Yes / No

[0139] Next, the embodiments of the present application will exemplarily illustrate the Figure 3 shown method starting from the situation where the terminal accesses EPC and the situation where the terminal accesses 5GC.

[0140] Situation 1: The terminal accesses EPC, where the terminal accessing EPC includes the situation where the terminal accesses EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network.

[0141] Among them, in Situation 1, the methods for obtaining network interoperation information include at least one of the following methods:

[0142] 1. In the network attachment stage, the MME obtains user subscription data from the HSS, and the user subscription data contains network interoperation information.

[0143] 2. During the PDN connection establishment phase, the PGW obtains network interoperability information from the PCRF.

[0144] In addition, in Case 1, if the terminal accesses the EPC through a cellular network, the method of sending the network interoperability information to the terminal includes at least one of the following methods:

[0145] 1. During the network attachment phase, the MME sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through an attachment response message. For example, this attachment response message can be an attach accept message.

[0146] 2. During the PDN connection establishment phase, the PGW sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDN connection establishment response message.

[0147] In addition, in Case 1, if the terminal accesses the EPC through a WiFi network, for example, the terminal accesses the EPC through the ePDG, the method of sending the network interoperability information to the terminal includes:

[0148] Sending the network interoperability information to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

[0149] Case 2: The terminal accesses the 5GC. Among them, as described above, the terminal accessing the 5GC includes the cases where the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network.

[0150] Among them, in Case 2, the method of obtaining the network interoperability information includes at least one of the following methods:

[0151] 1. During the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the UDM. Among them, this session management subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0152] 2. During the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF obtains user subscription data from the UDM. Among them, this user subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0153] 3. During the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF receives the network interoperability information corresponding to the communication services subscribed by the terminal sent by the AMF.

[0154] Among them, in an optional embodiment of the present application, the communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following: the access point name (English: Access Point Name; abbreviation: APN) used by the terminal; the data network (English: Data Network; abbreviation: DN) to which the terminal is connected; the slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0155] Among them, the access point used by the terminal can be characterized by the access point name APN, the data network connected by the terminal can be characterized by the data network name DNN, and the slice information of the network to which the data belongs for network switching can be characterized by NSSAI (Chinese: Network Slice Selection Assistance Information; English: Network Slice Selection Assistance Information).

[0156] In the third method, the AMF can obtain the SMF selection subscription data from the UDM during the 5G registration phase. Among them, the SMF selection subscription data at least includes a list of interoperability information of communication services supported by the SMF. Among them, the interoperability information list includes the network interoperability information corresponding to different communication services respectively. Please refer to Table 3, which is an exemplary interoperability information list.

[0157] Table 3

[0158]

[0159]

[0160] The AMF can obtain the network interoperability information corresponding to the communication service subscribed by the terminal from the interoperability information list of the SMF selection subscription data, and send the network interoperability information to the SMF during the PDU session establishment phase.

[0161] 4. During the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF obtains the session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication service subscribed by the terminal. The session management subscription data includes network interoperability information. It should be noted that in this method, the SMF is an SMF that supports network interoperability capabilities.

[0162] In another possible implementation, during the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF can obtain the session management subscription data from the converged network element of the UDM and the HSS according to the communication service subscribed by the terminal. The session management subscription data includes network interoperability information. Similarly, in this method, the SMF is an SMF that supports network interoperability capabilities.

[0163] As described above, the communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following: the access point name used by the terminal; the data network connected by the terminal; the slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0164] Among them, the access point used by the terminal can be characterized by the access point name APN, the data network connected by the terminal can be characterized by the data network name DNN, and the slice information of the network to which the data belongs for network switching can be characterized by NSSAI.

[0165] In the fourth method, before the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the UDM or from a converged network element of the UDM and the HSS according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, the AMF may obtain SMF selection subscription data from the UDM during the 5G registration phase. The SMF selection subscription data includes indication information on whether different SMFs support 3GPP and non-3GPP handover capabilities (3GPP and non-3GPP handover supported indication). The AMF may select an SMF that supports network interoperability capabilities based on the SMF selection subscription data. Subsequently, the SMF selected by the AMF may, during the PDU session establishment phase, perform the step of obtaining session management subscription data from the UDM or from a converged network element of the UDM and the HSS according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal.

[0166] 5. During the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF receives updated data of the subscription data subscribed by the SMF sent by the UDM, where the updated data includes network interoperability information.

[0167] In the fifth method, the SMF may subscribe to certain subscription data from the UDM. When the subscribed subscription data is updated, the UDM may send the updated data to the SMF, and the network interoperability information may be carried in the updated data.

[0168] In addition, in Case 2, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the method of sending network interoperability information to the terminal includes the following methods:

[0169] 1. During the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDU Session Establishment Accept message.

[0170] In the case of "During the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, and the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information" described above, the network interoperability information sent by the SMF may be network interoperability metrics. In this case, the SMF may perform an assignment process on the network interoperability metrics according to the network, and then the SMF may send the network interoperability indication obtained after the assignment process to the terminal through a PDU Session Establishment Accept message.

[0171] In addition, in Case 2, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a WiFi network, the method of sending network interoperability information to the terminal includes the following methods:

[0172] The SMF sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

[0173] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowchart of 3 are shown in sequence according to the indication of the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise clearly stated in this document, there is no strict order restriction for the execution of these steps, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, Figure 3 at least a part of the steps in may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same moment, but can be executed at different moments. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential either, but can be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of the steps or stages in other steps or other steps.

[0174] In one embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, a network interoperability information sending device 400 is provided. The network interoperability information sending device 400 is used in a first network element and includes: an obtaining module 401 and a sending module 402, where:

[0175] The obtaining module 401 is used to obtain network interoperability information, and the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0176] The sending module 402 is used to send the network interoperability information to a terminal.

[0177] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information is included in the subscription data or the terminal policy.

[0178] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information includes at least one of network two-way interoperability information and network one-way interoperability information;

[0179] wherein, the network two-way interoperability information is used to indicate the two-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network;

[0180] The network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the one-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0181] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information is used to indicate at least one of the following handover capabilities:

[0182] Whether it supports the handover between an LTE network and an ePDG;

[0183] Whether it supports the handover between an LTE network and an N3IWF;

[0184] Whether it supports the handover between an NR network and an ePDG;

[0185] Whether it supports the handover between the NR network and the N3IWF.

[0186] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the MME, and the obtaining module 401 is specifically configured to: in the network attachment phase, obtain user subscription data from the HSS, and the user subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0187] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the PGW, and the obtaining module 401 is specifically configured to: in the PDN connection establishment phase, obtain network interoperability information from the PCRF.

[0188] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the EPC through a cellular network, the sending module 401 is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following: in the network attachment phase, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through an attachment response message;

[0189] In the PDN connection establishment phase, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDN connection establishment response message.

[0190] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the core network through a WiFi network, the sending module 402 is specifically configured to: send the network interoperability information to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

[0191] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the SMF, and the obtaining module 401 is specifically configured to: in the PDU session establishment phase, obtain session management subscription data from the UDM, and the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0192] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the SMF, and the obtaining module 401 is specifically configured to: in the PDU session establishment phase, obtain user subscription data from the UDM, and the user subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0193] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the SMF, and the obtaining module 401 is specifically configured to: in the PDU session establishment phase, receive network interoperability information corresponding to the communication service subscribed by the terminal sent by the AMF.

[0194] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the network interoperability information sent by the AMF to the SMF is obtained by the AMF from the SMF-selected subscription data according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal during the 5G registration phase. The SMF-selected subscription data at least includes a list of interoperability information for the communication services supported by the SMF, and the list of interoperability information includes the network interoperability information corresponding to different communication services respectively.

[0195] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities. The obtaining module 401 is specifically configured to:

[0196] In the stage of PDU session establishment, obtain session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, where the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information. Alternatively, in the stage of PDU session establishment, obtain session management subscription data from the converged network element of the UDM and the HSS according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, where the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0197] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the SMF is an SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities selected by the AMF from the SMF-selected subscription data during the 5G registration phase. The SMF-selected subscription data includes indication information on whether different SMFs support 3GPP and non-3GPP handover capabilities.

[0198] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, the communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following:

[0199] The access point name used by the terminal;

[0200] The data network to which the terminal is connected;

[0201] The slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0202] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF. The obtaining module 401 is specifically configured to:

[0203] In the stage of PDU session establishment, receive the updated data of the subscription data subscribed by the SMF sent by the UDM, where the updated data includes network interoperability information.

[0204] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is an SMF. The sending module 402 is specifically configured to: in the stage of PDU session establishment, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0205] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is the SMF, and the sending module 402 is specifically configured to: perform an assignment process on network interoperability metrics according to the network; and send the network interoperability indication obtained after the assignment process to the terminal through a PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0206] In an alternative embodiment of the present application, in the case where the terminal does not receive the network interoperability information, it is indicated that the service type subscribed by the terminal does not subscribe to the handover capability indicated by the network interoperability information.

[0207] For the specific definition of the network interoperability information sending device, reference may be made to the definition of the network interoperability information sending method in the foregoing text, which will not be elaborated herein. Each module in the above network interoperability information sending device can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, and their combination. The above modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the communication device in the form of hardware, or stored in the memory in the communication device in the form of software, so as to facilitate the processor to call and execute the operations corresponding to the above modules.

[0208] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the first network element provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 The first network element 500 shown includes: at least one processor 501, a memory 502, and at least one network interface 504. Each component in the first network element 500 is coupled together through a bus system 505. It can be understood that the bus system 505 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 505 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clear illustration, in Figure 5 all kinds of buses are labeled as the bus system 505. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, a transceiver 506 is further included, and the transceiver can be multiple elements, that is, including a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices on the transmission medium.

[0209] It can be understood that the memory 502 in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 502 of the systems and methods described in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0210] In some embodiments, the memory 502 stores the following elements, executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof: an operating system 5021. Among them, the operating system 5021 includes various system programs, such as a framework layer, a core library layer, a driver layer, etc., for implementing various basic services and processing hardware-based tasks.

[0211] Some or all of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 501, or implemented by the processor 501, or implemented in cooperation with other components (such as a transceiver) by the processor 501. The processor 501 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit in the hardware of the processor 501 or the instructions in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor 501 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by the hardware decoding processor, or executed by the combination of the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. This storage medium is located in the memory 502, and the processor 501 reads the information in the memory 502 and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0212] It can be understood that these embodiments described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions described in the present application, or a combination thereof.

[0213] For software implementation, the techniques described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by modules (such as procedures, functions, etc.) that execute the functions described in the embodiments of this application. The software code can be stored in a memory and executed by a processor 501. The memory can be implemented inside or outside the processor 501.

[0214] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor in a first network element, the following steps are implemented:

[0215] Obtain network interoperability information, where the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network, and send the network interoperability information to a terminal.

[0216] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is included in the subscription data or the terminal policy.

[0217] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information includes at least one of network bidirectional interoperability information and network unidirectional interoperability information;

[0218] Among them, the network bidirectional interoperability information is used to indicate the bidirectional handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network;

[0219] The network unidirectional interoperability information is used to indicate the unidirectional handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0220] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is used to indicate at least one of the following handover capabilities:

[0221] Whether it supports the handover between an LTE network and an ePDG;

[0222] Whether it supports the handover between an LTE network and an N3IWF;

[0223] Whether it supports the handover between an NR network and an ePDG;

[0224] Whether it supports the handover between an NR network and an N3IWF.

[0225] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an MME. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the network attachment phase, obtain user subscription data from the HSS, and the user subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0226] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is a packet data network gateway PGW, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the stage of establishing a PDN connection, the PGW obtains network interoperability information from the PCRF.

[0227] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network, when the computer program is executed by a processor, at least one of the following steps is further implemented: In the stage of network attachment, the network interoperability information is sent to the terminal through an attachment response message; In the stage of establishing a PDN connection, the PGW sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDN connection establishment response message.

[0228] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the core network through a WiFi network, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following step is further implemented: The network interoperability information is sent to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

[0229] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is an SMF, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the stage of establishing a PDU session, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the UDM, and the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0230] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is an SMF, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the stage of establishing a PDU session, user subscription data is obtained from the UDM, and the user subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0231] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is an SMF, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the stage of establishing a PDU session, the network interoperability information corresponding to the communication service subscribed by the terminal sent by the AMF is received.

[0232] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information sent by the AMF to the SMF is obtained by the AMF from the SMF-selected subscription data according to the communication service subscribed by the terminal in the 5G registration stage. The SMF-selected subscription data at least includes a list of interoperability information of communication services supported by the SMF, and the list of interoperability information includes network interoperability information corresponding to different communication services respectively.

[0233] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF that supports network interoperability capabilities. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the stage of PDU session establishment, obtain session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, where the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information. Alternatively, in the stage of PDU session establishment, obtain session management subscription data from the converged network element of the UDM and the HSS according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, where the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0234] In one embodiment, the SMF is an SMF that supports network interoperability capabilities selected by the AMF according to the SMF selection subscription data in the 5G registration stage, and the SMF selection subscription data includes indication information on whether different SMFs support 3GPP and non-3GPP handover capabilities.

[0235] In one embodiment, the communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following:

[0236] The access point name used by the terminal;

[0237] The data network to which the terminal is connected;

[0238] The slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0239] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is an SMF. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the stage of PDU session establishment, receive the updated data of the subscription data subscribed by the SMF sent by the UDM, where the updated data includes network interoperability information.

[0240] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is an SMF. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the stage of PDU session establishment, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0241] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is an SMF. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: Perform an assignment process on the network interoperability metrics according to the network; send the network interoperability indication obtained after the assignment process to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0242] In one embodiment, in the case where the terminal does not receive the network interoperability information, indicate that the service type subscribed by the terminal does not subscribe to the handover capabilities indicated by the network interoperability information.

[0243] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when running on a first network element, causes a computer to perform the following steps:

[0244] Obtain network interoperability information, where the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network, and send the network interoperability information to a terminal.

[0245] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is included in subscription data or a terminal policy.

[0246] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information includes at least one of network two-way interoperability information and network one-way interoperability information;

[0247] Among them, the network two-way interoperability information is used to indicate the two-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network;

[0248] The network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the one-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

[0249] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information is used to indicate at least one of the following handover capabilities:

[0250] Whether to support the handover between an LTE network and an ePDG;

[0251] Whether to support the handover between an LTE network and an N3IWF;

[0252] Whether to support the handover between an NR network and an ePDG;

[0253] Whether to support the handover between an NR network and an N3IWF.

[0254] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is an MME, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the network attachment phase, obtain user subscription data from an HSS, where the user subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0255] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network and the first network element is a packet data network gateway PGW, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented: In the PDN connection establishment phase, the PGW obtains network interoperability information from a PCRF.

[0256] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the packet core network EPC through a cellular network, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further implements at least one of the following steps: in the network attachment phase, send network interoperability information to the terminal through an attachment response message; in the PDN connection establishment phase, the PGW sends network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDN connection establishment response message.

[0257] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the core network through a WiFi network, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further implements the following step: send network interoperability information to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

[0258] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network and the first network element is an SMF, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further implements the following steps: in the PDU session establishment phase, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the UDM, and the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0259] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network and the first network element is an SMF, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further implements the following steps: in the PDU session establishment phase, obtain user subscription data from the UDM, and the user subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0260] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network and the first network element is an SMF, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further implements the following steps: in the PDU session establishment phase, receive network interoperability information corresponding to the communication services subscribed by the terminal sent by the AMF.

[0261] In one embodiment, the network interoperability information sent by the AMF to the SMF is obtained by the AMF from the SMF-selected subscription data according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal in the 5G registration phase. The SMF-selected subscription data at least includes a list of interoperability information of the communication services supported by the SMF, and the interoperability information list includes the network interoperability information respectively corresponding to different communication services.

[0262] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network and the first network element is an SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it further implements the following steps: in the PDU session establishment phase, obtain session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, and the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information. Or, in the PDU session establishment phase, obtain session management subscription data from the converged network element of the UDM and the HSS according to the communication services subscribed by the terminal, and the session management subscription data includes network interoperability information.

[0263] In one embodiment, the SMF is the SMF that supports network interoperability capabilities selected by the AMF based on the subscribed data during the 5G registration phase. The subscribed data selected by the SMF includes indication information on whether different SMFs support 3GPP and non-3GPP handover capabilities.

[0264] In one embodiment, the communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following:

[0265] The access point name used by the terminal;

[0266] The data network to which the terminal is connected;

[0267] The slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

[0268] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is the SMF. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the following steps are further implemented: during the PDU session establishment phase, receive the updated data of the subscribed data subscribed by the SMF sent by the UDM, where the updated data includes network interoperability information.

[0269] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is the SMF. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the following steps are further implemented: during the PDU session establishment phase, send the network interoperability information to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0270] In one embodiment, if the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, the first network element is the SMF. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the following steps are further implemented: perform an assignment process on the network interoperability metrics according to the network; send the network interoperability indication obtained after the assignment process to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

[0271] In one embodiment, in the case where the terminal does not receive the network interoperability information, indicate that the service type subscribed by the terminal does not subscribe to the handover capabilities indicated by the network interoperability information.

[0272] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be completed by instructing relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Among them, any reference to a memory, storage, database, or other medium used in the embodiments provided in the present application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memories. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.

[0273] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope recorded in this specification.

[0274] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present application. Their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for sending network interoperability information, characterized in that The method includes a first network element obtaining network interoperability information, where the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network and a non-3GPP network, and the first network element is a network element related to session establishment; the first network element sending the network interoperability information to a terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The network interoperability information is included in subscription data or a terminal policy.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The network interoperability information includes at least one of network two-way interoperability information and network one-way interoperability information; wherein the network two-way interoperability information is used to indicate the two-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network; the network one-way interoperability information is used to indicate the one-way handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network interoperability information is used to indicate at least one of the following handover capabilities: whether it supports handover between a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network and an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG); whether it supports handover between an LTE network and a non-3GPP interworking function network element (N3IWF); whether it supports handover between a New Radio (NR) network and an ePDG; whether it supports handover between an NR network and an N3IWF.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein If the terminal accesses an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is a Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the first network element obtaining network interoperability information includes: at the stage of network attachment, the MME obtains user subscription data from a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), and the user subscription data contains the network interoperability information.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein If the terminal accesses an EPC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), and the first network element obtaining network interoperability information includes: at the stage of Packet Data Network (PDN) connection establishment, the PGW obtains the network interoperability information from a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, If the terminal accesses an EPC through a cellular network, the first network element sending the network interoperability information to the terminal includes at least one of the following: at the stage of network attachment, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through an attachment response message; at the stage of PDN connection establishment, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through a PDN connection establishment response message.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein If the terminal accesses the core network through a WiFi network, the first network element sending the network interoperability information to the terminal includes: the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through IKEv2 signaling.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein If the terminal accesses a 5G Core Network (5GC) through a cellular network or a WiFi network, the first network element is a Session Management Function (SMF), and the first network element obtaining network interoperability information includes: at the stage of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from a Unified Data Management (UDM) function, and the session management subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is the SMF, the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including: In the stage of PDU session establishment, the SMF obtains user subscription data from the UDM, and the user subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If it accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is the SMF, the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including: In the stage of PDU session establishment, the SMF receives network interoperability information corresponding to the communication service subscribed by the terminal sent by the mobility management function AMF.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The network interoperability information sent by the AMF to the SMF is obtained by the AMF from the SMF-selected subscription data according to the communication service subscribed by the terminal in the 5G registration stage. The SMF-selected subscription data at least includes an interoperability information list of communication services supported by the SMF, and the interoperability information list includes network interoperability information respectively corresponding to different communication services.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is an SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities, the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including: In the stage of PDU session establishment, the SMF obtains session management subscription data from the UDM according to the communication service subscribed by the terminal, and the session management subscription data includes the network interoperability information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The SMF is the SMF supporting network interoperability capabilities selected by the AMF according to the SMF-selected subscription data in the 5G registration stage. The SMF-selected subscription data includes indication information on whether different SMFs support 3GPP and non-3GPP handover capabilities.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The communication services subscribed by the terminal include at least one of the following: The access point name used by the terminal; The data network to which the terminal is connected; The slice information of the network slice subscribed by the terminal.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein If the terminal accesses the 5G core network 5GC through a cellular network or a WiFi network, and the first network element is the SMF, the first network element obtains network interoperability information, including: In the stage of PDU session establishment, the SMF receives updated data of the subscribed data subscribed by the SMF sent by the UDM, where the updated data includes the network interoperability information.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein If the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, and the first network element is the SMF, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal, including: In the stage of PDU session establishment, the SMF sends the network interoperability information to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein If the terminal accesses the 5GC through a cellular network, and the first network element is the SMF, the first network element sends the network interoperability information to the terminal, including: The SMF assigns values to network interoperability metrics according to the network; The SMF sends the network interoperability indication obtained after the value assignment process to the terminal through the PDU session establishment acceptance message.

19. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the case that the terminal does not receive the network interoperability information, indicating that the service type subscribed by the terminal does not subscribe to the handover capability indicated by the network interoperability information.

20. A network interoperability information sending device, characterized in that For a first network element, the first network element being a network element related to session establishment, the apparatus includes An obtaining module, configured to obtain network interoperability information, where the network interoperability information is used to indicate the handover capability between a 3GPP network and a non-3GPP network; A sending module, configured to send the network interoperability information to a terminal.

21. A network element device, characterized in that, Including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: The memory is configured to store a computer program; The transceiver is configured to send and receive data under the control of the processor; The processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 by controlling the transceiver.

22. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented.

23. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented.

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