Communication method, device and communication equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device and communication equipment, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: determining whether to establish connection with a second network function according to a roaming attribute of user equipment, establishing connection with the second network function under the condition of determining to establish connection with the second network function, and sending the roaming attribute of the user equipment; and receiving a policy corresponding to the roaming attribute sent by the second network function through the connection. Therefore, dynamic control of whether connection is established is realized based on the roaming attribute of the user equipment, a corresponding strategy is provided based on the roaming attribute of the user equipment, and differential strategy dynamic control for roaming and non-roaming scenes is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus and communication equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, during the user equipment registration process, the relevant network functions (such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and Session Management Function (SMF)) of the network accessed by the user equipment are typically connected to the Policy Control Function (PCF) to obtain the relevant policies of the user equipment through the PCF. However, the policies obtained by the network functions from the PCF are usually fixed and uniform, lacking dynamic control capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the present disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, and communication device.

[0004] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a communication method applied to a first network function, the method comprising: determining whether to establish a connection with a second network function based on roaming attributes of a user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state; in response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, establishing a connection with the second network function, sending the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and receiving a strategy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0005] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication method applied to a second network function, the method comprising: sending a policy corresponding to a roaming attribute of a user equipment to the first network function through a connection established with the first network function, wherein the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0006] Thirdly, this disclosure provides a communication device applied to a first network function, the device comprising: a determining module, configured to determine whether to establish a connection with a second network function based on roaming attributes of a user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state; and a first communication module, configured to establish a connection with the second network function in response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, send the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and receive a strategy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0007] Fourthly, this disclosure provides a communication device applied to a second network function, the device comprising: a second communication module, configured to send a strategy corresponding to a roaming attribute of a user equipment to the first network function through a connection established with the first network function, wherein the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0008] Fifthly, this disclosure provides a communication device, including: a processor, and a memory communicatively connected to the processor; the memory stores computer-executable instructions; the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure have at least the following beneficial effects: Based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, it is determined whether to establish a connection with the second network function. If a connection is established with the second network function, the connection is established, and the roaming attributes of the user equipment are sent. The system then receives the corresponding policy from the second network function based on the roaming attributes. Thus, dynamic control of connection establishment is achieved based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and corresponding policies are provided based on these attributes, enabling differentiated dynamic control of policies for roaming and non-roaming scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 9 For user equipment, base stations, home UDM, AMF and V Schematic diagram of the interaction process between PCFs Figure 1 ; Figure 10 For user equipment, base stations, home UDM, AMF and V Schematic diagram of the interaction process between PCFs Figure 2 ; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 13 This is a structural block diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this disclosure, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0016] The technical solutions of this disclosure and how they solve the aforementioned technical problems will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] First, combine Figure 1The communication methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of example.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this embodiment can be executed by a communication device, which can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a first network function, or can be configured within a first network function. In this embodiment, the first network function can be a network function in a 5G core network, 6G core network, or next-generation communication standard core network, etc., and this embodiment does not specifically limit it. It should be noted that the first network function in this embodiment can be an AMF, or an SMF, or other network functions capable of implementing the communication method provided in this embodiment. This embodiment uses the execution of the communication method by a first network function as an example for illustrative description.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps: Step 101: Determine whether to establish a connection with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the roaming attributes of the user equipment and, based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, determines whether to establish a connection with the second network function.

[0022] It is understandable that the implementation methods for determining the roaming attributes of user devices by the first network function differ in different application scenarios, as illustrated below: As an example, the roaming attribute of the user equipment is determined based on whether the first area information in the device identifier of the third network function to which the user equipment belongs is consistent with the second area information in the device identifier of the first network function. The third network function is used to store the user equipment's subscription data.

[0023] In some embodiments, if the first region information and the second region information are determined to be inconsistent, then the roaming attribute of the user equipment is determined to indicate that the user equipment is in a roaming state. Conversely, if the first region information and the second region information are determined to be consistent, then the roaming attribute of the user equipment is determined to indicate that the user equipment is in a non-roaming state.

[0024] As another example, the roaming attributes of a user device are determined based on information from locally stored rules that correspond to user device identifiers and roaming attributes.

[0025] In some embodiments, the user equipment identifier of the user equipment can be obtained, and the roaming attribute of the user equipment can be determined according to the information of the correspondence rules between the user equipment identifier and the roaming attribute stored locally.

[0026] The user equipment identifier includes, but is not limited to, information that can identify the user equipment, such as the user equipment number and device identifier information in domain name format.

[0027] For example, the user equipment identifier (UE) of a user equipment is its number. Correspondingly, the locally stored information on the correspondence between UE identifiers and roaming attributes configures a target number range for UEs in a non-roaming state. The roaming attribute of the UE can be determined based on whether its number is within the target number range. If the UE's number is within the target number range, the roaming attribute indicates that the UE is in a non-roaming state. Conversely, if the UE's number is not within the target number range, the roaming attribute indicates that the UE is in a roaming state.

[0028] For example, the user equipment identifier of a user device is a device identifier information in the domain name format of the user equipment. The device identifier information in the domain name format carries information such as the region / province to which the user belongs. Correspondingly, the information of the local stored user equipment identifier and roaming attribute correspondence rules is configured with the target region information corresponding to the region / province information carried in the user equipment identifier in the non-roaming state. The roaming attribute of the user equipment can be determined based on whether the region / province information in the domain name of the user equipment identifier is consistent with the target region information. If they are consistent, the roaming attribute of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment is in a non-roaming state. If they are inconsistent, the roaming attribute of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0029] It can be understood that a user equipment being in a roaming state means that the user equipment is not in its home area, that is, the user equipment is a roaming user equipment (i.e., a roaming user equipment).

[0030] In some embodiments, when the roaming attributes of the user equipment are determined, it can be determined whether to establish a connection with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment and a first preset rule.

[0031] As one example, the first preset rule may include: determining to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is in a roaming state; and determining not to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is not in a roaming state. As another example, the first preset rule may include: determining to establish a connection with the second network function in both roaming and non-roaming states. As yet another example, the first preset rule may include: determining not to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is in a roaming state; and determining to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is not in a roaming state. This embodiment does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0032] In other embodiments, it is determined whether to establish a connection with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment and the current location of the user equipment.

[0033] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of determining whether to establish a connection with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment and the current location of the user equipment is as follows: the target area where the current location of the user equipment is located can be determined, and the second preset rule corresponding to the target area can be obtained. Based on the second preset rule and the roaming attributes of the user equipment, it can be determined whether to establish a connection with the second network function.

[0034] In some embodiments, a second preset rule corresponding to the target region can be obtained based on a pre-saved correspondence between regions and preset rules.

[0035] As one example, the second preset rule may include: determining to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is in a roaming state; and determining not to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is not in a roaming state. As another example, the second preset rule may include: determining to establish a connection with the second network function in both roaming and non-roaming states. As yet another example, the second preset rule may include: determining not to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is in a roaming state; and determining to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is not in a roaming state.

[0036] For example, for a target service in a target area, if a user device in the target area and in a roaming state is not desired to use the target service, but is desired to be able to use the target service in the target area and in a non-roaming state, the second preset rule may include: determining not to establish a connection with the second network function when the user device is in a roaming state; and determining to establish a connection with the second network function when the user device is in a non-roaming state.

[0037] For example, regarding a target service in a target area, if it is desired that user equipment in the target area and in roaming state can use the target service, but not that user equipment in the target area and in non-roaming state can use the target service, the second preset rule may include: determining to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is in roaming state; and determining not to establish a connection with the second network function when the user equipment is in non-roaming state.

[0038] For example, for a target service in a target area, if it is desired that user equipment in the target area, whether in a roaming state or not, can use the target service, the second preset rule may include: determining to establish a connection with the second network function in both the case of a user equipment in a roaming state and the case of a user equipment in a non-roaming state.

[0039] The target service can be any type of service, and this embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on it.

[0040] Step 102: In response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, establish a connection with the second network function, send the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and receive the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0041] In some embodiments, in response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, the first network function may send a connection establishment message to the second network function, wherein the connection establishment message indicates that the first network function requests to establish a connection with the second network function. Correspondingly, after receiving the second connection establishment message, the second network function establishes a connection with the first network function based on the connection establishment message.

[0042] It is understood that the process of establishing a connection between the first network function and the second network based on the connection establishment message can be found in the description in the relevant technology, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] It is understood that during the registration process of a user equipment accessing the network, the information contained in the connection establishment message can be found in the descriptions in relevant technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] In some embodiments, after the first network function and the second network can establish a connection, the second network function can determine the roaming attributes of the user equipment, obtain the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and send the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes to the first network function through the connection.

[0045] It is understandable that the strategies sent by user devices with different roaming attributes can be different. That is, when the roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the strategy sent by the second network function to the first network function is different from the strategy sent by the second network function to the first network function when the roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state.

[0046] For example, if the first network function is AMF and the second network function is PCF, the access and mobility policy sent by the PCF to the AMF when the user equipment is in roaming mode may be different from the access and mobility policy sent by the PCF to the AMF when the user equipment is not in roaming mode. For instance, the access and mobility policy corresponding to the user equipment in roaming mode may include a first frequency band selection policy, while the access and mobility policy corresponding to the user equipment in non-roaming mode may include a second frequency band selection policy, wherein the first frequency band selection policy and the second frequency band selection policy are different. As another example, the access and mobility policy corresponding to the user equipment in roaming mode may include: disallowing the user equipment from using the target service; correspondingly, the access and mobility policy corresponding to the user equipment in non-roaming mode may include: allowing the user equipment to use the target service.

[0047] For example, if the first network function is SMF and the second network function is PCF, the session policy sent by PCF to SMF when the user equipment is in roaming state may be different from the session policy sent by PCF to SMF when the user equipment is in non-roaming state.

[0048] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of receiving a policy corresponding to roaming attributes sent by a second network function via a connection is to receive a first message sent by the second network function via the connection, wherein the first message is used to indicate a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment. This allows the first network function to obtain the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment through the first message.

[0049] In this embodiment, the policy refers to a set of rules configured to control the behavior of user equipment during the processes of user equipment accessing the network for registration and / or session establishment and / or service requests. For example, the policy may include at least one of the following: access and mobility policy, terminal policy, and session policy.

[0050] The communication method provided in this disclosure determines whether to establish a connection with a second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment. If a connection with the second network function is determined to be established, a connection is established, and the roaming attributes of the user equipment are sent. The method also receives a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection. Therefore, dynamic control of whether to establish a connection is achieved based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and corresponding policies are provided based on the roaming attributes, enabling differentiated dynamic control of policies for roaming and non-roaming scenarios.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that this communication method is performed by a first network function.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the method may include: Step 201: Determine whether to establish a connection with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0053] Step 202: In response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, a connection is established with the second network function.

[0054] It should be noted that for a detailed description of steps 201 and 202, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0055] Step 203: Send the roaming attributes of the user equipment through the connection, and receive the first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0056] The first event subscription message is used to indicate the first event subscribed to by the second network function, wherein the first event is related to the user equipment.

[0057] The first event is used to indicate that when a change is detected in the area where the user equipment is located, an event notification message is sent to the second network function, and / or when a user equipment is detected to enter or exit the PRA area corresponding to the Presence Reporting Area (PRA) ID with the target service access permission, an event notification message is sent to the second network function.

[0058] It is understandable that the first event subscription messages sent by user devices with different roaming attributes can be different. That is, when the roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the first event subscription message sent by the second network function to the first network function is different from the first event subscription message sent by the second network function to the first network function when the roaming attribute information indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state.

[0059] Step 204: Send a first event notification message for the first event subscription message to the second network function via the connection.

[0060] In some embodiments, if the first network function detects a first event indicated by a first event subscription message, the first network function correspondingly sends a first event notification message to the second network function.

[0061] It should be noted that the specific information carried by the first event notification message can be found in the description in related technologies. For example, the first event notification message may carry information related to the first event. This embodiment does not specifically limit the information carried by the first event notification message.

[0062] Step 205: Receive the policy corresponding to the first event notification and / or roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0063] The first event may include the first event status and / or the first event notification.

[0064] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of receiving the policy corresponding to the first event notification and / or roaming attribute sent by the second network function through the connection is to send a first message to the first network function through the connection, the first message indicating the policy corresponding to the first event notification and / or roaming attribute. This allows the first network function to conveniently obtain the policy corresponding to the first event notification and / or roaming attribute through the first message.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first network function can not only obtain the first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device, but also obtain the first event notification and / or the policy corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device, thereby realizing differentiated dynamic policy control for roaming and non-roaming scenarios.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that this communication method is performed by a first network function.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the method may include: Step 301: Determine whether to establish a connection with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0068] Step 302: In response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, a connection is established with the second network function.

[0069] It should be noted that for a detailed description of steps 301 and 302, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0070] Step 303: Receive a second event subscription message sent by the second network function through the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0071] The second event subscription message is used to indicate the second event subscribed to by the second network function, wherein the second event is related to the user equipment.

[0072] In this embodiment, the second event is different from the first event in the above embodiment, and this embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0073] Step 304: Send a second event notification message for the second event subscription message to the second network function through the connection, wherein the second event notification message includes at least: the roaming attribute of the user device.

[0074] In some embodiments, if the first network function detects a second event indicated by the second event subscription message, it sends a second event notification message to the second network function.

[0075] It is understood that, in addition to including the roaming attributes of the user device, the second event notification message may also include other information known in the related technologies, such as information related to the second event. This embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0076] Step 305: Receive the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0077] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of receiving a policy corresponding to roaming attributes sent by a second network function via a connection is to receive a first message sent by the second network function via a connection, the first message indicating a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment. This allows the first network function to obtain the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment through the first message.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first network function provides the roaming attributes of the user device to the second network function through the second event notification message, thereby enabling the second network function to provide the first network function with a strategy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user device based on the roaming attributes of the user device, realizing dynamic strategy control for roaming and non-roaming scenarios.

[0079] To facilitate a clear understanding of this disclosure, the following will be combined with... Figure 4 The communication method of this embodiment is described by way of example. This communication method is performed by a first network function.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the method may include: Step 401: Determine whether to establish a connection with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0082] It should be noted that for a detailed description of step 401, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0083] Step 402: In response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, a connection establishment message is sent to the second network function, wherein the connection establishment message indicates that the first network function requests to establish a connection with the second network function.

[0084] Step 403: In response to the connection establishment message containing the roaming attributes of the user equipment, receive the first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0085] The first event subscription message is used to indicate the first event subscribed to by the second network function, wherein the first event is related to the user equipment.

[0086] Step 404: Send a first event notification message for the first event subscription message to the second network function via the connection.

[0087] It should be noted that the specific descriptions of steps 403 and 404 mentioned above can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] In some embodiments, if the first network function detects a first event indicated by a first event subscription message, the first network function correspondingly sends a first event notification message to the second network function.

[0089] Step 405: Send the strategy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attribute via the second network function through connection reception.

[0090] Step 406: In response to the connection establishment message not containing the roaming attributes of the user equipment, receive a second event subscription message sent by the second network function through the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0091] Step 407: Send a second event notification message for the second event subscription message to the second network function via the connection, wherein the second event notification message includes at least: the roaming attribute of the user device.

[0092] Step 408: Receive the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function via connection.

[0093] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that the communication method in this embodiment can be executed by a communication device, which can be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device can be a second network function, or can be configured within a second network function. In this embodiment, the second network function can be a network function in a 5G core network, 6G core network, or next-generation communication standard core network, etc., and this embodiment does not specifically limit this. It should be noted that the second network function in this embodiment can be a PCF, or other network functions capable of implementing the communication method provided in this disclosure embodiment. This embodiment uses the example of the communication method being executed by a second network function for illustrative purposes.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, the method may include: Step 501: Send a policy corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user equipment to the first network function through the connection established with the first network function, wherein the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0095] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of the connection established with the first network function is to receive a connection establishment message sent by the first network function, wherein the connection establishment message is used to indicate that the first network function requests to establish a connection with the second network function.

[0096] Regarding the process by which the second network function establishes a connection with the first network function after receiving the connection establishment message, please refer to the relevant descriptions in related technologies, which will not be repeated here.

[0097] It is understood that when a user equipment accesses the network and registers and / or establishes a session and / or requests services, the message it initiates may include the user equipment's Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and may also include information known in related technologies. For specific information carried by the connection establishment message, please refer to the relevant descriptions in related technologies, which will not be repeated here.

[0098] The roaming attribute of the aforementioned user equipment can be determined by the second network function.

[0099] It is understandable that the second network function determines the roaming attributes of the user device in different application scenarios, as illustrated below: As an example, a connection establishment message sent by a first network function is received, wherein the connection establishment message includes: the roaming attributes of the user equipment, so that the second network function can conveniently obtain the roaming attributes of the user equipment through the connection establishment message.

[0100] As another example, the roaming attributes of the user device sent by the first network function are obtained through the connection. This allows the second network function to conveniently obtain the roaming attributes of the user device through the connection.

[0101] As another example, the second network function determines the roaming attribute of the user equipment based on information stored locally as a rule for matching user equipment identifiers with roaming attributes.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second network function may obtain the user equipment identifier of the user equipment and determine the roaming attribute of the user equipment based on the information of the locally stored user equipment identifier and roaming attribute correspondence rules.

[0103] The user equipment identifier includes, but is not limited to, information that can identify the user equipment, such as the user equipment number and device identifier information in domain name format.

[0104] For example, the user equipment identifier (UE) of a user equipment is its number. Correspondingly, the second network function locally stores information on the correspondence between UE identifiers and roaming attributes, which configures a target number range for UEs in a non-roaming state. The second network function can determine the roaming attribute of the UE based on whether its number is within the target number range. If the UE's number is within the target number range, the roaming attribute indicates that the UE is in a non-roaming state. Conversely, if the UE's number is not within the target number range, the roaming attribute indicates that the UE is in a roaming state.

[0105] For example, the user equipment identifier of a user device is a device identifier information in the domain name format of the user equipment. The device identifier information in the domain name format carries information such as the region / province to which the user belongs. Correspondingly, the information of the local stored user equipment identifier and roaming attribute correspondence rules is configured with the target region information corresponding to the region / province information carried in the user equipment identifier in the non-roaming state. The roaming attribute of the user equipment can be determined based on whether the region / province information in the domain name of the user equipment identifier is consistent with the target region information. If they are consistent, the roaming attribute of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment is in a non-roaming state. If they are inconsistent, the roaming attribute of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0106] As another example, the second network function determines the roaming attribute of the user equipment based on whether the first region information in the device identifier of the third network function to which the user equipment belongs is consistent with the third region information in the device identifier of the second network function.

[0107] In some embodiments, if the first region information and the third region information are consistent, determining the roaming attribute of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment is in a non-roaming state. Conversely, if the first region information and the third region information are inconsistent, determining the roaming attribute of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0108] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of determining the strategy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user device is to determine the strategy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user device according to a third preset rule.

[0109] As an example, the third preset rule may include: when the roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the corresponding policy is policy a; when the roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state, the corresponding policy is policy b.

[0110] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of sending a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of a user equipment to a first network function via a connection is to send a first message to the first network function via the connection, the first message indicating the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment. Thus, the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment is provided to the first network function via the first message.

[0111] The communication method provided in this disclosure sends a strategy corresponding to the roaming attributes of a user device to a first network function through a connection established with the first network function. This enables dynamic control of differentiated strategies for roaming and non-roaming scenarios.

[0112] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that this communication method is performed by a second network function.

[0113] like Figure 6 As shown, the method may include: Step 601: Establish a connection with the first network function.

[0114] It should be noted that for a detailed description of step 601, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0115] Step 602: Send a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device to the first network function via the connection.

[0116] In some embodiments, after establishing a connection with the first network function, a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user device can be determined, and the first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user device can be sent to the first network function through the connection.

[0117] For a detailed description of the second network function determining the roaming attributes of the user equipment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0118] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of determining the first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device is to determine the first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device according to a fourth preset rule.

[0119] As an example, the fourth preset rule may include: when the roaming attribute of the user device indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the corresponding first event subscription message may be event subscription message A; when the roaming attribute of the user device indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state, the corresponding first event subscription message may be event subscription message B, wherein the events subscribed in event subscription message A and event subscription message B may be different.

[0120] In other embodiments, another possible implementation of determining the first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device can be: obtaining the target area where the current location of the user device is located, obtaining the fifth preset rule corresponding to the target area, and determining the first event subscription message corresponding to the location and / or roaming attribute of the user device according to the fifth preset rule.

[0121] For example, if the target area is Area 1, and the target service corresponding to Area 1 is Service 2, the fifth preset rule for a user device entering Area 1 may include: if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the corresponding first event subscription message may be event subscription message X; if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state, the corresponding first event subscription message may be event subscription message Y. The events subscribed in event subscription messages X and Y may be different. When the user device leaves Area 1, the first event subscription may be canceled and / or updated to a new subscription.

[0122] For example, if the target area is area 2, and the target service corresponding to area 2 is service 3, the fifth preset rule for a user device entering area 2 may include: if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the corresponding first event subscription message can be event subscription message Z; if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state, the corresponding first event subscription message can also be event subscription message Z. When the user device leaves area 2, the first event subscription can be canceled and / or updated to a new subscription.

[0123] It is understandable that different roaming attributes correspond to different first event subscription messages.

[0124] The first event subscription message is used to indicate the first event subscribed to by the second network function, wherein the first event is related to the user equipment.

[0125] The first event is used to indicate that when a change is detected in the area where the user equipment is located, an event notification message is sent to the second network function, and / or when a user equipment is detected to enter or exit the PRA area corresponding to the Presence Reporting Area (PRA) ID with the target service access permission, an event notification message is sent to the second network function.

[0126] Step 603: Receive the first event notification message sent by the first network function for the first event subscription message via the connection.

[0127] Step 604: Send the policy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attribute to the first network function via the connection.

[0128] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of determining the strategy corresponding to the roaming attribute is to: obtain the target area where the user device is currently located and / or the status and / or event notification of the user device entering or leaving the target area, obtain the sixth preset rule corresponding to the target area, and determine the strategy corresponding to the user device entering or leaving the target area and / or the roaming attribute according to the sixth preset rule.

[0129] For example, if the target area is area 1, and the target service corresponding to area 1 is service 2, then the sixth preset rule for a user device entering area 1 may include: if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the corresponding policy may be policy a; if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state, the corresponding policy may be policy b. Policy a and policy b may be different. When the user device leaves area 1, the policy may be canceled and / or updated to a new policy.

[0130] For example, if the target area is area 2, and the target service corresponding to area 2 is service 3, then the sixth preset rule for a user device entering area 2 may include: if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a roaming state, the corresponding policy can be policy c; if the user device's roaming attribute indicates that the user device is in a non-roaming state, the corresponding policy can be policy d. Policy c and policy d can be different. When the user device leaves area 2, the policy can be canceled and / or updated to a new policy.

[0131] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of sending a policy corresponding to a first event and / or roaming attribute to a first network function via a connection is to send a first message to the first network function via the connection. The first message indicates the policy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attribute. Thus, the policy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attribute is provided to the first network function via the first message. The first event may include a first event status and / or a first event notification.

[0132] In this embodiment, after establishing a connection with the first network function, the first event subscription message and policy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attribute are provided to the first network function through the connection, thereby realizing dynamic policy control based on information such as user equipment roaming attributes and / or user equipment location.

[0133] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that this communication method is performed by a second network function.

[0134] like Figure 7 As shown, the method may include: Step 701: Establish a connection with the first network function.

[0135] Step 702: Send a second event subscription message to the first network function via the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0136] It is understood that, in addition to the first indication information, the second event subscription message may also include other information known in the related art, which will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0137] Step 703: Receive a second event notification message sent by the first network function in response to the second event subscription message via connection, wherein the second event notification message includes at least: the roaming attribute of the user device.

[0138] In other words, one possible implementation of obtaining the roaming attributes of the user device sent by the first network function through connection is: receiving a second event notification message sent by the first network function in response to the second event subscription message through connection, wherein the second event notification message includes at least the roaming attributes of the user device.

[0139] In addition to including the roaming attributes of the user device, the second event notification message may also include other information known in the relevant technology, which will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0140] Step 704: Send the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function via the connection.

[0141] In some embodiments, one possible implementation of sending a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of a user equipment to a first network function via a connection is to send a first message to the first network function via the connection, the first message indicating the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment. Thus, the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment is provided to the first network function via the first message.

[0142] In this embodiment, after establishing a connection with the first network function, a second event subscription message carrying first indication information is sent to the first network function through this connection. This first indication information instructs the first network function to upload the roaming attributes of the user device. Correspondingly, a second event notification message containing the roaming attributes of the user device is received, and a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user device is sent to the first network function through this connection. Thus, a corresponding policy is provided based on the roaming attributes of the user device, realizing dynamic policy control based on the roaming attributes of the user device.

[0143] To facilitate a clear understanding of this disclosure, the following will be combined with... Figure 8 The communication method of this embodiment will be described by way of example. It should be noted that this embodiment uses the example of the communication method being executed by a second network function for example.

[0144] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0145] like Figure 8 As shown, the method may include: Step 801: Receive a connection establishment message sent by the first network function, wherein the connection establishment message is used to indicate that the first network function requests to establish a connection with the second network function.

[0146] In some embodiments, the connection establishment message may be sent by a first network function when it determines that a connection with a second network is to be established based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0147] Step 802: Determine whether the connection establishment message contains the roaming attribute of the user device. If yes, proceed to steps 803-805; otherwise, proceed to steps 806-808.

[0148] Among them, the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user device is in a roaming state.

[0149] Step 803: Send a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device to the first network function via the connection.

[0150] Step 804: Receive the first event notification message sent by the first network function for the first event subscription message via the connection.

[0151] Step 805: Send the strategy corresponding to the roaming attribute and / or the first event to the first network function via the connection.

[0152] The first event subscription message is used to indicate the first event subscribed to by the second network function, wherein the first event is related to the user equipment.

[0153] The first event may include the first event status and / or the first event notification.

[0154] Step 806: Send a second event subscription message to the first network function via the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0155] Step 807: Receive a second event notification message sent by the first network function in response to the second event subscription message via connection, wherein the second event notification message includes at least: the roaming attribute of the user device.

[0156] Step 808: Send the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function via the connection.

[0157] To facilitate a clear understanding of this disclosure, the following will be combined with... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The communication method of this embodiment will be described by way of example. It should be noted that... Figure 9 and Figure 10 In both cases, the user equipment is currently not in its home region, but in the visited region (i.e., the user equipment is in roaming mode), and the first network function is AMF and the second network function is Visited Policy Control Function (PCF). The PCF and the third network function are exemplified by the Unified Data Management (UDM) device.

[0158] Figure 9 For user equipment, base stations, home UDM, AMF and V Schematic diagram of the interaction process between PCFs Figure 1 .

[0159] It is understandable that when a user equipment is in a roaming state and the user equipment needs to register, the user equipment can access the visited network through the base station to register through the visited network.

[0160] In this example, the AMF is located in the visited network.

[0161] Among them, the home UDM refers to the UDM located in the home network of the user equipment.

[0162] Among them, the home network refers to the network of the home region to which the user equipment belongs.

[0163] The visited network refers to the network in the area where the user equipment is currently visiting. For example, the visited network could be the 5G core network in the area where the user equipment is currently visiting.

[0164] In this example, the visited PCF is located within the visited network. That is, the visited PCF refers to a PCF that is located within the visited network.

[0165] like Figure 9 As shown, the method may include: Step 901: The user equipment performs a basic registration process with the network functions in the visited network through the base station.

[0166] It should be noted that the basic registration process is the same as the standard in related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0167] Step 902: During the user equipment registration process, the AMF determines the roaming attribute of the user equipment based on whether the first region information in the device identifier of the home UDM to which the user equipment belongs is consistent with the second region information in the device identifier of the AMF.

[0168] Among them, the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user device is in a roaming state.

[0169] Step 903, AMF to V PCF sends a connection establishment message, which includes: the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0170] In some embodiments, the connection establishment message includes a newly added roaming attribute field, wherein the roaming attribute field is used to indicate the roaming attributes of the user device.

[0171] Step 904, V After PCF establishes a connection with AMF based on the connection establishment message, V PCF sends a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to AMF through this connection.

[0172] Step 905: Upon detecting the first event indicated by the first event subscription message, the AMF sends a message to V via this connection. PCF sends the first event notification message.

[0173] The first event notification message includes information related to the first event.

[0174] Step 906, V PCF determines the strategy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attributes based on the first event notification message.

[0175] Step 907, V PCF sends a first message to AMF through this connection, wherein the first message is used to indicate the policy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attribute.

[0176] The first event may include the first event status and / or the first event notification.

[0177] Step 908: AMF executes the corresponding strategy.

[0178] In this embodiment, the access and mobility policy is used as an example for illustrative description.

[0179] In this embodiment, after determining the roaming attributes of the user equipment, the AMF sends a connection establishment message to V. PCF sends the roaming attributes of the user equipment, corresponding to V After obtaining the roaming attributes of a user device, the PCF provides the AMF with a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attributes of that user device, and upon receiving a first event notification message for that first event subscription message, V The PCF provides the AMF with policies corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attributes. Thus, dynamic policy control is achieved based on the user equipment's roaming attributes and / or the first event.

[0180] Figure 10 For user equipment, base stations, home UDM, AMF and V Schematic diagram of the interaction process between PCFs Figure 2 .

[0181] like Figure 10 As shown, the method may include: Step 1001: The user equipment performs a basic registration process with the network functions in the visited network through the base station.

[0182] Step 1002: During the user equipment registration process, the AMF determines the roaming attribute of the user equipment based on whether the first region information in the device identifier of the home UDM to which the user equipment belongs is consistent with the second region information in the device identifier of the AMF.

[0183] Among them, the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user device is in a roaming state.

[0184] Step 1003, AMF to V PCF sends a connection establishment message.

[0185] It should be noted that the connection establishment message in this embodiment does not include the roaming attribute of the user device.

[0186] Step 1004, V After PCF establishes a connection with AMF based on the connection establishment message, V PCF sends a second event subscription message to AMF through this connection. The second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0187] Step 1005, AMF sends a signal to V through this connection. PCF sends a second event notification message, which includes at least the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0188] Step 1006, V PCF determines the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0189] For a detailed description of the strategy for determining the roaming attributes of a user device, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0190] Step 1007, V The PCF sends a first message to the AMF through this connection, wherein the first message is used to indicate the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0191] Step 1008: AMF executes the corresponding strategy.

[0192] In this embodiment, the access and mobility policy is used as an example for illustrative description.

[0193] It is understandable that the processing steps performed by AMF after executing the corresponding strategy can be found in the relevant descriptions in related technologies, and will not be repeated here.

[0194] In this embodiment, after determining the roaming attributes of the user equipment, the AMF communicates with V. PCF establishes a connection, correspondingly, V The PCF sends a second event subscription message carrying first indication information to the AMF through this connection, instructing the AMF to upload the roaming attributes of the user equipment via the first indication information. Correspondingly, V The PCF receives a second event notification message containing the roaming attributes of the user equipment (UE), and sends a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the UE to the AMF via this connection. Thus, a corresponding policy is provided based on the UE's roaming attributes, enabling dynamic policy control based on the UE's roaming attributes.

[0195] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that this communication device is used in a first network function.

[0196] like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 1100 includes: a determining module 1101 and a first communication module 1102, wherein: The determination module 1101 is used to determine whether a connection is established with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0197] The first communication module 1102 is configured to, in response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, establish a connection with the second network function, send roaming attributes of the user equipment, and receive a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection.

[0198] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method for determining roaming attributes includes at least one of the following: determining the roaming attributes of the user equipment based on whether the first area information in the device identifier of the third network function to which the user equipment belongs is consistent with the second area information in the device identifier of the first network function, wherein the third network function is used to store the subscription data of the user equipment; and determining the roaming attributes of the user equipment based on the information of the locally stored user equipment identifier and roaming attribute correspondence rules.

[0199] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first communication module 1102 is further configured to: receive a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment sent by a second network function via a connection; and send a first event notification message for the first event subscription message to the second network function via a connection.

[0200] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first communication module 1102 is further configured to: receive a second event subscription message sent by the second network function via the connection before receiving the policy corresponding to the roaming attribute sent by the second network function via the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attribute of the user equipment; and send a second event notification message to the second network function via the connection in response to the second event subscription message, wherein the second event notification message includes at least: the roaming attribute of the user equipment.

[0201] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a first event notification message is used to indicate a first event subscribed to by a second network function, wherein the first event is related to the user equipment. Correspondingly, a possible implementation of receiving a policy corresponding to roaming attributes sent by the second network function via a connection may be: receiving a first message sent by the second network function via a connection, wherein the first message is used to indicate a policy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attributes of the user equipment, wherein the first event may include a first event status and / or a first event notification.

[0202] It should be noted that the foregoing description of the communication method embodiment also applies to the communication device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0203] The communication device provided in this embodiment determines whether to establish a connection with a second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment. If it is determined that a connection needs to be established with the second network function, a connection is established, and the roaming attributes of the user equipment are sent. The device also receives a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection. Thus, dynamic control of whether to establish a connection is achieved based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and corresponding policies are provided based on the roaming attributes, enabling differentiated dynamic control of policies for roaming and non-roaming scenarios.

[0204] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a communication device according to another exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that this communication device is used for a second network function.

[0205] like Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 includes: a second communication module 1201, wherein: The second communication module 1201 is used to send a policy corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user equipment to the first network function through the connection established with the first network function, wherein the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

[0206] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second communication module 1201 is further configured to: send a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user equipment to the first network function via the connection before sending the policy corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user equipment to the first network function via the connection; and receive a first event notification message sent by the first network function in response to the first event subscription message via the connection.

[0207] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second communication module 1201 is further configured to: send a second event subscription message to the first network function via the connection before sending a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function via the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment; and receive a second event notification message sent by the first network function in response to the second event subscription message via the connection, wherein the second event notification message includes at least: the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

[0208] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a first event subscription message is used to indicate a first event subscribed to by a second network function, wherein the first event is related to the user equipment. Correspondingly, a possible implementation of sending a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function via a connection can be: sending a first message to the first network function via a connection, the first message being used to indicate a policy corresponding to the first event and / or roaming attributes of the user equipment. The first event may include a first event status and / or a first event notification.

[0209] It should be noted that the foregoing description of the communication method embodiment also applies to the communication device of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0210] The communication device provided in this embodiment sends a strategy corresponding to the location information and / or roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function through a connection established with the first network function. This enables dynamic control of differentiated strategies for user equipment roaming and non-roaming scenarios.

[0211] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a communication device is also provided, including: a processor; and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor is configured to implement the communication method disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0212] To implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the communication method disclosed in this disclosure.

[0213] To implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a computer program product.

[0214] The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0215] To implement the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a communication system, wherein the communication system may include a first network function and a second network function, wherein the first network function is used to execute the communication method disclosed in the first aspect of the disclosure; and the second network function is used to execute the communication method disclosed in the second aspect of the disclosure.

[0216] It should be noted that the foregoing description of the communication method embodiments also applies to the communication system of this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0217] The communication system provided in this embodiment establishes a connection between a second network function and a first network function, sends roaming attributes of a user equipment (UE), and sends a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the UE to the first network function through the connection. Thus, a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the UE is provided to the first network function, enabling dynamic control of differentiated policies for roaming and non-roaming scenarios.

[0218] Figure 13 This is a structural block diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 13 The communication device shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0219] like Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 may include: The memory 1301, the processor 1302, and computer instructions stored on the memory 1301 and executable on the processor 1302.

[0220] When processor 1302 executes instructions, it implements the communication method provided in the above embodiments.

[0221] Furthermore, the communication equipment 1300 also includes: Communication interface 1303 is used for communication between memory 1301 and processor 1302.

[0222] The memory 1301 is used to store computer instructions that can be executed on the processor 1302.

[0223] The memory 1301 may include high-speed RAM memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage.

[0224] The processor 1302 is used to implement the communication method of the above embodiments when executing a program.

[0225] If the memory 1301, processor 1302, and communication interface 1303 are implemented independently, then the communication interface 1303, memory 1301, and processor 1302 can be interconnected via a bus to complete communication between them. The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 13The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0226] Optionally, in a specific implementation, if the memory 1301, processor 1302, and communication interface 1303 are integrated on a single chip, then the memory 1301, processor 1302, and communication interface 1303 can communicate with each other through an internal interface.

[0227] The processor 1302 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0228] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0229] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0230] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of preferred embodiments of this disclosure includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this disclosure pertain.

[0231] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Furthermore, computer-readable media can even be paper or other suitable media on which programs can be printed, because programs can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other media, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in computer memory.

[0232] It should be understood that various parts of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0233] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods described in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0234] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this disclosure can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0235] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first network function, the method includes: Based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, it is determined whether a connection is established with the second network function, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state; In response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, the user equipment establishes a connection with the second network function, sends the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and receives a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function through the connection.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method for determining the roaming attribute includes at least one of the following: The roaming attribute of the user equipment is determined based on whether the first area information in the device identifier of the third network function to which the user equipment belongs is consistent with the second area information in the device identifier of the first network function. The third network function is used to store the subscription data of the user equipment. The roaming attributes of the user equipment are determined based on the information of the correspondence rules between the user equipment identifier and the roaming attributes stored locally.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the policy corresponding to the roaming attribute sent by the second network function via the connection, the method further includes: The user device receives a first event subscription message sent by the second network function through the connection, which corresponds to the roaming attribute of the user device. A first event notification message for the first event subscription message is sent to the second network function via the connection.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Before receiving the policy corresponding to the roaming attribute sent by the second network function via the connection, the method further includes: The second event subscription message sent by the second network function is received through the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment; Sending a second event notification message to the second network function via the connection, the second event notification message includes at least the roaming attributes of the user device.

5. The method as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The step of receiving the strategy corresponding to the roaming attribute sent by the second network function through the connection includes: The first message sent by the second network function is received through the connection. The first message is used to indicate a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second network function, the method includes: The policy corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user equipment is sent to the first network function through the connection established with the first network function, wherein the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Before sending the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function through the connection established with the first network function, the method further includes: Send a first event subscription message corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user device to the first network function through the connection; The first event notification message is received via the connection from the first network function in response to the first event subscription message.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Before sending the policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function through the connection established with the first network function, the method further includes: Sending a second event subscription message to the first network function through the connection, wherein the second event subscription message includes: first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the first network function to report the roaming attributes of the user equipment; The user device receives a second event notification message sent by the first network function in response to the second event subscription message via the connection, wherein the second event notification message includes at least the roaming attribute of the user device.

9. The method as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Sending a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment to the first network function via the connection includes: A first message is sent to the first network function via the connection, the first message indicating a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes of the user equipment.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, applied to a first network function, includes: The determining module is used to determine whether a connection is established with the second network function based on the roaming attributes of the user equipment, wherein the roaming attributes are used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state; The first communication module is configured to, in response to determining that a connection has been established with the second network function, establish a connection with the second network function, send the roaming attributes of the user equipment, and receive, through the connection, a policy corresponding to the roaming attributes sent by the second network function.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, For use in a second network function, the device includes: The second communication module is used to send a policy corresponding to the roaming attribute of the user equipment to the first network function through the connection established with the first network function, wherein the roaming attribute is used to indicate whether the user equipment is in a roaming state.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor, and a memory communicatively connected to the processor; The memory stores computer-executed instructions; The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6-9.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5, or the method as described in any one of claims 6-9.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1-5, or the method of any one of claims 6-9.

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