Network switching method and device, nonvolatile storage medium and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a network switching method and device, a nonvolatile storage medium and electronic equipment. The method comprises the following steps: an access and mobility management function entity receives signaling information sent by terminal equipment, and the signaling information is information sent when the terminal equipment switches an accessed network type; a change session and a first target session management function entity bearing the change session are determined according to the signaling information, and the change session is a new or revised protocol data unit session; change sessions corresponding to all the first target session management function entities bearing the change sessions are determined, session requests are sent to all the first target session management function entities, and the session requests carry session context information of all the change sessions corresponding to the target session management function modules. According to the method and the device, the technical problem of network resource waste caused by redundant signaling transmission when the terminal equipment switches the access network in the related technology is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a network switching method, apparatus, non-volatile storage medium, and electronic device. Background Art

[0002] When multiple terminal devices switch the accessed network, there may be a situation where multiple sessions are carried by the same session management function entity. However, in the related art, for each session, the access and mobility management function entity needs to send a request related to the session to the session management function entity, resulting in redundant signaling transmission and wasting network resources.

[0003] In view of the above problems, no effective solution has been proposed yet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a network switching method, apparatus, non-volatile storage medium, and electronic device, so as to at least solve the technical problem of wasting network resources caused by redundant signaling transmission when a terminal device switches the accessed network in the related art.

[0005] According to an aspect of the embodiments of this application, a network switching method is provided, including: The access and mobility management function entity receives signaling information sent by a terminal device, where the signaling information is information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; determining a changed session and a first target session management function entity that bears the changed session according to the signaling information, where the changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; determining the changed sessions corresponding to the respective first target session management functions entities that bear the changed session, and sending a session request to each of the first target session management function entities, where the session request carries session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

[0006] Optionally, when the signaling information is a handover signaling sent by the terminal device when switching from a 5G network to a 4G network, the changed session is a revised protocol data unit session; sending a session request to each of the first target session management function entities includes: sending a session revision request to each of the first target session management function entities, where the session revision request carries context information of each revised protocol data unit session.

[0007] Optionally, when the signaling information is a handover signaling sent by the terminal device when switching from a 4G network to a 5G network, the changed session is a newly established protocol data unit session; sending a session request to each of the target session management function entities includes: sending a new session request to each of the target session management function entities, where the new session request carries context information of each newly established protocol data unit session.

[0008] Optionally, after sending a session request to each target session management function entity, the method further includes: determining a target change session for tunnel information interaction in the change session; determining a second target session management function entity corresponding to the target change session; and sending a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, where the session management context update request carries a session information list of all target change sessions corresponding to the second target session management function entity.

[0009] Optionally, after sending a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, the method further includes: in the case where the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 4G network to a 5G network, the second target session management function entity sends an N4 session modification request corresponding to the target change session to the user plane function according to the session management context update request; after the second target session management function entity receives the N4 session modification request response information of each target change session of the bearer, it sends a session management context update request response information to the access and mobility management function entity.

[0010] Optionally, determining a change session according to the signaling information includes: determining each piece of signaling information received within a preset time period and the change type indicated by the signaling information, where the change type includes a first change type and a second change type, the first change type is switching from a 5G network to a 4G network, and the second change type is switching from a 4G network to a 5G network; determining a first change session corresponding to each piece of signaling information of the first change type, and determining a second change session corresponding to each piece of signaling information of the second change type.

[0011] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving a session request response information sent by the first target session management function entity, where the session request response information carries the session information of all sessions carried by the first target session management function entity.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, there is also provided a network switching device applicable to an access and mobility management function entity, including: a first processing module, configured to receive signaling information sent by a terminal device, where the signaling information is information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; a second processing module, configured to determine a change session and a first target session management function entity carrying the change session according to the signaling information, where the change session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; and a third processing module, configured to determine the change sessions corresponding to each first target session management function entity carrying the change session, and send a session request to each first target session management function entity, where the session request carries the session context information of all change sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

[0013] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a non-volatile storage medium is further provided. A program is stored in the non-volatile storage medium. When the program runs, it controls the device where the non-volatile storage medium is located to execute a network switching method.

[0014] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, an electronic device is further provided, including: a memory and a processor. The processor is used to run the program stored in the memory. When the program runs, it executes a network switching method.

[0015] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a computer program product is further provided, including a computer program which realizes a network switching method when executed by a processor.

[0016] In the embodiments of the present application, the access and mobility management function entity receives the signaling information sent by the terminal device. The signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type. Determine the changed session according to the signaling information, and the first target session management function entity that bears the changed session. The changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session. Determine the changed sessions corresponding to each first target session management function entity that bears the changed session, and send a session request to each first target session management function entity. The session request carries the session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module. By using one request to carry the context information of each changed session corresponding to the same first target session function management entity, the purpose of avoiding redundant signaling transmission is achieved, thereby realizing the technical effect of reducing the consumed network resources, and further solving the technical problem of wasting network resources due to the existence of redundant signaling transmission when the terminal device switches the accessed network in the related art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The schematic embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present application. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a network switching method provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a network switching process provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 is a flowchart of another network switching process provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4It is a schematic structural diagram of a network switching device provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Specific embodiments

[0023] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily need to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such used data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present application described here can be implemented in an order different from those illustrated or described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device including a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those clearly listed steps or units, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0025] In the related art, whether it is for the handover between the 4 / 5G converged network or between the satellite EPC network and the terrestrial 5GC network (using the N26 interface), during the process of session migration between the EPC and the 5GC, it is necessary to migrate the bearers of each session. However, in general terrestrial networks and satellite NTN networks, the number of sessions is lower than the number of Session Management Function (SMF), resulting in that when the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) sends Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext to the SMF, it needs to be sent at the granularity of per PDU session, resulting in redundant signaling being transmitted for the same PDU session with different PDU session identifiers, causing waste of network resources.

[0026] To solve the above problems, relevant solutions are provided in the embodiments of the present application, which will be described in detail below.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present application, a method embodiment of a network switching method is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order than here.

[0028] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system or 5G system, etc.

[0029] In the above operating environment, the embodiment of the present application provides a network switching method, which is applicable to an access and mobility management function entity, such as Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0030] Step S102, the access and mobility management function entity receives the signaling information sent by the terminal device, where the signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type;

[0031] In the technical solution provided in step S102, the steps of determining the changed session according to the signaling information include: determining each signaling information received within a preset time period, and the change type indicated by the signaling information, where the change type includes a first change type and a second change type, the first change type is switching from a 5G network to a 4G network, and the second change type is switching from a 4G network to a 5G network; determining the first changed session corresponding to each signaling information of the first change type, and determining the second changed session corresponding to each signaling information of the second change type.

[0032] Step S104, determine the changed session according to the signaling information, and the first target session management function entity that bears the changed session, where the changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session;

[0033] Step S106, determine the changed sessions corresponding to each first target session management function entity that bears the changed session, and send a session request to each first target session management function entity, where the session request carries the session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

[0034] Optionally, the identifiers of multiple changed sessions corresponding to the same session request correspond in parallel in each parameter of the session request. For example, the parameters (1, 2, 3) in the UE EPS PDN Connection List are also (1, 2, 3) in the corresponding data Forwarding information List instead of (2, 1, 3), that is, the PDN connections and information at the same position in the two Lists correspond.

[0035] In the technical solution provided in Step S106, when the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from the 5G network to the 4G network, the changed session is a revised protocol data unit session; the step of sending a session request to each first target session management function entity includes: sending a session revision request (Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest) to each first target session management function entity, where the session revision request carries the context information of each revised protocol data unit session.

[0036] As an optional implementation manner, when the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from the 4G network to the 5G network, the changed session is a newly established protocol data unit session; the step of sending a session request to each target session management function entity includes: sending a new session request to each target session management function entity, where the new session request carries the context information of each newly established protocol data unit session.

[0037] As an optional implementation manner, as Figure 2 or Figure 3 shown, after sending a session request to each target session management function entity, further determine the target changed session for tunnel information interaction in the changed session; determine the second target session management function entity corresponding to the target changed session; send a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, where the session management context update request carries the session information list of all the target changed sessions corresponding to the second target session management function entity.

[0038] It should be noted that the interaction of tunnel information plays a crucial role in the process of mobile network handover, ensuring that the user equipment (UE) can seamlessly continue its data session during network handover. Whether it is a handover from a 5GS network to an EPS network or from an EPS network to a 5GS network, it is necessary to define how user plane data is transmitted through different gateways and nodes in the network. This usually involves establishing or updating tunnels to ensure that data can flow correctly between networks. Additionally, tunnel information also defines how data is transmitted between different nodes in the network, especially during network handover, to ensure that data is not interrupted and the user experience remains continuous. Moreover, by setting tunnel information, the differences between different network architectures can be adapted to enable efficient data transmission between different technologies. Also, different sessions may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements, and the interaction of tunnel information helps to maintain the specific QoS parameters of these sessions even after network handover.

[0039] As an alternative implementation, as Figure 3 shown, after sending a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, when the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 4G network to a 5G network, the second target session management function entity may send an N4 session modification request corresponding to the target change session to the user plane function according to the session management context update request; after the second target session management function entity receives the N4 session modification request response information of each target change session of the bearer, it sends a session management context update request response information to the access and mobility management function entity.

[0040] It should be noted that the N4 session modification is mainly to adapt to the change in the user plane path when the UE switches from an EPS network to a 5GS network. When the UE switches from E-UTRAN (the radio access network in the 4G network) to NG-RAN (the radio access network in the 5G network), the original EPS bearer path is no longer applicable, and it is necessary to re-establish or modify the user plane tunnel related to the 5GS network. The N4 interface is the communication interface between the SMF (session management function) and the UPF (user plane function) in 5GS, which is used for session management and data forwarding control.

[0041] In addition, the tunnel information can be updated through N4 session modification, the QoS change of the UPF can be adjusted, and an indirect data forwarding path can be established. For example, in some cases, an indirect data forwarding path needs to be established to connect the EPS and 5GS networks. The N4 session modification is used to configure and activate these indirect data forwarding tunnels.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 2 or Figure 3As shown, the access and mobility management function entity is further configured to receive the session request response information sent by the first target session management function entity, where the session request response information carries the session information of all sessions borne by the first target session management function entity.

[0043] As an alternative implementation, as Figure 2 shown, during the process of the terminal device switching from the 5G network (5GC) to the 4G network (EPS), the entire interaction process will include the following steps:

[0044] 1. The source NG-RAN discovers that the UE needs to switch to the EPS network (4G evolved packet system) and sends a handover required message to the source AMF, notifying the UE that it is about to leave the 5G network and enter the 4G network. After receiving this message, the source AMF starts to prepare the relevant processes required for the handover.

[0045] 2. The source AMF analyzes the received handover required message and identifies the PDU (protocol data unit) sessions that need to be revised or established in the 5G core network. The source AMF determines which SMFs (session management functions) need to be contacted to perform the operations of these sessions. For multiple sessions under the management of the same SMF, the source AMF uses a single signaling packet to trigger the processing of all relevant sessions simultaneously. This improvement reduces the number of signaling interactions and improves efficiency.

[0046] 3. The source AMF invokes the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext service operation (session context creation).

[0047] In this step, the source AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest request to the target SMF. This request includes the PDN (packet data network) connection list of the UE in the EPS network (UE EPS PDN ConnectionList), the identifier of the source AMF (Initial AMF ID), the data forwarding information list (Data Forwarding Information List), and the identifier of the target RAN node (Target ID). In this step, multiple session identifiers are correspondingly parallel in the message body of the request, so that the target SMF can identify and process a series of session context creation tasks within its responsibility scope.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present application, the UE EPS PDN Connection List lists the PDN (Packet Data Network) connections of the UE in the EPS network currently. During the handover process, the Initial AMF needs to ensure that these connections can be properly handled in the 5GS network for subsequent user data forwarding and session management.

[0049] The Initial AMF ID is the unique identifier of the Initial AMF, which is used to trace and confirm the identity of network entities during the handover process. The Initial AMF ID is crucial for subsequent network components to determine how to handle UE information, especially when multiple network components need to interact.

[0050] The Data Forwarding Information List contains a series of information, aiming to guide the network on how to forward the UE's data packets between different network components (such as from the 5GS to the EPS network). The data forwarding information may include tunnel information, QoS (Quality of Service) parameters, and any network-specific forwarding rules or configurations to ensure the consistency and efficiency of data transmission.

[0051] The Target ID is the identification information of the target network (in this scenario, the EPS network), which usually includes the ID of the target RAN (Radio Access Network) node and / or the ID of the target MME (Mobility Management Entity). The Target ID is used to accurately locate and select network components in the target network during the handover process to ensure that the UE can successfully access the target network.

[0052] In this step, by invoking the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext service operation through the Initial AMF, it is essentially requesting the SMF (Session Management Function) or GW-C (Gateway Control Function) to create or update the session management context related to the UE's EPS PDN connection. This process involves the transfer of key parameters such as the UE's PDN connection information, the identification of the Initial AMF, the data forwarding rules, and the identification of the target network, aiming to quickly and accurately establish the user plane data path after switching to the EPS network and maintain the UE's network connection and service continuity.

[0053] This optimized process can significantly reduce the consumption of NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) resources, reduce network latency, and improve the overall efficiency and user experience of the handover process by reducing the number of signaling interactions and improving the utilization efficiency of network resources, especially in the satellite network scenario.

[0054] 4.1 - 4.2, PGW - U / UPF Tunnel Information Interaction.

[0055] In 4.1 - 4.2, if necessary, the source AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest to the PGW - U / UPF (User Plane Function) to obtain or update the PGW - U tunnel information for the EPS network uplink data path. The PGW - U / UPF then responds with an Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextResponse message containing the tunnel information, which is a necessary step for preparing the subsequent EPS network data transmission path establishment.

[0056] 5, Nsmf_PDUSessionContext Response (PGW - U tunnel List).

[0057] 5.1, SMF Response and Tunnel Information Establishment.

[0058] After receiving the response from the target SMF, the target MME (Mobility Management Entity) starts to prepare for the interaction with the EPS network until the EPS network uplink user plane data path is established. This specifically includes operations such as the selection of the target MME, interaction with the SGW (Serving Gateway) to establish the uplink data path, and handover request with the E - UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), and finally confirms the establishment of the EPS network user plane data path.

[0059] 6, SMF Screening and Signaling Packet Assembly for Sessions to Continue Tunnel Information Interaction.

[0060] In this step, the source AMF again checks whether these sessions belong to the management scope of the same SMF based on the sessions to continue the interaction. If so, the source AMF assembles the information of these sessions and uses a single Nsmf_UpdateSMContext request instead of multiple separate requests. This can further reduce the signaling overhead and improve the efficiency of network handover.

[0061] 7, Invoke Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext.

[0062] In this step, the source AMF again invokes the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext service operation, which this time carries the tunnel information list on the SGW CN side to establish or update the user plane data path from 5GS to the EPS network.

[0063] 8, Target MME and E - UTRAN Interaction.

[0064] In this step, the target MME and the target E-UTRAN will interact to complete the establishment of the user plane data path from the EPS network to the SGW. The target MME sends a handover request, and the E-UTRAN then responds with a handover response to confirm the establishment of the RAN-side tunnel information.

[0065] 9. Complete the establishment of the user plane data path of the EPS network.

[0066] In this step, the target MME completes the establishment of the user plane data path from the EPS network to the SGW through interactions with the SGW, SMF / GW-C, and PGW-U / UPF, ensuring unobstructed data transmission of the UE in the EPS network. And the SMF / GW-C will send an Nsmf_PDUSessionContext response to the source AMF.

[0067] 10. Handover execution and resource release.

[0068] This step is the handover execution phase. In this phase, a connection is established between the UE and the target E-UTRAN to complete the handover. The network performs a tracking area update, dedicated bearer establishment, and releases resources that are no longer needed, such as indirect forwarding tunnels, after the handover is completed to optimize network performance.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present application, as Figure 3 shown, the specific process for the terminal device to switch from the 4G network to the 5G network includes the following steps:

[0070] Preparation phase:

[0071] 1. Handover initiation to target AMF selection.

[0072] The UE (User Equipment) is currently in the E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network, i.e., the 4G network). The source E-UTRAN detects that the UE needs to switch to the 5GS (5G System) and sends a handover request to the source MME (Mobility Management Entity).

[0073] Based on the handover request, the source MME selects the target AMF as the access management point of the UE in the 5GS network and prepares to hand it over from the EPS network to the 5GS network.

[0074] 2. The AMF confirms the corresponding number of SMFs and groups them based on the SMFs.

[0075] Based on the relocation request message sent by the source MME, the target AMF identifies the PDU sessions that the UE needs to establish or update in the 5GS, and confirms which SMFs (Session Management Functions) need to be interacted with to revise the UE's session status. If multiple PDU sessions belong to the same SMF, these sessions will be grouped and triggered using a single signaling, reducing signaling overhead.

[0076] 3. Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext request.

[0077] The target AMF sends an Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext request to the relevant SMF. This request carries multiple EPS PDN connection information of the UE, the initial AMF ID (source AMF identifier), data forwarding information, and the target ID (target RAN node or TAI), aiming to instruct the SMF to prepare for the session migration from EPS to 5GS.

[0078] 4. N4 session modification.

[0079] After receiving the Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext request, the SMF / GW-C initiates an N4 session modification to the PGW-U / UPF (User Plane Function) to allocate or update the user plane tunnel information for the UE's PDU sessions in the 5GS.

[0080] 5. Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext response (UPF / PGW tunnel in 1~1-list).

[0081] When the PGW-U / UPF completes the N4 session modification, it responds with the UPF and PGW tunnel information associated with the 5GS user plane network to the SMF / GW-C. These information will be packaged and returned in a list for subsequent processing and interaction.

[0082] Execution phase:

[0083] 6. Handover confirmation.

[0084] After completing the preparation for session migration, the target AMF sends a handover request to the target NG-RAN (5G Radio Access Network) and waits for the target NG-RAN to confirm that the UE has successfully accessed.

[0085] 7. Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext request (RAN tunnelinfo 1).

[0086] After the target NG-RAN confirms the successful access of the UE, the AMF sends the Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext request again, this time carrying the RAN-side tunnel information obtained from the target NG-RAN, which is used to establish or update the user plane forwarding path in the 5GS.

[0087] 8. N4 session modification (RAN tunnelinfo 1).

[0088] After receiving the request in step 7, the SMF / GW-C will initiate an N4 session modification to the PGW-U / UPF to establish new RAN-side tunnel information for the UE in the 5GS, enabling the smooth transition of user plane data from the E-UTRAN to the NG-RAN.

[0089] 9. User plane data transmission.

[0090] After the tunnel information is established or updated, the 5GS network starts to transmit the UE's data stream through the new user plane path, including but not limited to 5G downlink user plane data. Similar to step 5, the SMF / GW-C will send an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the target AMF.

[0091] 10. Indirect data forwarding tunnel establishment.

[0092] The source MME requests the establishment of an indirect data forwarding tunnel from the SGW (serving gateway). This step ensures the data continuity from the old network (EPS) to the new network (5GS) until the UE is fully switched to the 5GS network.

[0093] 11. UE context update and confirmation.

[0094] The UE establishes a connection with the target NG-RAN, receives the handover command, and synchronizes with the 5GS network. The target AMF notifies the source MME to confirm the successful handover and releases the relevant resources on the EPS network (such as the indirect data forwarding tunnel).

[0095] 12. The AMF confirms the corresponding number of SMFs and groups them based on the SMFs.

[0096] Similar to step 2 in the preparation phase, but at this stage, based on the network state after the UE successfully switches to the 5GS, the AMF reconfirms the number of SMFs and groups the sessions to be interacted with to further optimize the subsequent tunnel information interaction.

[0097] 13. Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext request (RAN tunnelinfo 2).

[0098] The AMF sends a request to update the session management context to the SMF, carrying the RAN tunnel information of the target NG-RAN, which is used to further ensure that the data transmission path of the UE in the 5GS network is correct.

[0099] 14. N4 session modification (RAN tunnelinfo 2).

[0100] After receiving the request in step 13, the SMF / GW-C sends a session modification message to the PGW-U / UPF through the N4 interface to reflect the latest tunnel information of the UE in the target NG-RAN.

[0101] 15. Nsmf_PDU_Session_UpdateSMContext response.

[0102] After completing all session revisions, the SMF / GW-C sends a session update response to the AMF, confirming that the context of all sessions has been adjusted according to the latest RAN tunnel information, ensuring smooth data transmission of the UE in the 5GS network.

[0103] 16. UE mobility registration and resource release.

[0104] The UE executes a simplified mobility registration process and officially becomes part of the 5GS network. Subsequently, the network releases EPS network resources that are no longer needed, including indirect data forwarding tunnels, to optimize network resource management and reduce unnecessary overhead.

[0105] Through the efficient communication and resource grouping strategy between the AMF and the SMF, the entire process not only reduces the number of signaling generated during handover but also ensures the continuity of user plane data. Even in a satellite network environment, it effectively reduces network latency and resource consumption, improving the overall efficiency of network handover and user experience.

[0106] In summary, in the network handover method provided in the embodiments of the present application, when the AMF receives the handover required message sent by the source NG-RAN, based on the session situation, it determines the set of SMFs corresponding to the PDU sessions that need to be established or updated, and based on the number of SMFs in the set and the PDU sessions that each SMF needs to establish or update, if these sessions use the same SMF, the AMF will use the same signaling to instruct each SMF to establish or update the session context respectively.

[0107] For the SMF or the Gateway Control function entity (GW-C), after receiving a session establishment / update request containing multiple sessions from the AMF, it identifies the sessions included in the message and processes the N4 interface for each session. After that, when the SMF or GW-C receives the N4 messages for the established or updated sessions, it returns a create or update response to the AMF based on these session group response messages.

[0108] By adopting the method that the access and mobility management function entity receives the signaling information sent by the terminal device, where the signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; determines the changed session and the first target session management function entity carrying the changed session according to the signaling information, where the changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; determines the changed sessions corresponding to the respective first target session management function entities carrying the changed session, and sends a session request to each first target session management function entity, where the session request carries the session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module. By carrying the context information of each changed session corresponding to the same first target session function management entity in one request, the purpose of avoiding redundant signaling transmission is achieved, thus realizing the technical effect of reducing the consumed network resources, and further solving the technical problem of wasting network resources due to the existence of redundant signaling transmission when the terminal device switches the accessed network in the related art. And by optimizing the interaction between the AMF and the SMF after the handover process, the planning efficiency of the AMF and the SMF is improved, the interaction redundancy is reduced, and the network latency is reduced. Especially in the satellite scenario, the consumption of NTN network resources is reduced.

[0109] An embodiment of the present application provides a network handover device. Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the device. As can be seen from Figure 4 it, the device includes: a first processing module 40, configured to receive the signaling information sent by the terminal device, where the signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; a second processing module 42, configured to determine the changed session and the first target session management function entity carrying the changed session according to the signaling information, where the changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; a third processing module 44, configured to determine the changed sessions corresponding to the respective first target session management function entities carrying the changed session, and send a session request to each first target session management function entity, where the session request carries the session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

[0110] In some embodiments of the present application, the steps for the first processing module 40 to determine a changed session based on signaling information include: determining each piece of signaling information received within a preset time period and the change type indicated by the signaling information, where the change type includes a first change type and a second change type, the first change type is switching from a 5G network to a 4G network, and the second change type is switching from a 4G network to a 5G network; determining a first changed session corresponding to each piece of signaling information of the first change type, and determining a second changed session corresponding to each piece of signaling information of the second change type.

[0111] In some embodiments of the present application, in the case where the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 5G network to a 4G network, the changed session is a revised protocol data unit session; the steps for the third processing module 44 to send a session request to each first target session management function entity include: sending a session revision request to each first target session management function entity, where the session revision request carries the context information of each revised protocol data unit session.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present application, in the case where the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 4G network to a 5G network, the changed session is a newly established protocol data unit session; the steps for the third processing module 44 to send a session request to each target session management function entity include: sending a new session request to each target session management function entity, where the new session request carries the context information of each newly established protocol data unit session.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present application, after sending a session request to each target session management function entity, the network switching device is further configured to: determine a target changed session for tunnel information interaction in the changed session; determine a second target session management function entity corresponding to the target changed session; send a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, where the session management context update request carries a session information list of all target changed sessions corresponding to the second target session management function entity.

[0114] In some embodiments of the present application, after sending a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, the network switching device is further configured to: in the case where the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 4G network to a 5G network, the second target session management function entity sends an N4 session modification request corresponding to the target changed session to the user plane function according to the session management context update request; after the second target session management function entity receives the N4 session modification request response information of each target changed session of the bearer, it sends a session management context update request response information to the access and mobility management function entity.

[0115] As an alternative implementation, the network switching device is further configured to: receive session request response information sent by a first target session management function entity, where the session request response information carries session information of all sessions borne by the first target session management function entity.

[0116] It should be noted that each module in the above network switching device can be a program module (for example, a set of program instructions implementing a specific function), or a hardware module. For the latter, it can be presented in the following forms, but not limited to: the presentation form of each of the above modules is a processor, or the functions of each of the above modules are implemented by a processor.

[0117] Figure 5 The hardware structure block diagram of an electronic device for implementing the network switching method is shown. As Figure 5 shown, the electronic device 50 may include one or more processors 502 (shown as 502a, 502b,..., 502n in the figure) (the processor 502 may include, but is not limited to, a processing device such as a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA), a memory 504 for storing data, and a transmission device 506 for communication functions. In addition, it may further include: a display, an input / output interface (I / O interface), a universal serial bus (USB) port (which may be included as one of the ports of the BUS bus), a network interface, a power supply, and / or a camera. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that Figure 5 the structure shown is only illustrative and does not limit the structure of the above electronic device. For example, the electronic device 50 may further include more or fewer components than those Figure 5 shown, or have a different configuration from that Figure 5 shown.

[0118] It should be noted that the above one or more processors 502 and / or other data processing circuits are generally referred to as "data processing circuits" in this article. The data processing circuit may be embodied in whole or in part as software, hardware, firmware, or any arbitrary combination thereof. In addition, the data processing circuit may be a single independent processing module, or be incorporated in whole or in part into any one of the other elements in the electronic device 50. As involved in the embodiments of the present application, the data processing circuit is a processor control (for example, the selection of a variable resistance terminal path connected to an interface).

[0119] The memory 504 can be used to store software programs and modules of application software, such as the program instructions / data storage device corresponding to the network switching method in the embodiments of the present application. The processor 502 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 504, that is, to implement the following network switching method: The access and mobility management function entity receives the signaling information sent by the terminal device, where the signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; determines the changed session according to the signaling information, and the first target session management function entity carrying the changed session, where the changed session is a newly created or revised protocol data unit session; determines the changed sessions corresponding to each first target session management function entity carrying the changed session, and sends a session request to each first target session management function entity, where the session request carries the session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

[0120] The memory 504 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memories, or other non-volatile solid-state memories. In some instances, the memory 504 may further include a memory remotely disposed relative to the processor 502, and these remote memories may be connected to the computer terminal 50 through a network. Examples of the above network include but are not limited to the Internet, enterprise intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0121] The transmission device 506 is used to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the above network may include the wireless network provided by the communication provider of the computer terminal 50. In one instance, the transmission device 506 includes a network adapter (Network Interface Controller, NIC), which can be connected to other network devices through a base station and thus can communicate with the Internet. In one instance, the transmission device 506 may be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0122] The display can be, for example, a touch-screen liquid crystal display (LCD), and the liquid crystal display enables the user to interact with the user interface of the electronic device 50.

[0123] According to an embodiment of the present application, a non-volatile storage medium is further provided. A program is stored in the non-volatile storage medium. When the program runs, it controls the device where the non-volatile storage medium is located to execute the following network switching method: The access and mobility management function entity receives signaling information sent by the terminal device, where the signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; determines a changed session and a first target session management function entity that bears the changed session according to the signaling information, where the changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; determines the changed sessions corresponding to the respective first target session management function entities that bear the changed session, and sends a session request to each first target session management function entity, where the session request carries the session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided, including a computer program which, when executed by a processor, implements the following network switching method: The access and mobility management function entity receives signaling information sent by the terminal device, where the signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; determines a changed session and a first target session management function entity that bears the changed session according to the signaling information, where the changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; determines the changed sessions corresponding to the respective first target session management function entities that bear the changed session, and sends a session request to each first target session management function entity, where the session request carries the session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

[0125] In the above embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of the respective embodiments have their own emphases. For parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0126] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. Among them, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units can be a logical function division. In actual implementation, there can be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of units or modules can be in an electrical or other form.

[0127] The unit described as a separation component may or may not be physically separated. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit, that is, it may be located in one place or distributed over multiple units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0128] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of the present application may be integrated in a processing unit, may exist separately as individual physical units, or two or more units may be integrated in one unit. The above-mentioned integrated units can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0129] If the above-mentioned integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the related technology, or all or part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: USB flash drives, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), mobile hard disks, magnetic disks, or optical discs and other various media that can store program codes.

[0130] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present application, several improvements and refinements can still be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A network switching method, characterized in that, including: The access and mobility management function entity receives signaling information sent by the terminal device, where the signaling information is the information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; Determine a changed session and a first target session management function entity that bears the changed session according to the signaling information, where the changed session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; Determine the changed session corresponding to each of the first target session management function entities that bear the changed session, and send a session request to each of the first target session management function entities, where the session request carries session context information of all the changed sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

2. The network switching method according to claim 1, wherein In the case where the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 5G network to a 4G network, the changed session is a revised protocol data unit session; Sending a session request to each of the first target session management function entities includes: Sending a session revision request to each of the first target session management function entities, where the session revision request carries context information of each revised protocol data unit session.

3. The network switching method according to claim 1, wherein In the case where the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 4G network to a 5G network, the changed session is a newly established protocol data unit session; Sending a session request to each of the target session management function entities includes: Sending a new session request to each of the target session management function entities, where the new session request carries context information of each newly established protocol data unit session.

4. The network switching method according to claim 1, wherein After sending a session request to each of the target session management function entities, the method further includes: Determine a target changed session for tunnel information interaction in the changed session; Determine a second target session management function entity corresponding to the target changed session; Send a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, where the session management context update request carries a session information list of all the target changed sessions corresponding to the second target session management function entity.

5. The network switching method according to claim 4, wherein After sending a session management context update request to the second target session management function entity, the method further includes: In the case where the signaling information is a handover signaling sent when the terminal device switches from a 4G network to a 5G network, the second target session management function entity sends an N4 session modification request corresponding to the target changed session to the user plane function according to the session management context update request; After the second target session management function entity receives N4 session modification request response information of each of the target changed sessions it bears, it sends session management context update request response information to the access and mobility management function entity.

6. The network switching method according to claim 1, wherein Determining a changed session according to the signaling information includes: Determine each of the signaling information received within a preset time period, and the change type indicated by the signaling information, where the change type includes a first change type and a second change type, the first change type is switching from a 5G network to a 4G network, and the second change type is switching from a 4G network to a 5G network; Determine the first change sessions corresponding to the signaling information of the first change type respectively, and determine the second change sessions corresponding to the signaling information of the second change type respectively.

7. The network switching method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: Receive the session request response information sent by the first target session management function entity, where the session request response information carries the session information of all sessions carried by the first target session management function entity.

8. A network switching device is applicable to an access and mobility management function entity, characterized in that, It includes: A first processing module, configured to receive signaling information sent by a terminal device, where the signaling information is information sent when the terminal device switches the accessed network type; A second processing module, configured to determine a change session and a first target session management function entity carrying the change session according to the signaling information, where the change session is a newly established or revised protocol data unit session; A third processing module, configured to determine the change sessions corresponding to each of the first target session management functions carrying the change session, and send a session request to each of the first target session management function entities, where the session request carries the session context information of all the change sessions corresponding to the target session management function module.

9. A non-volatile storage medium, characterized in that, A program is stored in the non-volatile storage medium, where when the program runs, it controls the device where the non-volatile storage medium is located to execute the network switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes: A memory and a processor, the processor is configured to run the program stored in the memory, where when the program runs, it executes the network switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program, which implements the network switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when executed by a processor.

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