Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a communication method and device. The method comprises: a first access network device receiving a first message sent by a second access network device, the first message comprising identifiers of one or more first network slices, the first network slices being original network slices providing services for a terminal device; and the first access network equipment performs slice aware access control after receiving the first message. By adopting the embodiment of the invention, the service interruption caused by the fact that the first access network equipment cannot use the second network slice which provides the service for the terminal equipment at present is avoided, the service continuity of the terminal equipment is ensured, and the communication quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] "Network slicing" is one of the landmark technologies that distinguish the fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) from the fourth-generation mobile communication technology (4G). Different from the traditional 4G network in the form of "one pipe, best effort", 5G network slicing aims to provide multiple end-to-end logical "private networks" based on a unified infrastructure and a unified network, provide on-demand customized network services for different scenarios, and optimally adapt to various service requirements of industry users.

[0003] When a terminal device performs network slice handover in a cell of a source base station, the source base station uses an alternative network slice to replace the original network slice to provide services for the terminal device. When the terminal device needs to hand over from a cell of the source base station to a cell of a target base station, since the target base station may not support the alternative network slice and the current mechanism does not support restoring to the original network slice, the terminal device cannot hand over to the cell of the target base station, resulting in the interruption of the services of the terminal device and seriously affecting the communication quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus, which can ensure the continuity of the services of a terminal device and improve the communication quality.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first access network device, or a chip or circuit configured in the first access network device, and includes:

[0006] Receiving a first message sent by a second access network device, where the first message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slice is the original network slice that provides services for a terminal device; performing sensing slice access control after receiving the first message.

[0007] During the handover process of the terminal device from a cell of the second access network device to a cell of the first access network device, the first access network device is instructed to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device through the identifiers of one or more first network slices included in the first message sent by the second access network device. In this way, it is avoided that the first access network device causes service interruption due to being unable to use the second network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device, thereby ensuring the continuity of the services of the terminal device and improving the communication quality.

[0008] In a possible design, the first message further includes an identifier of a second network slice, where the second network slice is the network slice currently providing services to the terminal device, that is, the network slice providing services to the terminal after the network slice is replaced. When none of the one or more first network slices meet the conditions, the first access network device determines whether the second network slice can provide services to the terminal device. If it is determined that the second network slice can provide services to the terminal device, the second network slice is used to provide services to the terminal device.

[0009] In a possible design, the first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice. This enables the first access network device to preferentially select a first network slice that has a similar area to the area supported by the second network slice.

[0010] In a possible design, the first message further includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to replace the network slice. This informs the first access network device that due to resource congestion in the second access network device for the first network slice or the first network slice not being supported, the second access network device uses the second network slice to replace the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device.

[0011] In a possible design, the first message further includes the priority of the first network slice. When multiple first network slices meet the conditions, one of the first network slices is selected based on the priority information of the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device.

[0012] In a possible design, a second message is sent to the core network device, where the second message includes the identifier of the first network slice, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device. The third message sent by the core network device is received, where the third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device. In this way, the first access network device can determine whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device based on the second indication information, so as to ensure that the first network slice provides services to the terminal device when all conditions are met, ensure the continuity of the terminal device's services, and improve the communication quality.

[0013] In a possible design, the third message further includes priority information and / or failure cause information of the first network slice. When multiple first network slices meet the conditions, one of the first network slices is selected through the priority information of the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. Alternatively, if the core network device does not support providing services for the terminal device, the failure cause information indicating to the first access network device is that all network slices are not supported, and all network slices include the first network slice and the second network slice.

[0014] In a possible design, the first access network device receives a first condition, and after the terminal device switches from the second access network device to the first access network device, determines whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device; where the first condition includes at least one of the following information: the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the second indication information.

[0015] In a possible design, when the first condition is met, the first access network device determines to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device;

[0016] where the meeting of the first condition includes the following situations: the first access network device supports the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is less than a first preset threshold, and the second indication information indicates that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. The first preset threshold is pre-configured for the first access network device by the network management or the core network device.

[0017] In a possible design, when the first condition is not met, the first access network device determines that the first network slice cannot be used to provide services for the terminal device;

[0018] where the non-meeting of the first condition includes at least one of the following situations: the first access network device does not support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, or the second indication information indicates that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. The first preset threshold is pre-configured for the first access network device by the network management or the core network.

[0019] In a possible design, the first access network device sends a fourth message to the second access network device. The fourth message includes an identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device. The fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

[0020] In a possible design, the fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device. In this way, the second access network device can select a suitable target access network device for the terminal device based on the above information.

[0021] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. This method is applied to a second access network device, or a chip or circuit configured in the second access network device, and includes:

[0022] Send a first message to the first access network device. The first message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices. The first network slices are the original network slices that provide services for the terminal device, and the first network slices are used for slice-aware access control.

[0023] During the handover process of the terminal device from the cell of the second access network device to the cell of the first access network device, the second access network device sends a first message to the first access network device. By using the identifiers of one or more first network slices included in the first message, it indicates to the first access network device to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. In this way, it is avoided that the first access network device causes service interruption due to the inability to use the second network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device, thereby ensuring the continuity of the terminal device's services and improving the communication quality.

[0024] In a possible design, the first message further includes an identifier of a second network slice. The second network slice is the network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device. In the case where none of the one or more first network slices meet the conditions, the first access network device determines whether the second network slice can provide services for the terminal device. If it is determined that the second network slice can provide services for the terminal device, then the second network slice is used to provide services for the terminal device.

[0025] In a possible design, the first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice. This enables the first access network device to preferentially select a first network slice that has a similar area to the area supported by the second network slice.

[0026] In a possible design, the first message further includes first indication information, which is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to change the network slice. Thereby, the first access network device is informed that since resource congestion occurs in the second access network device for the first network slice or the first network slice is not supported, the second access network device uses the second network slice to replace the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0027] In a possible design, the first message further includes the priority of the first network slice. When multiple first network slices meet the conditions, one of the first network slices is selected to provide services for the terminal device based on the priority information of the first network slice.

[0028] In a possible design, the second access network device receives a fourth message sent by the first access network device. The fourth message includes the identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device, and the fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

[0029] In a possible design, the fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device. In this way, the second access network device can select a suitable target access network device for the terminal device based on the above information.

[0030] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a core network device, or a chip or circuit configured in the core network device, and includes:

[0031] Receiving a second message sent by the first access network device. The second message includes the identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0032] By querying whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device, it is ensured that the first network slice provides services for the terminal device when all conditions are met, ensuring the continuity of the terminal device's services and improving communication quality.

[0033] In a possible design, a third message is sent to the first access network device, and the third message includes second indication information for indicating whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. This enables the first access network device to determine whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device based on the second indication information, thereby ensuring that the first network slice provides services for the terminal device when all conditions are met, ensuring the continuity of the terminal device's services, and improving communication quality.

[0034] In a possible design, the third message further includes priority information and / or failure reason information of the first network slice. When multiple first network slices meet the conditions, one of the first network slices is selected to provide services for the terminal device through the priority information of the first network slice. Or, if the core network device does not support providing services for the terminal device, the failure reason information informed to the first access network device is that all network slices are not supported, and all network slices include the first network slice and the second network slice.

[0035] In a possible design, the second indication information may be a list of first network slices supported by the core network device and / or a list of first network slices not supported by the core network device.

[0036] In a possible design, the third message includes the priority information of the first network slice. When multiple first network slices meet the conditions, one of the first network slices is selected to provide services for the terminal device through the priority information.

[0037] In a possible design, it is determined whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device based on the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device.

[0038] In a possible design, when the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is less than a second preset threshold, it is determined that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device; when the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, it is determined that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, and the communication device includes:

[0040] A receiving module, configured to receive a first message sent by a second access network device, where the first message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slice is an original network slice that provides services for a terminal device;

[0041] A processing module, configured to perform sensing slice access control after receiving the first message.

[0042] In a possible design, the first message further includes an identifier of a second network slice, where the second network slice is a network slice currently providing services for the terminal device.

[0043] In a possible design, the first message further includes an area supported by the first network slice and / or an area supported by the second network slice

[0044] In a possible design, the first message further includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to change the network slice.

[0045] In a possible design, the first message further includes priority information of the first network slice.

[0046] In a possible design, a sending module is configured to send a second message to a core network device, where the second message includes an identifier of the first network slice, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device;

[0047] In a possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive a third message sent by the core network device, where the third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0048] In a possible design, the third message further includes priority information of the first network slice and / or failure reason information.

[0049] In a possible design, the processing module is further configured to receive a first condition, and after the terminal device switches from a second access network device to the first access network device, determine whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device; where the first condition includes at least one of the following information: the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice, the resource occupancy situation of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the second indication information.

[0050] In a possible design, the processing module is further configured to determine to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device when the first condition is met; wherein, the satisfaction of the first condition includes the following situations: the first access network device supports the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is less than a first preset threshold, and the second indication information indicates that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0051] In a possible design, the processing module is further configured to determine that the first network slice cannot be used to provide services for the terminal device when the first condition is not met; wherein, the non-satisfaction of the first condition includes at least one of the following situations: the first access network device does not support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, or the second indication information indicates that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0052] In a possible design, the sending module is further configured to send a fourth message to the second access network device, where the fourth message includes an identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device, and the fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

[0053] In a possible design, the fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device.

[0054] The operations and beneficial effects performed by this communication device can refer to the method and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and the repeated parts will not be elaborated.

[0055] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes:

[0056] A sending module, configured to send a first message to a first access network device, where the first message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slices are the original network slices that provide services for the terminal device, and the first network slices are used for sensing slice access control.

[0057] In a possible design, the first message further includes an identifier of a second network slice, and the second network slice is the network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device.

[0058] In a possible design, the first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice.

[0059] In a possible design, the first message further includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to change the network slice.

[0060] In a possible design, the first message further includes the priority of the first network slice.

[0061] In a possible design, a receiving module is configured to receive a fourth message sent by the first access network device, where the fourth message includes an identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device, and the fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

[0062] In a possible design, the fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device.

[0063] For the operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device, reference may be made to the method and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and repeated parts will not be elaborated.

[0064] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, and the communication device includes:

[0065] A receiving module is configured to receive a second message sent by a first access network device, where the second message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device;

[0066] In a possible design, a sending module is configured to send a third message to the first access network device, where the third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0067] In a possible design, the third message includes the priority information of the first network slice and / or the failure reason information.

[0068] In a possible design, a processing module is configured to determine whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device based on the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device.

[0069] In a possible design, the processing module is further configured to determine that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device when the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is less than a second preset threshold; and determine that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device when the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold.

[0070] For the operations and beneficial effects performed by the communication device, reference may be made to the method and beneficial effects described in the third aspect above, and repeated descriptions will not be elaborated.

[0071] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of the first aspects.

[0072] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of the second aspects.

[0073] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program; the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method according to any one of the third aspects.

[0074] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of the first to third aspects is implemented.

[0075] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product including a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of the first to third aspects is implemented.

[0076] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes at least one core network device and at least one access network device. The access network device is used to execute the method according to any one of the first and second aspects, and the core network device is used to execute the method according to any one of the third aspects.

[0077] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is used to communicate with external devices or internal devices, and the processor is used to implement the methods in the above aspects.

[0078] In a possible design, the chip may further include a memory. A computer program or instructions are stored in the memory. The processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, or other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor is used to implement the methods in the above aspects.

[0079] In a possible design, the chip may be integrated on an access network device or a core network device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology, the following will describe the drawings required in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology.

[0081] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a CU-DU network structure;

[0083] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cell handover process;

[0084] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0089] As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication system mainly includes a terminal device, a core network device, and an access network device. Among them:

[0090] A terminal device, also known as a user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. For example, a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. Currently, some examples of terminals are: mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, palmtop computer, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc.

[0091] An access network device refers to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects a terminal to a wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN nodes are: gNB (Next Generation Node B), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wifi) access point (AP), etc.

[0092] The access network device and the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and can also be deployed on airplanes, balloons and satellites in the air. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the access network device and the terminal device.

[0093] As Figure 2 shown, Figure 2It is a schematic diagram of a CU-DU network structure. The access network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node, or a distributed unit (DU) node, or a radio access network (RAN) device including a CU node and a DU node. Among them, the RAN device including a CU node and a DU node splits the protocol layers of the gNB in the NR system. The functions of some protocol layers are centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all protocol layers are distributed in the DU, and the DU is centrally controlled by the CU. Further, the centralized unit CU can also be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). Among them, CU-CP is responsible for the control plane functions, mainly including RRC and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) corresponding to the control plane, that is, PDCP-C. PDCP-C is mainly responsible for the encryption and decryption, integrity protection, data transmission, etc. of the control plane data. CU-UP is responsible for the user plane functions, mainly including SDAP and the PDCP corresponding to the user plane, that is, PDCP-U. Among them, SDAP is mainly responsible for processing the data of the core network and mapping the flow to the bearer. PDCP-U is mainly responsible for the encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, data transmission, etc. of the data plane. Among them, CU-CP and CU-UP are connected through the E1 interface. CU-CP represents the gNB and is connected to the core network through the NG interface. The control plane, that is, F1-C, is connected to the DU through the F1 interface. CU-UP is connected to the DU through the user plane of the F1 interface, that is, F1-U. Of course, there is also a possible implementation where PDCP-C is also in CU-UP.

[0094] A core network device refers to a device in the core network (CN) that provides service support for terminals. Currently, some core network devices may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a session management function (SMF) entity, a user plane function (UPF) entity, a network slice selection function (NSSF) entity, a policy control function (PCF) entity, etc., which are not listed one by one here. Among them, the AMF entity is responsible for the access management and mobility management of terminals; the SMF entity is responsible for session management, such as the establishment of user sessions; the UPF entity is a functional entity of the user plane, mainly responsible for connecting to external networks; the NSSF entity is responsible for selecting the network slice for user services; the PCF entity is responsible for user policy control, including session policies, mobility policies, etc. It should be noted that in this application, an entity can also be referred to as a network element or a functional entity. For example, the AMF entity can also be called the AMF network element or the AMF functional entity, and for another example, the SMF entity can also be called the SMF network element or the SMF functional entity, etc.

[0095] This communication system can be applicable to long term evolution (LTE) systems, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) systems, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN), the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, or next-generation wireless communication systems, etc.

[0096] In the current handover scenario, the source base station sends a handover preparation message to the target base station. The target base station performs access control and replies with a handover command to the source base station. When a core network device (such as NSSF or PCF) or an operation administration and maintenance (OAM) entity detects that the network slice currently serving the UE is unavailable or congested, it sends a notification message to the AMF. The notification message includes single network slice selection assistance information (alternative S-NSSAI). The AMF determines whether to use an alternative network handover to replace the current network slice (the original network slice). Alternative S-NSSAI is defined as a compatible slice selected from the Allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (Allowed NSSAI) to replace the current network slice when the current network slice is unavailable or congested. Here, Allowed NSSAI indicates the network slices available to the UE under the serving public land mobile network (PLMN) in the current registration area.

[0097] At this time, the core network can initiate a protocol data unit (PDU) session setup process, enabling the source base station to replace the original network slice with an alternative network slice and associate the original PDU session or establish a new PDU session. The source base station continues to serve the UE using the alternative network slice. When the UE needs to perform a cell handover, a target base station that meets the handover conditions may not support the alternative network slice but supports the slice. Since this target base station cannot admit the alternative network slice and the current mechanism does not support restoring the handover UE to the original network slice, the UE cannot hand over to this target base station, resulting in an interruption of the UE's service continuity.

[0098] As Figure 3 shown, Base Station 1 supports Network Slice 1 and Network Slice 2, Base Station 2 only supports Network Slice 1, and the UE is currently receiving services on Network Slice 1. When Network Slice 1 is congested in the core network, the core network device needs to replace the network slice for the UE in Base Station 1. The core network device can change the network slice providing services to the UE from Network Slice 1 to Network Slice 2 through the PDU session setup process. When the UE initiates a cell handover to Base Station 2, since Base Station 2 only supports Network Slice 1 and does not support Network Slice 2. Since the UE cannot receive services on Network Slice 1, the UE cannot camp on Base Station 2.

[0099] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide the following solutions.

[0100] As Figure 4 shown, Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The first access network device in the embodiment of the present application may be a target base station, and the second access network device may be a source base station. The communication method mainly includes the following steps:

[0101] S401, the first access network device receives a first message sent by the second access network device, where the first message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slice is an original network slice that provides services for the terminal device.

[0102] Specifically, the terminal device is located in the cell of the second access network device. The second access network device first uses the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. When it is detected that resource congestion occurs in the second access network device for the first network slice or the first network slice is not supported, the second access network device replaces the network slice and uses the second network slice to replace the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. Among them, the first network slice is the network slice that provides services for the terminal device before replacing the network slice, and the second network slice is the network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device after replacing the network slice. After that, if the terminal device needs to switch from the cell of the second access network device to the cell of the first access network device, for example, during the process of the terminal device moving from the cell of the second access network device to the cell of the first access network device, the quality of the signal of the first access network device received by the terminal device is better than the quality of the signal of the second access network device received by the terminal device, the second access network device may send a handover request message to the first access network device, and the handover request message is used to request to switch from the cell of the second access network device to the cell of the first access network device.

[0103] Among them, the first message may be a handover request message, that is, the handover request message may carry identifiers of one or more first network slices. The first message may also be other messages other than the handover request message. That is, after the second access network device determines that the terminal device needs to switch from the cell of the second access network device to the cell of the first access network device, the second access network device may send the first message and the handover request message, and the sending order of the handover request message and the first message is not limited.

[0104] Optionally, when the core network device detects that resource congestion occurs in the second access network device for the first network slice or the second access network device does not support the first network slice, the core network device may send a PDU session establishment request corresponding to the second network slice to the second access network device, so that the second access network device replaces the first network slice with the second network slice, and associates the second network slice with the original PDU session or establishes a new PDU session associated with the second network slice. Wherein, the PDU session establishment request may include the identifier of the first network slice and the identifier of the second network slice.

[0105] Optionally, the first message includes the identifier of the second network slice, and the second network slice is the network slice currently providing services for the terminal device. If the first access network device does not support any one of the multiple first network slices, or the resource occupancy of the multiple first network slices in the first access network device is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, the first access network device determines that none of the multiple first network slices can provide services for the terminal device. In this case, the first access network device may determine whether the second network slice can provide services for the terminal device. If the second network slice can provide services for the terminal device, the second network slice is used to provide services for the terminal device.

[0106] Optionally, the first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice. The granularity of the area may be at the cell level, or at the Tracking Area (TA) level, or at the PLMN level. In this way, the first access network device preferentially selects the first network slice with an area similar to the area supported by the second network slice.

[0107] Optionally, the first message further includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to replace the network slice. Thereby, the first access network device is informed that due to resource congestion occurring in the second access network device for the first network slice or the second access network device not supporting the first network slice, the second access network device uses the second network slice to replace the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0108] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the first message, the first access network device performs perception slice access control based on the first network slice. The specific steps are as follows:

[0109] After the terminal device switches from the second access network device to the first access network device, the first access network device determines whether to use the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device according to the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice and / or the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device. Among them, the handover from the second access network device to the first access network device can be a cell-level handover. Further, if the first access network device supports the first network slice and the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is less than the first preset threshold, the first access network device determines to use the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device. If the first access network device does not support the first network slice or the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, the first access network device determines not to use the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device. Among them, the first preset threshold is pre-configured by the network management or the core network device to the first access network device.

[0110] If the first access network device supports at least two first network slices and the resource occupancies of the at least two first network slices in the first access network device are both less than the first preset threshold, the first access network device may select one first network slice from the at least two first network slices to provide services to the terminal device.

[0111] Optionally, the first message may include the priority information of multiple first network slices. The priority information can be configured by the first access network. If the first access network device supports at least two first network slices and the resource occupancies of the at least two first network slices in the first access network device are both less than the first preset threshold, the first access network device may select one first network slice from the at least two first network slices according to the priority information of the at least two first network slices to provide services to the terminal device. For example, the first network slice with a higher priority can be selected to provide services to the terminal device.

[0112] The embodiments of the present application may include the following several possible implementation manners:

[0113] Implementation manner 1: After the first access network device determines that the first network slice can provide services to the terminal device according to the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice and / or the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, the first access network device may directly use the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device.

[0114] Implementation method 2: Based on the first condition, determine whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device; where the first condition includes at least one of the following information: the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the second indication information. That is, after the first access network device receives the first message, it continues to request the core network device to determine whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. Then, the first access network device combines the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, and the second indication information returned by the core network device to determine whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. Among them, the second indication information may be a list of first network slices supported by the core network device and / or a list of first network slices not supported by the core network device.

[0115] Implementation method 3: After the first access network device determines that one or more first network slices can provide services for the terminal device according to the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice and / or the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, it further requests the core network device to determine whether the core network device supports the one or more first network slices to provide services for the terminal device. Then, the first access network device finally determines whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device according to the second indication information returned by the core network device.

[0116] For the above implementation methods 2 and 3, the embodiments of the present application may further include the following steps:

[0117] S402. The first access network device sends a second message to the core network device. The second message includes the identifier of the first network slice, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0118] Optionally, the second message may further include the identifier of the second network slice.

[0119] S403. The first access network device receives a third message sent by the core network device. The third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0120] Specifically, after receiving the second message, the core network device determines whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device based on the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device. Further, when the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is less than the second preset threshold, the core network device determines that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device, and the third message may include the identifier of the first network slice supported by the core network. When the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the core network device determines that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device, and the third message may include the identifier of the first network slice not supported by the core network device.

[0121] Optionally, if the core network device does not support all the first network slices, the third message may include the identifier of the second network slice, indicating that the core network device does not support all the first network slices. Or, if the core network device does not support all the network slices, the third message may include failure reason information, informing the first access network device that the failure reason is not supporting all the network slices, where all the network slices include the first network slice and the second network slice.

[0122] After receiving the third message, the first access network device determines whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device according to the second indication information after the terminal device switches from the cell of the second access network device to the cell of the first access network device. Further, if the second indication information indicates that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device, the first access network device determines to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. If the second indication information indicates that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device, the first access network device determines that it cannot use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0123] It can be seen that the first access network device combines the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, and the second indication information to determine whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. When all the above three conditions are met, the first access network device finally determines to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0124] Optionally, the second message may also be used to request modification of an established PDU session resource. If the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device, the third message returned by the core network device carries a first identifier, and the first identifier is a PDU session resource modification failure identifier, and the first identifier is used to indicate that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device. If the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device, the third message returned by the core network device carries a second identifier, and the second identifier is a PDU session resource modification confirmation identifier, and the second identifier is used to indicate that the PDU session resource corresponding to the second network slice is modified to the PDU session resource corresponding to the first network slice.

[0125] Among them, the second indication information may include one or more bits, and one bit corresponds to one first network slice. For example, if the second message includes the identifiers of 3 first network slices (network slice 1, network slice 2, and network slice 3), the first access network device requests the core network device to determine whether it supports these 3 first network slices to provide services to the terminal device. In this case, the second indication information may include 3 bits, Bit1 corresponds to network slice 1, Bit2 corresponds to network slice 2, and Bit3 corresponds to network slice 3. If the second indication information is 110, it means that the core network device supports network slice 1 and network slice 2 to provide services to the terminal device, and does not support network slice 3 to provide services to the terminal device. 0 and 1 can also be reversed to indicate, 0 means supported, and 1 means not supported.

[0126] Optionally, the third message may include priority information of the first network slice. The priority information may be configured by the first access network. If the core network device supports at least two first network slices to provide services to the terminal device. After receiving the third message sent by the core network device, the first access network device may select one first network slice from the at least two first network slices to provide services to the terminal device according to the priority information of the at least two first network slices. For example, the first network slice with the highest priority may be selected from the at least two first network slices to provide services to the terminal device.

[0127] Optionally, the second message may include a list of network slices supported by the first access network device (including the identifiers of one or more network slices). The core network device may combine the list of network slices supported by the terminal device and the list of network slices supported by the first access network device to select, for the terminal device, other network slices other than the first network slice and the second network slice, and send a third message to the first access network device. The third message includes the identifiers of the other network slices. That is, when the core network device does not support all the first network slices selected by the first access network device, the core network device may select other network slices for the terminal device to provide services for the terminal device. After receiving the third message, the first access network device determines whether it supports using the other network slices selected by the core network to provide services for the terminal device. If it supports using the other network slices to provide services for the terminal device, the first access network device uses the other network slices to provide services for the terminal device.

[0128] S404, the first access network device sends a fourth message to the second access network device. The fourth message includes the identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device. The fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the PDU session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

[0129] Optionally, the fourth message may further include the identifier of the second network slice or the identifier of other network slices. That is, when it is determined that all the first network slices cannot provide services for the terminal device, the first access network device notifies the second access network device to use the second network slice or other network slices to provide services for the terminal device.

[0130] Optionally, the fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device. In this way, the second access network device can select a suitable target access network device for the terminal device based on the above information.

[0131] In the embodiments of the present application, during the handover process of the terminal device from the cell of the second access network device to the cell of the first access network device, the second access network device sends a first message to the first access network device. By means of the identifiers of one or more first network slices included in the first message, it is indicated that the first access network device uses the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. In this way, it is avoided that the first access network device causes service interruption due to being unable to use the second network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device, ensuring the continuity of the terminal device's services and improving the communication quality.

[0132] It can be understood that in the above method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the access network device can also be implemented by components applicable to the access network device (such as chips or circuits), and the methods and operations implemented by the core network device can also be implemented by components applicable to the core network device (such as chips or circuits).

[0133] In the embodiments of the present application, the access network device or the core network device can be divided into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. The following takes the example of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function for illustration.

[0134] Above, in combination with Figure 4 The method provided by the embodiments of the present application has been described in detail. Below, in combination with Figures 5 to 6 The communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, the content not described in detail can be referred to the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0135] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 which is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication device may include a receiving module 501, a processing module 502, and a transmitting module 503.

[0136] Optionally, the communication device can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be an access network device, or a chip or circuit configured in the access network device. The receiving module 501 and the transmitting module 503 are used to perform the transceiver-related operations on the access network device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 502 is used to perform the processing-related operations on the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0137] In one embodiment:

[0138] The receiving module 501 is configured to receive a first message sent by a second access network device, where the first message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slice is the original network slice providing services for the terminal device;

[0139] The processing module 502 is configured to perform perceived slice access control after receiving the first message.

[0140] Optionally, the first message further includes an identifier of a second network slice, where the second network slice is the network slice currently providing services to the terminal device.

[0141] Optionally, the first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice

[0142] In a possible design, the first message further includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to change the network slice.

[0143] Optionally, the first message further includes the priority information of the first network slice.

[0144] Optionally, the sending module 503 is configured to send a second message to the core network device, where the second message includes the identifier of the first network slice, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device;

[0145] Optionally, the receiving module 501 is further configured to receive a third message sent by the core network device, where the third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device.

[0146] Optionally, the third message further includes the priority information of the first network slice and / or the failure reason information.

[0147] Optionally, the processing module 502 is further configured to receive a first condition, and after the terminal device switches from the second access network device to the first access network device, determine whether to use the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device; where the first condition includes at least one of the following information: the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the second indication information.

[0148] Optionally, the processing module 502 is further configured to, when the first condition is met, determine to use the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device; where the meeting of the first condition includes the following situations: the first access network device supports the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is less than a first preset threshold, and the second indication information indicates that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services to the terminal device.

[0149] Optionally, the processing module 502 is further configured to determine that the first network slice cannot be used to provide services for the terminal device when the first condition is not satisfied; where the non - satisfaction of the first condition includes at least one of the following cases: the first access network device does not support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, or the second indication information indicates that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0150] Optionally, the sending module 503 is further configured to send a fourth message to the second access network device, where the fourth message includes an identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device, and the fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

[0151] Optionally, the fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device.

[0152] In another embodiment:

[0153] The sending module 503 is configured to send a first message to the first access network device, where the first message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slices are the original network slices that provide services for the terminal device, and the first network slices are used for sensing slice access control.

[0154] Optionally, the first message further includes an identifier of a second network slice, and the second network slice is the network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device.

[0155] Optionally, the first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice.

[0156] Optionally, the first message further includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to change the network slice.

[0157] Optionally, the first message further includes the priority of the first network slice.

[0158] Optionally, a receiving module 501 is configured to receive a fourth message sent by the first access network device. The fourth message includes an identifier of a first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device. The fourth message is used to indicate permission to access a protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

[0159] Optionally, the fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: an area supported by the first network slice, a resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or a resource occupancy of a second network slice in the first access network device.

[0160] It should be noted that the implementation of each module may also correspond to the corresponding description in the method embodiments shown in Figure 4 and perform the methods and functions executed by the first access network device or the second access network device in the above embodiments.

[0161] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may include a receiving module 601, a processing module 602, and a sending module 603.

[0162] Optionally, the communication device may implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the core network device in the above method embodiments. For example, it may be a core network device, or a chip or circuit configured in the core network device. The receiving module 601 and the sending module 603 are used to perform transceiver-related operations on the core network device side in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 602 is used to perform processing-related operations on the core network device in the above method embodiments.

[0163] The receiving module 601 is configured to receive a second message sent by the first access network device. The second message includes identifiers of one or more first network slices. The second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0164] Optionally, a sending module 503 is configured to send a third message to the first access network device. The third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

[0165] Optionally, the third message includes priority information and / or failure reason information of the first network slice.

[0166] Optionally, the third message includes priority information of the first network slice.

[0167] Optionally, a processing module 602 is configured to determine whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device based on the resource occupancy of the core network device by the first network slice.

[0168] Optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to determine that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device when the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is less than a second preset threshold; and determine that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device when the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold.

[0169] It should be noted that the implementation of each module may also correspond to the corresponding description in the Figure 4 method embodiment shown, and execute the methods and functions performed by the core network device in the above embodiments.

[0170] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The access network device can be applied to systems such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, execute the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments, or implement the steps or processes performed by the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0171] As Figure 7 shown, the access network device includes a processor 701 and a transceiver 702. Optionally, the access network device further includes a memory 703. Among them, the processor 701, the transceiver 702, and the memory 703 can communicate with each other through an internal connection path to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 703 is used to store a computer program, and the processor 701 is used to call and run the computer program from the memory 703 to control the transceiver 702 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the access network device may further include an antenna for transmitting the uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 702 through a wireless signal.

[0172] The above processor 701 and the memory 703 may be integrated into a processing device. The processor 701 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 703 to implement the above functions. Specifically, in implementation, the memory 703 may also be integrated in the processor 701 or independent of the processor 701. The processor 701 may correspond to the Figure 5 processing module.

[0173] The above transceiver 702 may correspond to the Figure 5The receiving module in it corresponds to the sending module, and can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or a transceiver module. The transceiver 702 may include a receiver (or a receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or a transmitter circuit). Among them, the receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0174] It should be understood that Figure 7 the access network device shown can implement Figure 4 each process related to the access network device in the method embodiment shown. The operations and / or functions of each module in the access network device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, the detailed description is appropriately omitted here.

[0175] The above-mentioned processor 701 can be used to execute the actions implemented inside the access network device described in the previous method embodiment, and the transceiver 702 can be used to execute the actions of the access network device sending to or receiving from the core network device described in the previous method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the previous method embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0176] Among them, the processor 701 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules and circuits described in combination with the disclosure of the present application. The processor 701 may also be a combination for implementing computing functions, such as a combination including one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, and so on. The communication bus 704 may be a peripheral component interconnect standard PCI bus or an extended industry standard architecture EISA bus, etc. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the convenience of representation, Figure 7It is represented by only one thick line, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 704 is used to implement the connection and communication between these components. Among them, in the embodiment of the present application, the transceiver 702 is used to communicate signaling or data with other node devices. The memory 703 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include nonvolatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid state disk (SSD), etc. Optionally, the memory 703 may also be at least one storage device located far from the aforementioned processor 701. Optionally, a set of computer program codes or configuration information may also be stored in the memory 703. Optionally, the processor 701 may also execute the programs stored in the memory 703. The processor may cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any method and function of the first access network device or the second access network device in the above embodiment of the present application.

[0177] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device provided by an embodiment of the present application. This core network device can be applied to systems such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, and execute the functions of the core network device in the above method embodiment, or implement the steps or processes executed by the core network device in the above method embodiment.

[0178] As Figure 8 shown, this core network device includes a processor 801 and a transceiver 802. Optionally, this core network device further includes a memory 803. Among them, the processor 801, the transceiver 802, and the memory 803 can communicate with each other through an internal connection path to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 803 is used to store computer programs, and the processor 801 is used to call and run the computer programs from the memory 803 to control the transceiver 802 to send and receive signals. Optionally, the core network device may further include an antenna for sending the uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 802 through a wireless signal.

[0179] The above-mentioned processor 801 and the memory 803 may be integrated into a processing device. The processor 801 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 803 to implement the above functions. Specifically, in implementation, the memory 803 may also be integrated in the processor 801 or be independent of the processor 801. The processor 801 may correspond to Figure 6 the processing module therein.

[0180] The above-mentioned transceiver 802 may correspond to Figure 6 the receiving module and the transmitting module therein, and may also be referred to as a transceiver unit or a transceiver module. The transceiver 802 may include a receiver (or called a receiver, receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or called a transmitter, transmitting circuit). Among them, the receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0181] It should be understood that Figure 8 the core network device shown is capable of implementing Figure 4 each process related to the core network device in the method embodiments shown. The operations and / or functions of each module in the core network device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, reference may be made to the descriptions in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, the detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0182] The above-mentioned processor 801 may be used to execute the actions implemented inside the core network device described in the previous method embodiments, while the transceiver 802 may be used to execute the actions of the core network device sending to or receiving from the access network device described in the previous method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the previous method embodiments, and no further elaboration is provided here.

[0183] Among them, the processor 801 may be various types of processors mentioned above. The communication bus 804 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus may be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of convenience of representation, Figure 8 only a thick line is shown in

[0184] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a core network device or an access network device to implement the functions involved in any of the foregoing embodiments, such as generating or processing the first message involved in the foregoing method.

[0185] In a possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for necessary computer programs and data of the core network device or the access network device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Among them, the input and output of the chip system respectively correspond to the receiving and sending operations of the core network device or the access network device in the method embodiment.

[0186] According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program that, when running on a computer, causes the computer to execute Figure 4 the method of any one of the illustrated embodiments.

[0187] According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when running on a computer, causes the computer to execute Figure 4 the method of any one of the illustrated embodiments.

[0188] According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a communication system, which includes one or more of the foregoing access network devices and one or more core network devices.

[0189] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center in a wired manner (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or a wireless manner (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or a data center that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a high-definition digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disc (SSD)), etc.

[0190] As described above, the above are only the specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first access network device receives a first message sent by the second access network device. The first message includes the identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slice is the original network slice that provides services for the terminal device. After receiving the first message, the first access network device performs slice-aware access control.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first message further includes the identifier of a second network slice, and the second network slice is the network slice that currently provides services for the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first message further includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to change the network slice.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first message further includes the priority information of the first network slice.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first access network device sends a second message to the core network device. The second message includes the identifiers of the one or more first network slices, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method further includes: The first access network device receives a third message sent by the core network device. The third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The third message further includes the priority information of the first network slice and / or the failure reason information.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the first access network device receives the first condition and the terminal device switches from the second access network device to the first access network device, it determines whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. Wherein, the first condition includes at least one of the following information: the ability of the first access network device to support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the second indication information.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein After the first access network device receives the first condition and the terminal device switches from the second access network device to the first access network device, determining whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device includes: When the first condition is met, the first access network device uses the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. Wherein, meeting the first condition includes the following situations: the first access network device supports the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is less than a first preset threshold, and the second indication information indicates that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein After the first access network device receives the first condition and the terminal device switches from the second access network device to the first access network device, determining whether to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device includes: When the first condition is not met, the first access network device determines that it is impossible to use the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device. Among them, the non - satisfaction of the first condition includes at least one of the following situations: the first access network device does not support the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, or the second indication information indicates that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first access network device sends a fourth message to the second access network device. The fourth message includes the identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device, and the fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second access network device sends a first message to the first access network device. The first message includes the identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the first network slices are the original network slices providing services for the terminal device, and the first network slices are used for slice - aware access control.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The first message further includes the identifier of the second network slice, and the second network slice is the network slice currently providing services for the terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The first message further includes the area supported by the first network slice and / or the area supported by the second network slice.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The first message further includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the reason for the second access network device to change the network slice.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, characterized in that, The first message further includes the priority of the first network slice.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that The method further includes: The second access network device receives the fourth message sent by the first access network device. The fourth message includes the identifier of the first network slice selected by the first access network device to provide services for the terminal device, and the fourth message is used to indicate permission to access the protocol data unit (PDU) session corresponding to the selected first network slice.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The fourth message further includes at least one of the following information: the area supported by the first network slice, the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the first access network device, or the resource occupancy of the second network slice in the first access network device.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The core network device receives a second message sent by the first access network device. The second message includes the identifiers of one or more first network slices, and the second message is used to query whether the core network device can support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The method further includes: The core network device sends a third message to the first access network device. The third message includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The third message includes the priority information of the first network slice and / or the failure reason information.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21-23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device, the core network device determines whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The core network device determining whether the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device based on the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device includes: When the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is less than a second preset threshold, the core network device determines that the core network device supports the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device; When the resource occupancy of the first network slice in the core network device is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, the core network device determines that the core network device does not support the first network slice to provide services for the terminal device.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a memory and a processor, the memory is used for storing a computer program, and the processor runs the computer program to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-13.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a memory and a processor, the memory is used for storing a computer program, and the processor runs the computer program to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 14-20.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a memory and a processor, the memory is used for storing a computer program, and the processor runs the computer program to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 21-25.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program, and when the computer program is run by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1-25 is implemented.

30. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is used for communicating with external devices or internal devices, and the processor is used for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-25.

Images