PDU session management method, equipment, device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session management method, equipment, a device and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: a first user unit of Dual Steer equipment determines to carry out service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and a second user unit of the Dual Steer equipment; the first user unit executes the following operations: sending a registration request or a TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, wherein the registration request or the TAU request is used for switching a PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or, a session modification request is sent to the network accessed by the first user unit, and the session modification request is used for switching the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a PDU session management method, device, apparatus, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] DualSteer devices support traffic steering and user data exchange (for different services) across two 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access networks. When data needs to be transmitted simultaneously on two 3GPP access networks, the DualSteer device becomes two user equipment (UEs), connecting to two 3GPP networks and transmitting data on both 3GPP access networks. Currently, there is no clear solution for how to perform traffic switching of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions between two UEs on a DualSteer device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides a PDU session management method, device, apparatus and storage medium to solve the problem of service switching of PDU sessions between two UEs of a DualSteer device.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a PDU session management method, which is applied to a Dual Steer device, wherein the Dual Steer device includes a first user unit and a second user unit. The method includes:

[0005] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0006] The first user unit performs the following operations:

[0007] Sending a registration request or a TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or the TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or

[0008] A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0010] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following:

[0011] link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0012] an RRC state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0013] The policy sent by the network to the Dual Steer device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0015] The first user unit receives an SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching;

[0016] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0018] After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit;

[0019] Based on the instruction of the first user unit, the second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to the network accessed by the second user unit. The session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0020] Second indication information used to instruct service switching;

[0021] The SUPI of the first user unit or the association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0022] PDU session identifier.

[0023] In some embodiments, the registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, and the first cause value is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is that service switching is required.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0025] Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0026] Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching;

[0027] The association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0029] The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0030] The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information;

[0031] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification from the second user unit.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0033] The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0034] The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

[0035] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, which is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a PDU session management method, applied to a first SMF, comprising:

[0037] receiving a session modification request sent by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit;

[0038] Perform PDU session update based on session modification request.

[0039] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0041] A session modification command is sent to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0043] Send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0044] In some embodiments, the session update or release message carries a second cause value, where the second cause value is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0046] In the case where the network triggers the switching of the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit, seventh indication information for indicating service switching is sent to the second SMF, where the second SMF is the SMF providing services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0047] In a third aspect, the present application also provides a PDU session management method, which is applied to SOR-AF, including:

[0048] A SOR message is sent to the first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a Dual Steer device, the Dual Steer device comprising a first user unit and a second user unit, the Dual Steer device comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0050] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0051] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0052] The first user unit performs the following operations:

[0053] Sending a registration request or a TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or the TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or

[0054] A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0056] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following:

[0057] link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0058] an RRC state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0059] The policy sent by the network to the Dual Steer device.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0061] The first user unit receives an SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching;

[0062] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

[0063] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0064] After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit;

[0065] Based on the instruction of the first user unit, the second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to the network accessed by the second user unit. The session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0066] Second indication information used to instruct service switching;

[0067] The SUPI of the first user unit or the association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0068] PDU session identifier.

[0069] In some embodiments, the registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, and the first cause value is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is that service switching is required.

[0070] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0071] Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0072] Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching;

[0073] The association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0075] The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0076] The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information;

[0077] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification from the second user unit.

[0078] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0079] The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0080] The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

[0081] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, which is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

[0082] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a first SMF, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0083] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0084] receiving a session modification request sent by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit;

[0085] Perform PDU session update based on session modification request.

[0086] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

[0087] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0088] A session modification command is sent to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

[0089] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0090] Send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0091] In some embodiments, the session update or release message carries a second cause value, where the second cause value is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required.

[0092] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0093] In the case where the network triggers the switching of the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit, seventh indication information for indicating service switching is sent to the second SMF, where the second SMF is the SMF providing services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0094] In a sixth aspect, the present application further provides a SOR-AF, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0095] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0096] A SOR message is sent to the first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

[0097] In a seventh aspect, the present application further provides a PDU session management device, comprising:

[0098] A determining unit, configured for the first user unit to determine service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0099] The execution unit is configured to be used by the first user unit to perform the following operations:

[0100] Sending a registration request or a TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or the TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or

[0101] A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0103] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following:

[0104] link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0105] an RRC state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0106] The policy sent by the network to the Dual Steer device.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0108] The first user unit receives an SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching;

[0109] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

[0110] In some embodiments, the execution unit is further configured to:

[0111] After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit;

[0112] Based on the instruction of the first user unit, the second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to the network accessed by the second user unit. The session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0113] Second indication information used to instruct service switching;

[0114] The SUPI of the first user unit or the association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0115] PDU session identifier.

[0116] In some embodiments, the registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, and the first cause value is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is that service switching is required.

[0117] In some embodiments, the execution unit is further configured to:

[0118] Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0119] Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching;

[0120] The association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0122] The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0123] The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information;

[0124] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification from the second user unit.

[0125] In some embodiments, the execution unit is further configured to:

[0126] The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0127] The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

[0128] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, which is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

[0129] In an eighth aspect, the present application further provides a PDU session management device, comprising:

[0130] A receiving unit, configured to receive a session modification request sent by a first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch a PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit;

[0131] The updating unit is configured to update the PDU session based on the session modification request.

[0132] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

[0133] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0134] The first sending unit is configured to send a session modification command to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

[0135] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0136] The second sending unit is used to send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0137] In some embodiments, the session update or release message carries a second cause value, where the second cause value is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required.

[0138] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0139] The third sending unit is used to send the seventh indication information for indicating service switching to the second SMF when the PDU session of the second user unit is switched to the first user unit by the network. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0140] In a ninth aspect, the present application further provides a PDU session management device, comprising:

[0141] The fourth sending unit is configured to send a SOR message to the first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

[0142] In the tenth aspect, the present application also provides a non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the PDU session management method described in the first aspect as described above, or execute the PDU session management method described in the second aspect as described above, or execute the PDU session management method described in the third aspect as described above.

[0143] In the eleventh aspect, the present application also provides a communication device, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to enable the communication device to execute the PDU session management method described in the first aspect, or execute the PDU session management method described in the second aspect, or execute the PDU session management method described in the third aspect.

[0144] In the twelfth aspect, the present application also provides a processor-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the PDU session management method described in the first aspect as described above, or execute the PDU session management method described in the second aspect as described above, or execute the PDU session management method described in the third aspect as described above.

[0145] In the thirteenth aspect, the present application also provides a chip product, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to enable the chip product to execute the PDU session management method described in the first aspect as described above, or execute the PDU session management method described in the second aspect as described above, or execute the PDU session management method described in the third aspect as described above.

[0146] The PDU session management method, device, apparatus, and storage medium provided in the present application enable a first user unit to send a registration request or a TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, or to send a session modification request to a network accessed by the first user unit, when the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit. This enables switching of the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit or switching of the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit, thereby effectively solving the problem of service switching of a PDU session between two UEs of a DualSteer device and improving the user's service experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0147] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0148] Figure 1 One of the flow charts of the PDU session management method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0149] Figure 2 The second flowchart of the PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0150] Figure 3 Flowchart 3 of the PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0151] Figure 4 This is a signaling interaction diagram of Example 1 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0152] Figure 5 This is a signaling interaction diagram of Example 2 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0153] Figure 6 This is a signaling interaction diagram of Example 3 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0154] Figure 7 This is a signaling interaction diagram of Example 4 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0155] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the Dual Steer device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0156] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first SMF provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0157] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the SOR-AF provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0158] Figure 11 One of the structural diagrams of the PDU session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0159] Figure 12 The second structural diagram of the PDU session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0160] Figure 13 This is the third structural diagram of the PDU session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0161] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0162] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0163] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects. For example, the first object can be one or more.

[0164] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0165] In order to facilitate a clearer understanding of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application, some technical contents related to the various embodiments of the present application are first introduced.

[0166] 1. Dual Steer device

[0167] A Dual Steer device supports traffic steering and user data exchange (for different services) across two 3GPP access points. It can be a single UE (when transmitting data non-simultaneously on two networks) or two UEs (when transmitting data simultaneously on two networks). In the case of two UEs, the two UEs share a single subscription profile, but have different identifiers (such as a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI)).

[0168] Dual Steer devices can be smartphones, IoT terminals, drones, etc. Data subscription and policy control for Dual Steer devices are all controlled by the home network.

[0169] The two 3GPP accesses can belong to the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), different PLMNs, or a public network integrated PLMN (PNI-PLMN) and a PLMN, etc. The access type can be two fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) New Radio (NR) accesses, or one terrestrial access and one satellite access, or one 5G NR access and one fourth-generation mobile communication technology (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) access, or two different satellite types (such as low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, and geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites).

[0170] 2. Traffic steering and traffic switching

[0171] Traffic steering is the process of selecting an access network and directing traffic to it. This can be applied to traffic for one or more services across two 3GPP access networks, including scenarios where all services use the same network connection (no data is transmitted simultaneously on both networks) or where different services are transmitted across different networks (data is transmitted simultaneously on both networks).

[0172] Traffic switching is the process of moving all services from one access network to another to minimize service interruption. This can apply to traffic for one or more services across two 3GPP access networks, including scenarios where all services use the same network connection (no simultaneous data transmission on both networks) or different services move to different networks (simultaneous data transmission on both networks).

[0173] Figure 1 One of the flow charts of the PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a Dual Steer device, the Dual Steer device including a first user unit and a second user unit, such as Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0174] Step 100: A first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and a second user unit.

[0175] Step 101: The first user unit performs the following operations:

[0176] Sending a registration request or a TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or the TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or

[0177] A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

[0178] Specifically, for a Dual Steer device, when a user unit (such as a first user unit, hereinafter referred to as UE1) of the Dual Steer device determines to perform traffic switching of a PDU session between two user units, UE1 may perform different operations according to different situations.

[0179] For example, when it is necessary to handover (or migrate) the PDU session of UE1 to a second user unit (hereinafter referred to as UE2), UE1 may send a registration request or a Tracking Area Update (TAU) request to the network (e.g., PLMN2) to which UE2 is connected. In some embodiments, the registration request may be a mobility registration update request.

[0180] By sending a registration request or TAU request to PLMN2, UE1 can switch to PLMN2, and all PDU sessions of UE1 are switched from the network originally accessed by UE1 (for example, called PLMN1) to PLMN2. Then, through the PDU session modification or establishment process, UE1's PDU session can be switched to UE2.

[0181] In some embodiments, the registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, which is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is the need for service switching, so that PLMN2 understands the real reason why UE1 initiates the registration request or TAU request.

[0182] For another example, when it is necessary to switch (or migrate) UE2's PDU session to UE1, UE1 can send a session modification request to PLMN1, specifically, it can send a PDU session modification request to the session management function (SMF) (called the first SMF or SMF1) that provides services for UE1. SMF1 updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1, and switches UE2's PDU session to UE1.

[0183] Switching UE2's PDU session to UE1 can be at the PDU session granularity (i.e., per PDU session). For example, if a PDU session of UE2 needs to be switched to UE1, UE1 can send a session modification request to SMF1, indicating the identifier (ID) of the PDU session that needs to be switched to UE1 in the session modification request.

[0184] UE1 determines to switch the service of PDU session between two user units. It can be that UE1 decides to switch the service of PDU session between two user units on its own (ie, UE initiates), or it can be that the network side decides and notifies UE1 (ie, network initiates), which is not limited here.

[0185] It should be noted that the technical solution provided in this application can be applied to the service switching of PDU sessions between two UEs of a Dual Steer device in a roaming scenario, and can also be applied to the service switching of PDU sessions between two UEs of a Dual Steer device in a local scenario. This application is not limited to this.

[0186] The PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application, when the first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, can send a registration request or a TAU request to the network accessed by the second user unit, or send a session modification request to the network accessed by the first user unit, thereby enabling the PDU session of the first user unit to be switched to the second user unit or the PDU session of the second user unit to be switched to the first user unit, thereby effectively solving the problem of service switching of the PDU session between the two UEs of the DualSteer device, and helping to improve the user's service experience.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0188] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following:

[0189] link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0190] an RRC state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0191] The policy sent by the network to the Dual Steer device.

[0192] Specifically, when UE1 decides on its own to perform service switching of the PDU session between UE1 and UE2 (including switching UE1's PDU session to UE2 or switching UE2's PDU session to UE1), UE1 may make the decision based on one or more factors.

[0193] For example, the factor may include the link status of UE1 and / or UE2, and the link status may refer to the wireless link status between the UE and the network, such as the wireless link status between the UE and the access network device, the link status between the UE and the satellite, etc.

[0194] For example, the factor may include a Radio Resource Control (RRC) state of UE1 and / or UE2, such as whether the UE is in an RRC connected state, an idle state, or an inactive state.

[0195] For example, the factor may include a policy previously issued by the network side to the Dual Steer device (or a UE in the device), and UE1 decides to perform service switching of the PDU session between UE1 and UE2 based on the relevant policy.

[0196] For another example, the factor may include a load balancing situation of the network, and UE1 decides to perform service switching of the PDU session between UE1 and UE2 based on the current load balancing situation of the network.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0198] The first user unit receives an SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching;

[0199] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

[0200] Specifically, when the network initiates the switching of UE1's PDU session to UE2, the Steering of Roaming Application Function (SOR-AF) may initiate the Steering of Roaming (SOR) process, and send the SOR message to UE1 through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching. The specific content of the first indication information is not limited here. For example, it may be a dual steer identifier or a traffic switching indication, which is used to instruct UE1 to switch the PDU session to UE2.

[0201] The SOR message carries a PLMN list or an access type list. After receiving the SOR message, UE1 performs a PLMN selection process according to the instruction of the first indication information and the PLMN list or the access type list, and selects PLMN2 to initiate a registration request or a TAU request.

[0202] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0203] After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit;

[0204] Based on the instruction of the first user unit, the second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to the network accessed by the second user unit. The session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0205] Second indication information used to instruct service switching;

[0206] The SUPI of the first user unit or the association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0207] PDU session identifier.

[0208] Specifically, after UE1 sends a registration request or a TAU request to switch to PLMN2, all PDU sessions of UE1 are switched from PLMN1 to PLMN2. At this time, UE1 can instruct UE2 to switch UE1's PDU session to UE2 through the internal interface.

[0209] Then, according to the instructions of UE1, UE2 sends a session modification or establishment request (i.e., a session modification request or a session establishment request) to PLMN2. Specifically, it can be sending a PDU session modification or establishment request to the SMF (called the second SMF or SMF2) that provides services for UE2. SMF2 updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification or establishment request sent by UE2, and switches UE1's PDU session to UE2.

[0210] The session modification or establishment request can carry one or more of the following:

[0211] (1) Second indication information for indicating service switching: The specific content of the second indication information is not limited here, and may be, for example, a dual steer identifier or a traffic switching indication, for instructing SMF2 to switch the PDU session to UE2.

[0212] (2) The SUPI of the first user unit or the association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit. The association identifier is used to indicate to SMF2 which UE is associated with UE2.

[0213] (3) PDU session ID: The PDU session ID is used to indicate which PDU sessions need to be handed over to UE2.

[0214] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0215] Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0216] Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching;

[0217] The association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit.

[0218] Specifically, when UE1 initiates the establishment of a PDU session, it can carry a third indication information for indicating support for service switching, and / or an association identifier of UE1 and UE2 in the PDU session establishment request, so that the network side can understand UE1's support for service switching and the UE associated with UE1, providing a reference for subsequent operations on the network side.

[0219] Similarly, when UE2 initiates the establishment of a PDU session, it may also carry indication information for indicating support for service switching and / or an association identifier of UE1 and UE2 in the PDU session establishment request.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0221] The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0222] The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information;

[0223] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification from the second user unit.

[0224] Specifically, when the network initiates switching of UE2's PDU session to UE1, UE2 receives a session modification notification sent by SMF2, which carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching. The specific content of the first indication information is not limited here, for example, it can be a dual steer identifier or a traffic switching indication, which is used to indicate that UE2's PDU session needs to be switched to UE1.

[0225] UE2 notifies UE1 to perform service switching according to the instruction of the fourth instruction information. In some embodiments, UE2 may notify UE1 through an internal interface that the PDU session of UE2 needs to be switched to UE1.

[0226] According to the notification from UE2, UE1 determines that the PDU session of UE2 needs to be switched to UE1, and then initiates a session modification request to PLMN1.

[0227] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, which is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

[0228] By carrying the sixth indication information in the session modification request, it is possible to indicate to the network that the PDU session that needs to be switched belongs to UE2 associated with UE1, and to instruct the network to directly initiate the session modification through SMF1, rather than through SMF2 and AMF2 (AMF that provides services for UE2) in PLMN2. Thus, SMF1 updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1, and switches UE2's PDU session to UE1. For example, SMF1 interacts with the User Plane Function (UPF) corresponding to UE1 (UPF1 for short) based on the PDU session modification request sent by UE1, and updates the N4 session associated with the specified PDU session ID, which is the ID of the PDU session that needs to be switched as indicated by the PDU session modification request sent by UE1.

[0229] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0230] The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0231] The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

[0232] For example, SMF1 updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1, and then sends a session modification command to UE1, carrying the fifth indication information in the session modification command. The specific content of the fifth indication information is not limited here. For example, it can be a dual steer identifier or a traffic switching indication, which is used to instruct UE1 to switch the service of UE2's PDU session.

[0233] According to the instruction of the session modification command, UE1 completes the service switching through the internal interface and notifies UE2 to release the session management (SM) context. Subsequently, the uplink data of UE2 will be sent through UE1.

[0234] Figure 2 The second flow chart of the PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to the first SMF, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0235] Step 200: Receive a session modification request sent by a first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch a PDU session of a second user unit to the first user unit.

[0236] Step 201: Perform a PDU session update based on a session modification request.

[0237] Specifically, when UE1 determines to switch UE2's PDU session to UE1, it can send a session modification request to SMF1. After SMF1 receives the session modification request sent by UE1, it updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1, so as to switch UE2's PDU session to UE1.

[0238] Switching UE2's PDU session to UE1 can be at the PDU session granularity (i.e., per PDU session). For example, if a PDU session of UE2 needs to be switched to UE1, UE1 can send a session modification request to SMF1, indicating the ID of the PDU session that needs to be switched to UE1 in the session modification request.

[0239] UE1 determines to switch the service of PDU session between two user units. It can be that UE1 decides to switch the service of PDU session between two user units on its own (ie, UE initiates), or it can be that the network side decides and notifies UE1 (ie, network initiates), which is not limited here.

[0240] The PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application can enable the first user unit to send a session modification request to the first SMF to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit, which can effectively solve the problem of service switching of the PDU session between the two UEs of the DualSteer device and is conducive to improving the user's service experience.

[0241] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

[0242] By carrying the sixth indication information in the session modification request, the network can be instructed that the PDU session that needs to be switched belongs to UE2 associated with UE1, and the network is instructed to initiate the session modification directly through SMF1, rather than through SMF2 and AMF2 in PLMN2. As a result, SMF1 updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1 and switches UE2's PDU session to UE1. For example, SMF1 interacts with UPF1 according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1 and updates the N4 session associated with the specified PDU session ID, which is the ID of the PDU session that needs to be switched as indicated by the PDU session modification request sent by UE1.

[0243] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0244] A session modification command is sent to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

[0245] For example, SMF1 updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1, and then sends a session modification command to UE1, carrying the fifth indication information in the session modification command. The specific content of the fifth indication information is not limited here. For example, it can be a dual steer identifier or a traffic switching indication, which is used to instruct UE1 to switch the service of UE2's PDU session.

[0246] According to the instruction of the session modification command, UE1 completes the service switching through the internal interface and notifies UE2 to release the SM context. Subsequently, UE2's uplink data will be sent through UE1.

[0247] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0248] Send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0249] For example, after SMF1 sends a session modification command to UE1, UE1 completes the service switching through the internal interface and notifies UE2 to release the SM context. UE1 sends a session modification command response to SMF1. SMF1 receives the session modification command response, updates the SM context, and sends a session update or release message to SMF2, instructing SMF2 to release UE2's PDU session. The session update or release message may carry the ID of the PDU session to be released, that is, the ID of the PDU session that needs to be switched to UE1.

[0250] In some embodiments, the session update or release message carries a second cause value, which is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required, so that SMF2 understands the real reason why SMF1 notifies the PDU session release.

[0251] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0252] In the case where the network triggers the switching of the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit, seventh indication information for indicating service switching is sent to the second SMF, where the second SMF is the SMF providing services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0253] For example, when SMF1 triggers the switching of UE2's PDU session to UE1 based on factors such as policy and load, or when other network elements such as the Policy Control Function (PCF) trigger SMF1 to switch UE2's PDU session to UE1 based on factors such as policy and load, SMF1 may first send a seventh indication message to SMF2 to indicate the service switching. The specific content of the seventh indication message is not limited here. For example, it may be a dual steer identifier or a traffic switching indication, which is used to indicate that the service switching of UE2's PDU session is required.

[0254] SMF2 can send a session modification notification to UE2, which carries the fourth indication information for indicating service switching. UE2 notifies UE1 to perform service switching according to the instruction of the fourth indication information. UE1 determines that it is necessary to switch UE2's PDU session to UE1 based on the notification of UE2, and then initiates a session modification request to SMF1. After receiving the session modification request sent by UE1, SMF1 updates the PDU session according to the PDU session modification request sent by UE1, and switches UE2's PDU session to UE1.

[0255] Figure 3 The third flow chart of the PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to SOR-AF, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0256] Step 300: Send a SOR message to a first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

[0257] Specifically, when the network initiates the switching of UE1's PDU session to UE2, the SOR process may be initiated by SOR-AF, and the SOR message may be sent to UE1 through AMF. The SOR message carries the first indication information for indicating the service switching. The specific content of the first indication information is not limited here. For example, it may be a dual steer identifier or a traffic switching indication, which is used to instruct UE1 to switch the PDU session to UE2.

[0258] The SOR message carries a PLMN list or an access type list. After receiving the SOR message, UE1 performs the PLMN selection process according to the instructions of the first indication information and the PLMN list or the access type list, and selects PLMN2 to initiate a registration request or a TAU request. By sending a registration request or a TAU request to PLMN2, UE1 can switch to PLMN2, and all of UE1's PDU sessions are switched from PLMN1 to PLMN2. Then, through the PDU session modification or establishment process, UE1's PDU session can be switched to UE2.

[0259] The PDU session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application can initiate the SOR process by the SOR-AF, send an SOR message to the first user unit, and instruct to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit. This can effectively solve the problem of service switching of the PDU session between the two UEs of the DualSteer device, which is conducive to improving the user's service experience.

[0260] The methods provided in the various embodiments of this application are based on the same application concept, so the implementation of each method can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0261] The following describes the methods provided in the above embodiments of the present application through examples of specific application scenarios.

[0262] Example 1: UE1 initiates the PDU session handover process between UEs associated with the roaming scenario (per UE).

[0263] PLMN1 (AMF1, SMF1, UPF1) and PLMN2 (AMF2, SMF2, UPF2) are the visited PLMNs (VPLMNs) of the DualSteer device. The two Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (USIMs) of the DualSteer device are registered with PLMN1 and PLMN2, respectively. The H-SMF is the home SMF, and the H-UPF is the home UPF.

[0264] UE1 accesses PLMN1 through Radio Access Network (RAN) 1, and the data flow is: UE1→UPF1→H-UPF.

[0265] UE2 accesses PLMN2 through RAN2. The data flow is: UE2→UPF2→H-UPF.

[0266] Figure 4 The signaling interaction diagram of Example 1 provided in the embodiment of this application is as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the interaction process mainly includes:

[0267] 1. UE1 uses the home-routed roaming procedure to establish a PDU session from UE1 to UPF1 to the H-UPF. The session establishment request includes a third indication indicating support for traffic switching and an association identifier with UE2. The PDU session between UE1 and UE2 is associated at the H-SMF or Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0268] 2. UE2 uses the home-routed roaming process to establish a PDU session from UE2 to UPF2 to the H-UPF. The session establishment request carries an indication of traffic switching support and an association identifier with UE1. The H-SMF or UDM associates the PDU session between UE1 and UE2.

[0269] 3. UE1 decides to migrate the PDU session to UE2.

[0270] 4. UE1 initiates a mobility registration update procedure to PLMN2. The registration request may optionally carry a cause value of traffic switching, indicating that the reason for initiating the mobility registration update is the need for traffic switching.

[0271] 5. UE1 performs N2 handover, and all PDU sessions of UE1 are switched to PLMN2. The data flow is UE1→UPF2→H-UPF.

[0272] 6. UE1 instructs UE2 to perform traffic switching (execute PDU session modification process) on UE1's PDU session through the internal interface.

[0273] 7. UE2 modifies or establishes the PDU session that needs to be migrated, and initiates a PDU session modification or establishment request to the network, carrying a traffic switching indication, UE1's SUPI or the association identifier between UE1 and UE2, and the PDU session ID.

[0274] Example 2: Network-initiated PDU session handover procedure between UEs associated with roaming scenarios (per UE).

[0275] PLMN1 (AMF1, SMF1, UPF1) and PLMN2 (AMF2, SMF2, UPF2) are the VPLMNs of the DualSteer device. The two USIMs of the DualSteer device are registered with PLMN1 and PLMN2, respectively. The H-SMF is the home SMF, and the H-UPF is the home UPF.

[0276] UE1 accesses PLMN1 through RAN1. The data flow is: UE1→UPF1→H-UPF.

[0277] UE2 accesses PLMN2 through RAN2. The data flow is: UE2→UPF2→H-UPF.

[0278] Figure 5 The signaling interaction diagram of Example 2 provided in the embodiment of this application is different from that of Example 1 in that the triggering process in step 3 is initiated by the network. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the interaction process mainly includes:

[0279] 1. UE1 uses the home-routed roaming procedure to establish a PDU session from UE1 to UPF1 to the H-UPF. The session establishment request carries the third indication of traffic switching support and the association identifier with UE2. The H-SMF or UDM associates the PDU session between UE1 and UE2.

[0280] 2. UE2 uses the home-routed roaming process to establish a PDU session from UE2 to UPF2 to the H-UPF. The session establishment request carries an indication of traffic switching support and an association identifier with UE1. The H-SMF or UDM associates the PDU session between UE1 and UE2.

[0281] 3. The SOR-AF initiates the SOR process, updates the SOR information (carrying the first indication information for indicating service switching and the PLMN / access type list), and sends it to UE1 through the AMF, notifying UE1 to migrate the PDU session to UE2. After receiving the first indication information in the SOR message, UE1 performs the PLMN network selection process according to the corresponding PLMN / access type list.

[0282] 4. UE1 initiates a mobility registration update procedure to PLMN2. The registration request may optionally carry a cause value of traffic switching, indicating that the reason for initiating the mobility registration update is the need for traffic switching.

[0283] 5. UE1 performs N2 handover, and all PDU sessions of UE1 are switched to PLMN2. The data flow is UE1→UPF2→H-UPF.

[0284] 6. UE1 instructs UE2 to perform traffic switching (execute PDU session modification process) on UE1's PDU session through the internal interface.

[0285] 7. UE2 modifies or establishes the PDU session that needs to be migrated, and initiates a PDU session modification or establishment request to the network, carrying a traffic switching indication, UE1's SUPI or the association identifier between UE1 and UE2, and the PDU session ID.

[0286] Example 3: Traffic switching (per PDU session) initiated by UE1.

[0287] PLMN1 is the home PLMN (HPLMN) of UE1 and UE2. The network instructs UE2 to access PLMN2 when UE1 has already accessed the HPLMN. PLMN2 is the VPLMN of the Dualsteer device, and UPF1 is the anchor UPF of UE1 and UE2.

[0288] UE1 accesses PLMN1 through RAN1: AMF1, SMF1, UPF1.

[0289] UE2 accesses PLMN2 through RAN2: AMF2, SMF2, UPF2, regards SMF2 and UPF2 as VPLMN, UPF1 as the anchor point, and the data flow is: UE2→UPF2→UPF1.

[0290] Figure 6 The example 3 signaling interaction diagram provided in the embodiment of this application is as follows: Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the interaction process mainly includes:

[0291] 0. UE1 registers with AMF1 through RAN1, and UE2 registers with AMF2 through RAN2. UE1 obtains UE2's SM context through an internal interface.

[0292] 1. UE1 sends a session modification request to SMF1, carrying the sixth indication information, which is used to instruct SMF1 to directly initiate a session modification to switch UE2's PDU session to UE1, instead of performing the session modification through SMF2 and AMF2.

[0293] 2. Update the N4 session related to the PDU session ID that needs to be switched between SMF1 and UPF1.

[0294] 3. SMF1 sends a session modification command to UE1, carrying a traffic switching instruction. UE1 completes traffic switching via the internal interface according to the traffic switching instruction and notifies UE2 to release the SM context. Subsequent uplink data will be sent through UE1.

[0295] 4. Response message from RAN.

[0296] 5. SMF1 updates the SM context.

[0297] 6. UE1 sends a session modification command response, and SMF1 updates the SM context.

[0298] 7. SM1 notifies SMF2 of session update / release, carrying a cause value, which indicates that the reason for releasing the PDU session is the need to perform traffic switching on UE2's PDU session.

[0299] 8. SMF1 and UPF1 update the N4 session.

[0300] 9. SMF2 notifies UPF2 to release the N4 session of the PDU session ID (the PDU session ID that needs to be switched). SMF2 notifies AMF2 that SMF2 has released the context of the PDU session.

[0301] 10. SMF2 replies to SMF1 with a session update / release response.

[0302] Example 4: Network-initiated traffic switching (per PDU session).

[0303] PLMN1 is the HPLMN of UE1 and UE2. The network instructs UE2 to access PLMN2 when UE1 has already accessed the HPLMN. PLMN2 is the VPLMN of the Dualsteer device, and UPF1 is the anchor point UPF of UE1 and UE2.

[0304] UE1 accesses PLMN1 through RAN1: AMF1, SMF1, UPF1.

[0305] UE2 accesses PLMN2 through RAN2: AMF2, SMF2, UPF2, regards SMF2 and UPF2 as VPLMN, UPF1 as the anchor point, and the data flow is: UE2→UPF2→UPF1.

[0306] Figure 7 The example 4 signaling interaction diagram provided in the embodiment of this application is as follows: Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the interaction process mainly includes:

[0307] 1. The network (PCF or SMF based on policy, load, etc.) triggers the switching of UE2's PDU session traffic to UE1.

[0308] 2. SMF1 sends a message to SMF2, carrying the traffic switching indication.

[0309] 3. SMF2 sends a session modification notification to UE2, carrying a traffic switching indication, and UE2 notifies UE1 to perform traffic switching.

[0310] 4. On PLMN1, UE1 performs a PDU session establishment or modification process for the PDU session that needs to be switched through RAN1, AMF1, and SMF1. In the session establishment or modification request, UE1 indicates to the network that the PDU session that needs to be switched belongs to the associated UE and requires traffic switching. It also instructs the network to directly initiate a session modification through SMF1 to switch UE2's PDU session to UE1, rather than performing the session modification through SMF2 and AMF2.

[0311] 5. The N4 session related to the PDU session ID that needs to be switched is updated between SMF1 and UPF1.

[0312] 6. SMF1 sends a session modification command to UE1, carrying a traffic switching instruction. UE1 completes traffic switching via the internal interface according to the traffic switching instruction and notifies UE2 to release the SM context. Subsequent uplink data will be sent through UE1.

[0313] 7. Response message from RAN, SMF1 updates SM context.

[0314] 8. UE1 sends a session modification command response, and SMF1 updates the SM context.

[0315] 9. SMF1 and UPF1 update the N4 session.

[0316] 10. UE2 sends the response message of step 3 to notify the network that the switching is complete.

[0317] 11. SMF1 notifies SMF2 of session update / release, carrying a cause value, which indicates that the reason for releasing the PDU session is the need to perform traffic switching on UE2's PDU session.

[0318] 12. SMF1 and UPF1 update the N4 session.

[0319] 13. SMF2 notifies UPF2 to release the N4 session of the PDU session ID (the PDU session ID that needs to be switched).

[0320] 14. SMF2 notifies AMF2 that SMF2 has released the context of the PDU session.

[0321] 15. SMF2 replies to SMF1 with a session update / release response.

[0322] The methods and devices provided in the various embodiments of the present application are based on the same application concept. Since the methods and devices solve problems based on similar principles, the implementation of the devices and methods can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0323] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the Dual Steer device provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the DualSteer device includes a memory 820, a transceiver 810 and a processor 800; wherein the processor 800 and the memory 820 can also be physically arranged separately.

[0324] The memory 820 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 810 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 800.

[0325] Specifically, the transceiver 810 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 800 .

[0326] Among them, Figure 8 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 800 and memory represented by memory 820, which are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described in this application. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 810 may be a plurality of components, i.e., a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and other transmission media. For different user devices, the user interface 830 may also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices as required, and the connected devices include but are not limited to a keypad, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a joystick, and the like.

[0327] The processor 800 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 820 can store data used by the processor 800 when performing operations.

[0328] The processor 800 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0329] The processor 800 calls the computer program stored in the memory 820 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions, for example: the first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit; the first user unit performs the following operations: sending a registration request or a TAU request to the network accessed by the second user unit, the registration request or the TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or sending a session modification request to the network accessed by the first user unit, the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

[0330] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0331] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following:

[0332] link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0333] an RRC state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0334] The policy sent by the network to the Dual Steer device.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0336] The first user unit receives an SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching;

[0337] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

[0338] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0339] After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit;

[0340] Based on the instruction of the first user unit, the second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to the network accessed by the second user unit. The session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0341] Second indication information used to instruct service switching;

[0342] The SUPI of the first user unit or the association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0343] PDU session identifier.

[0344] In some embodiments, the registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, and the first cause value is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is that service switching is required.

[0345] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0346] Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0347] Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching;

[0348] The association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0350] The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0351] The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information;

[0352] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification from the second user unit.

[0353] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0354] The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0355] The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

[0356] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, which is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

[0357] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first SMF provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the first SMF includes a memory 920, a transceiver 910 and a processor 900; wherein the processor 900 and the memory 920 can also be arranged physically separately.

[0358] The memory 920 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 910 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 900.

[0359] Specifically, the transceiver 910 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 900 .

[0360] Among them, Figure 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 900 and memory represented by memory 920. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described in this application. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 910 may be a plurality of components, i.e., a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like.

[0361] The processor 900 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 920 can store data used by the processor 900 when performing operations.

[0362] The processor 900 may be a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a CPLD, and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0363] The processor 900 calls the computer program stored in the memory 920 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions, for example: receiving a session modification request sent by the first user unit, the session modification request being used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit; and updating the PDU session based on the session modification request.

[0364] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

[0365] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0366] A session modification command is sent to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

[0367] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0368] Send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0369] In some embodiments, the session update or release message carries a second cause value, where the second cause value is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required.

[0370] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0371] In the case where the network triggers the switching of the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit, seventh indication information for indicating service switching is sent to the second SMF, where the second SMF is the SMF providing services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0372] Figure 10 The schematic diagram of the structure of the SOR-AF provided in the embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the SOR-AF includes a memory 1020, a transceiver 1010 and a processor 1000; wherein the processor 1000 and the memory 1020 may also be physically arranged separately.

[0373] The memory 1020 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1010 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1000.

[0374] Specifically, the transceiver 1010 is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1000 .

[0375] Among them, Figure 10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1000 and memory represented by memory 1020. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described in this application. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1010 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like.

[0376] The processor 1000 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1020 can store data used by the processor 1000 when performing operations.

[0377] The processor 1000 may be a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a CPLD, and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0378] The processor 1000 calls the computer program stored in the memory 1020 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions, for example: sending an SOR message to the first user unit, wherein the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

[0379] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned Dual Steer device, first SMF and SOR-AF provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0380] Figure 11 One of the structural diagrams of the PDU session management device provided in the embodiment of the present application is as follows Figure 11 As shown, the device includes:

[0381] A determining unit 1100 is configured for a first user unit to determine service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and a second user unit;

[0382] The execution unit 1110 is configured to cause the first user unit to perform the following operations:

[0383] Sending a registration request or a TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or the TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or

[0384] A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

[0385] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0386] The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following:

[0387] link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0388] an RRC state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit;

[0389] The policy sent by the network to the Dual Steer device.

[0390] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0391] The first user unit receives an SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching;

[0392] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

[0393] In some embodiments, the execution unit 1110 is further configured to:

[0394] After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit;

[0395] Based on the instruction of the first user unit, the second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to the network accessed by the second user unit. The session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0396] Second indication information used to instruct service switching;

[0397] The SUPI of the first user unit or the association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit;

[0398] PDU session identifier.

[0399] In some embodiments, the registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, and the first cause value is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is that service switching is required.

[0400] In some embodiments, the execution unit 1110 is further configured to:

[0401] Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following:

[0402] Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching;

[0403] The association identifier of the first user unit and the second user unit.

[0404] In some embodiments, the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including:

[0405] The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0406] The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information;

[0407] The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification from the second user unit.

[0408] In some embodiments, the execution unit 1110 is further configured to:

[0409] The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching;

[0410] The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

[0411] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, which is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

[0412] Figure 12 The second structural diagram of the PDU session management device provided in the embodiment of the present application is as follows Figure 12 As shown, the device includes:

[0413] The receiving unit 1200 is configured to receive a session modification request sent by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit;

[0414] The updating unit 1210 is configured to perform a PDU session update based on the session modification request.

[0415] In some embodiments, the session modification request carries sixth indication information, where the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

[0416] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0417] The first sending unit is configured to send a session modification command to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

[0418] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0419] The second sending unit is used to send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0420] In some embodiments, the session update or release message carries a second cause value, where the second cause value is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required.

[0421] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0422] The third sending unit is used to send the seventh indication information for indicating service switching to the second SMF when the PDU session of the second user unit is switched to the first user unit by the network. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

[0423] Figure 13 The third structural diagram of the PDU session management device provided in the embodiment of the present application is as follows Figure 13 As shown, the device includes:

[0424] The fourth sending unit 1300 is configured to send a SOR message to the first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

[0425] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0426] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0427] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0428] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application further provides a non-transitory readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the PDU session management method provided by the above embodiments.

[0429] It should be noted here that the non-transitory readable storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0430] The non-transitory readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by a computer, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO)), optical storage (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memories (NANDFLASH), solid-state drives (SSDs)), etc.

[0431] The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems and 6G systems. For example, applicable systems may be global system of mobile communication (GSM) systems, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) systems, 5G new air interface (NR) systems, etc. These various systems include terminal devices and network devices. The system may also include core network parts, such as the Evolved Packet System (EPS), 5G system (5GS), 6G system, etc.

[0432] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage and optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0433] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the steps in the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0434] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device that implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0435] These processor-executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for executing on the computer or other programmable device to implement the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0436] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A protocol data unit (PDU) session management method, characterized in that: Applied to a dual-steer device, the dual-steer device including a first user unit and a second user unit, the method comprising: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit; The first user unit performs the following operations: Sending a registration request or a tracking area update TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

2. The PDU session management method according to claim 1, wherein: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following: Link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit; a radio resource control (RRC) state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit; The policy sent by the network to the DualSteer device.

3. The PDU session management method according to claim 1, wherein: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including: The first user unit receives a roaming guidance SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching; The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

4. The PDU session management method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit; The second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to a network accessed by the second user unit based on an instruction of the first user unit, where the session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following: Second indication information used to instruct service switching; a user permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first user unit or an association identifier between the first user unit and the second user unit; PDU session identifier.

5. The PDU session management method according to claim 1, wherein: The registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, where the first cause value is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is that service switching is required.

6. The PDU session management method according to claim 1, wherein: The method further comprises: Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following: Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching; An association identifier between the first user unit and the second user unit.

7. The PDU session management method according to claim 1, wherein: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including: The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching; The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information; The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification of the second user unit.

8. The PDU session management method according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching; The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

9. The PDU session management method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The session modification request carries sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first session management function SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

10. A protocol data unit (PDU) session management method, characterized in that: Applied to the first session management function SMF, including: receiving a session modification request sent by a first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch a PDU session of a second user unit to the first user unit; Perform a PDU session update based on the session modification request.

11. The PDU session management method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The session modification request carries sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

12. The PDU session management method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A session modification command is sent to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

13. The PDU session management method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

14. The PDU session management method according to claim 13, wherein: The session update or release message carries a second cause value, where the second cause value is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required.

15. The PDU session management method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In the case where the PDU session of the second user unit is switched to the first user unit by the network, seventh indication information for indicating service switching is sent to the second SMF, where the second SMF is the SMF that provides services for the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

16. A protocol data unit (PDU) session management method, characterized in that: Applied to the SOR-AF roaming guidance application function, including: A roaming guidance SOR message is sent to the first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

17. A dual-steer device, comprising a first user unit and a second user unit, characterized in that: The DualSteer device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; a memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; A processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a protocol data unit (PDU) session between the first user unit and the second user unit; The first user unit performs the following operations: Sending a registration request or a tracking area update TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

18. The Dual Steer device according to claim 17, wherein: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of the PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit based on one or more of the following: Link status of the first user unit and / or the second user unit; a radio resource control (RRC) state of the first user unit and / or the second user unit; The policy sent by the network to the DualSteer device.

19. The Dual Steer device according to claim 17, wherein: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including: The first user unit receives a roaming guidance SOR message, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching; The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit based on the first indication information.

20. The DualSteer device according to claim 17 or 19, characterized in that The operations further include: After all PDU sessions of the first user unit are switched from the network accessed by the first user unit to the network accessed by the second user unit, the first user unit instructs the second user unit to switch the PDU sessions of the first user unit to the second user unit; The second user unit sends a session modification or establishment request to a network accessed by the second user unit based on an instruction of the first user unit, where the session modification or establishment request carries one or more of the following: Second indication information used to instruct service switching; a user permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first user unit or an association identifier between the first user unit and the second user unit; PDU session identifier.

21. The Dual Steer device according to claim 17, wherein: The registration request or TAU request carries a first cause value, where the first cause value is used to indicate that the reason for initiating the registration request or TAU request is that service switching is required.

22. The Dual Steer device according to claim 17, wherein: The operations further include: Before the first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, the first user unit sends a session establishment request to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session establishment request carries one or more of the following: Third indication information used to indicate support for service switching; An association identifier between the first user unit and the second user unit.

23. The Dual Steer device according to claim 17, wherein: The first user unit determines to perform service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and the second user unit, including: The second user unit receives a session modification notification, where the session modification notification carries fourth indication information for indicating service switching; The second user unit notifies the first user unit to perform service switching based on the fourth indication information; The first user unit determines to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit based on the notification of the second user unit.

24. The DualSteer device according to claim 17 or 23, wherein: The operations further include: The first user unit receives a session modification command, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching; The second user unit is notified to release the session management context based on the fifth indication information, and subsequent uplink data of the second user unit is sent through the first user unit.

25. The Dual Steer device according to claim 24, characterized in that The session modification request carries sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first session management function SMF, where the first SMF is the SMF that provides services to the first user unit in the network accessed by the first user unit.

26. A first session management function SMF, characterized in that: Including memory, transceiver, processor; a memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; A processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: receiving a session modification request sent by a first user unit, wherein the session modification request is used to switch a protocol data unit (PDU) session of a second user unit to the first user unit; Perform a PDU session update based on the session modification request.

27. The first SMF according to claim 26, characterized in that The session modification request carries sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to instruct service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit through the first SMF.

28. The first SMF according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The operations further include: A session modification command is sent to the first user unit, where the session modification command carries fifth indication information for indicating service switching.

29. The first SMF according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The operations further include: Send a session update or release message to the second SMF, where the session update or release message is used to release the PDU session of the second user unit. The second SMF is the SMF that provides services to the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

30. The first SMF according to claim 29, characterized in that The session update or release message carries a second cause value, where the second cause value is used to indicate that the reason for releasing the PDU session of the second user unit is that service switching of the PDU session of the second user unit is required.

31. The first SMF according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that The operations further include: In the case where the PDU session of the second user unit is switched to the first user unit by the network, seventh indication information for indicating service switching is sent to the second SMF, where the second SMF is the SMF that provides services for the second user unit in the network accessed by the second user unit.

32. A roaming guidance application function SOR-AF, characterized in that: Including memory, transceiver, processor; A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: A roaming guidance SOR message is sent to the first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

33. A protocol data unit (PDU) session management device, characterized in that: include: A determining unit, configured for a first user unit to determine service switching of a PDU session between the first user unit and a second user unit; An execution unit, configured for the first user unit to perform the following operations: Sending a registration request or a tracking area update TAU request to a network accessed by the second user unit, where the registration request or TAU request is used to switch the PDU session of the first user unit to the second user unit; or A session modification request is sent to a network accessed by the first user unit, where the session modification request is used to switch the PDU session of the second user unit to the first user unit.

34. A protocol data unit (PDU) session management device, characterized in that: include: a receiving unit, configured to receive a session modification request sent by a first user unit, wherein the session modification request is used to switch a PDU session of a second user unit to the first user unit; An updating unit is configured to perform a PDU session update based on the session modification request.

35. A protocol data unit (PDU) session management device, characterized in that: include: The fourth sending unit is configured to send a roaming guidance SOR message to the first user unit, where the SOR message carries first indication information for indicating service switching.

36. A non-transitory readable storage medium, characterized in that The non-transitory readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

37. A non-transitory readable storage medium, characterized in that The non-transitory readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

38. A non-transitory readable storage medium, characterized in that The non-transitory readable storage medium stores a computer program for causing a processor to execute the method of claim 16 .

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