Access Control Method, Charging Method, Device, Communication Device, and Storage Medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an access control method, a charging method, an apparatus, a communication device, and a readable storage medium in the field of communication technologies. In the access control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first element transmits a first request message to a second element, the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier, and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. Then, the first element receives a first response message from the second element, the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This disclosure claims priority based on a Chinese patent application with application number 202210686731.0 filed in China on June 16, 2022, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference. This disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and specifically to an access control method, a charging method, an apparatus, a communication device, and a readable storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] In related technologies, non - public networks such as Public Network Integrated Non - Public Network (PNI - NPN) can realize user access area control through a Closed Access Group (CAG). Before the introduction of CAG, network access control could only reach the cell granularity. However, after the introduction of the CAG function, one cell can support multiple CAGs, so more fine - grained management control can be provided based on CAG. Therefore, how to realize access control to non - public networks has become a problem to be solved currently.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure aim to provide an access control method, a charging method, an apparatus, a communication device, and a readable storage medium to solve the problem of how to realize access control to non - public networks.

[0004] To solve the above - mentioned technical problems, this disclosure is realized as follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, an access control method applied to a first element is provided, and the method includes: Sending a first request message to a second element, wherein the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. Receiving a first response message from the second element, wherein the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value.

[0006] In a second aspect, an access control method applied to a second element is provided, and the method includes: Receiving a first request message from a first element, wherein the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. Checking whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value, and updating the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier that has not reached the corresponding first value. Sending a first response message to the first element, wherein the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value.

[0007] In a third aspect, a charging method applied to a second element is provided, and the method includes: When the number of terminals associated with a first non-public network identifier reaches a corresponding first value or second value, sending a second request message to a fourth element. Receiving a second response message from the fourth element. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a charging method applied to a fourth element is provided, and the method includes: When the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding first value or second value, receiving a second request message from a second element; sending a second response message to the second element, The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an access control device applied to a first element is provided, and the device includes: a first transmission module configured to send a first request message to a second element, where the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier; A first receiving module configured to receive a first response message from the second element, wherein the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value, and the first receiving module.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an access control device applied to a second element is provided, and the device includes A third receiving module configured to receive a first request message from a first element, wherein the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier, and the third receiving module is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. A processing module configured to check whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value, and update the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier that has not reached the corresponding first value. A third transmitting module configured to transmit a first response message to the first element, wherein the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value, and the third transmitting module.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a charging device applied to a second element is provided, and the device includes A fifth transmitting module configured to transmit a second request message to a fourth element when the number of terminals associated with a first non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value or second value. A fifth receiving module configured to receive a second response message from the fourth element. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a charging device applied to a fourth element is provided, and the device is a sixth receiving module configured to receive a second request message from a second element when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches a corresponding first value or second value; and a sixth transmitting module configured to transmit a second response message to the second element. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a communication device including a processor, a memory, and a program or instruction stored in the memory and executable on the processor is provided. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to the first aspect, or the steps of the method according to the second aspect, or the steps of the method according to the third aspect, or the steps of the method according to the fourth aspect are realized.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions is provided. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to the first aspect, or the steps of the method according to the second aspect, or the steps of the method according to the third aspect, or the steps of the method according to the fourth aspect are realized.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first element can send a first request message to a second element. The first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. The first element can receive a first response message from the second element. The first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value. Thereby, by indicating whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value, access control is realized for each non-public network identifier. By performing access control based on the allowable capacity of user access resources, it is possible to meet more fine-grained management control requirements for the network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art belong to the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present disclosure are not used to describe a specific order or priority, but are for distinguishing similar objects. When used in this way, such terms are interchangeable when appropriate so that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described in this specification. The objects distinguished by "first" and "second" generally belong to the same class and do not limit the number of objects. For example, the first object may be one or a plurality. Also, "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally represents that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0019] In embodiments of the present disclosure, non-public networks (NPNs) include two types. One of them is a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN). An SNPN typically uses a dedicated wireless network and a core network. The other is a public network integrated non-public network (PNI-NPN). A PNI-NPN depends on a carrier's public land mobile network (PLMN), and can make full use of carrier network resources to provide industry clients with fast private network services such as fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) private network services.

[0020] PNI-NPN can implement user access area control through a closed access group (CAG). A CAG can also be described as a closed access group. Before the introduction of CAG, network access control could only reach the cell granularity. However, after the introduction of the CAG function, since one cell can support multiple CAGs, the non-public network NPN can provide more fine-grained management control based on the CAG. The CAG is also called a closed access group, etc.

[0021] PNI-NPN users share the network with PLMN users, and there may also be different vertical industry (private network) users among PNI-NPN users. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish and statistically analyze the network resource usage situations of different users, and implement access control and charging based on the network resource usage situations.

[0022] Optionally, the scenarios to which the embodiments of the present disclosure are applied include, but are not limited to, 5G industrial private networks, 6th Generation Mobile Communication Technology (6G) industrial private networks, etc.

[0023] Hereinafter, an access control method, a charging method, an apparatus, a communication device, and a readable storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings according to specific embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an access control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a first element, which includes, but is not limited to, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the method may include the following steps 11-12.

[0025] In step 11, a first request message is sent to a second element.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. The at least one non-public network identifier can be understood as one or more non-public network identifiers. The non-public network identifier is an identifier of a non-public network to which access is permitted.

[0027] Optionally, the first request message may further include at least one of a terminal identifier (e.g., a User Equipment (UE) Identification (ID)) and second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate an increase or decrease in the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier, such that the second element updates the number of terminals associated with the corresponding non-public network identifier. The terminal identifier is used to indicate a terminal that initiates a registration request or a deregistration request.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-public network may be a SNPN or a PNI-NPN.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-public network may have CAG functionality and be identified via a closed access group identifier CAG ID.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-public network may be identified via a public land mobile network identifier PLMN ID and / or a network identifier NID.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second element includes, but is not limited to, a Non-Public Network Admission Control Function (NPNACF), a Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF), etc. For example, the AMF may send the first request message to the NPNACF or the NSACF.

[0032] Note that the number of terminals related to a non-public network identifier can be understood as the number of terminals of the non-public network corresponding to the non-public network identifier, or the number of terminals registered in the non-public network corresponding to the non-public network identifier, or the number of terminals that simultaneously use the non-public network corresponding to the non-public network identifier.

[0033] In step 12, a first response message is received from the second element.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals related to each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value. The first value is preset based on actual demand and / or can be obtained from an OAM (Operation Administration and Maintenance) unit. The first value can be a threshold value of the number of terminals related to the corresponding non-public network identifier. Preferably, the first value is the maximum number of terminals related to the corresponding non-public network identifier, that is, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals related to each non-public network identifier has reached the maximum number of terminals corresponding thereto. In this way, the maximum number of terminals (for example, the maximum registered number of terminals) is used as the allowable capacity of network access resources. The maximum number of terminals and / or the threshold value of the number of terminals related to different non-public network identifiers may be different or the same.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first request message is a terminal number update request message, and correspondingly, the first response message is a terminal number update response message.

[0036] The access control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first element can send a first request message to the second element, the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier, and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with the at least one non-public network identifier. And the first element can receive a first response message from the second element, the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value. Thereby, by indicating whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value, access control is realized for each non-public network identifier (for example, CAG ID), and access control is performed based on the allowable amount of user access resources, so that a more fine-grained management control requirement for the network can be satisfied.

[0037] Optionally, the at least one non-public network identifier may include one or more closed access group identifiers CAG ID, and one or more network identifiers (Network Identification, NID), and one or more public land mobile network identifiers PLMN ID, and may include at least one of them.

[0038] For example, when the at least one non-public network identifier includes one or more CAG IDs, the one or more CAG IDs are included in the first request message, and thus the update of the number of terminals associated with the one or more CAG IDs is requested. Or, when the at least one non-public network identifier includes one or more public land mobile network identifiers PLMN ID and / or network identifier NID, the update of the number of terminals of the non-public network corresponding to the PLMN ID and / or NID is requested.

[0039] Optionally, each non-public network identifier in the at least one non-public network may be determined based on terminal subscription data (e.g., an allowed CAG list) obtained by the first element from the third element, and / or a non-public network identifier list supported by a cell obtained by the first element from a radio access network (e.g., a cell CAG list). The third element includes, but is not limited to, a Unified Data Repository (UDR). For example, the non-public network identifier (e.g., CAG ID) in the first request message may be a non-public network identifier subscribed by a terminal obtained by the AMF from the UDR.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on a registration request or a deregistration request initiated by a terminal, the first element can send a first request message to a second element. Before sending the first request message to the second element, the first element first receives a registration request message or a deregistration request message from the terminal, and then, when it is determined to permit access of the terminal to the non-public network, by sending the first request message to the second element, it can request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier.

[0041] Optionally, when receiving a registration request message from a terminal, after receiving a first response message from the second element, if the first indication information indicates that the number of terminals associated with some or all of at least one non-public network identifier has not reached a first value corresponding thereto, the first element sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal; or if the first indication information indicates that the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value, the first element sends a registration rejection message to the terminal. That is, if there is no or only some non-public network identifiers whose associated number of terminals has reached the corresponding first value (e.g., the maximum number of terminals), by sending a registration acceptance message to the terminal, the registration request initiated by the terminal is accepted. On the other hand, if the number of terminals associated with all non-public network identifiers has reached the corresponding first value (e.g., the maximum number of terminals), by sending a registration rejection message to the terminal, the registration request initiated by the terminal is rejected.

[0042] Optionally, if the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value (e.g., the maximum number of terminals), the first element can reject subsequent registration request messages for the non-public networks corresponding to each non-public network identifier. That is, the first element does not send a first request message to the second element and directly rejects subsequent new registration request messages containing only these non-public network identifiers.

[0043] Optionally, when the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has all reached the corresponding first value (for example, the maximum number of terminals), the first response message may further include notification information, and the notification information is used to notify the first element to reject subsequent registration request messages for the non-public network corresponding to each non-public network identifier, that is, to notify the first element not to accept subsequent registration request messages containing only these non-public network identifiers. That is, the first element does not send the first request message to the second element and directly rejects subsequent new registration request messages containing only these non-public network identifiers.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an access control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a second element, and the second element may include, but is not limited to, NPNACF, NSACF, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, the method may include the following steps 21 to 23.

[0045] In step 21, a first request message is received from a first element.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. The at least one non-public network identifier can be understood as one or more non-public network identifiers. The non-public network identifier is an identifier of a non-public network for which access is permitted.

[0047] Optionally, the first request message may further include at least one of a terminal identifier (e.g., a UE ID) and second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate an increase or decrease in the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier, such that the second element updates the number of terminals associated with the corresponding non-public network identifier. The terminal identifier is used to indicate a terminal that initiates a registration request or a deregistration request.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-public network may be a SNPN or a PNI-NPN.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-public network may have CAG functionality and be identified via a closed access group identifier CAG ID.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-public network may be identified via a public land mobile network identifier PLMN ID and / or a network identifier NID.

[0051] In addition, the number of terminals associated with a non-public network identifier can be understood as the number of terminals in the non-public network corresponding to the non-public network identifier, or the number of terminals registered in the non-public network corresponding to the non-public network identifier, or the number of terminals that simultaneously use the non-public network corresponding to the non-public network identifier.

[0052] In step 22, check whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value, and update the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier that has not reached the corresponding first value.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first value is preset based on actual demand and / or can be obtained from the OAM unit. The first value can be a threshold number of terminals related to the corresponding non-public network identifier. Preferably, the first value is the maximum number of terminals related to the corresponding non-public network identifier. In this way, the maximum number of terminals (for example, the maximum registered number of terminals) is used as the allowable capacity of network access resources.

[0054] In step 23, a first response message is sent to the first element.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals related to each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value. For example, when the first value is the maximum number of terminals related to the corresponding non-public network identifier, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals related to each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding maximum number of terminals.

[0056] Optionally, when the number of terminals related to each non-public network identifier has all reached the corresponding first value (for example, the maximum number of terminals), the first response message can further include notification information. The notification information is used to notify the first element to reject subsequent registration request messages for the non-public networks corresponding to each non-public network identifier. That is, it notifies the first element not to accept subsequent registration request messages including only these non-public network identifiers. That is, the first element does not send a first request message to the second element and directly rejects subsequent new registration request messages including only these non-public network identifiers. In some embodiments, the first request message is a terminal number update request message, and correspondingly, the first response message is a terminal number update response message.

[0057] By indicating whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value, access control is implemented for each non-public network identifier, and access control is performed based on the allowable amount of user access resources, thereby satisfying a more granular management control requirement for the network.

[0058] Optionally, the at least one non-public network identifier may include one or more closed access group identifiers CAG ID, and one or more network identifiers NID, and at least one of one or more public land mobile network identifiers PLMN ID.

[0059] Optionally, this embodiment can perform charging based on access resources. When the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding first value or second value, a second request message is sent to the fourth element, and the second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. Here, the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier can be the number of terminals used by the non-public network corresponding to the first non-public network identifier or the number of terminals registered in the non-public network. The first non-public network identifier is an identifier of any one non-public network to which access by a terminal is permitted. The first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier, that is, the second value can be different terminal number thresholds. The charging process is not limited to fee settlement and price setting control, etc. Thereafter, the second element can receive a second response message from the fourth element, and the second response message can include a result indication of success or failure, etc.

[0060] That is, when the number of terminals (e.g., the number of registered terminals) associated with a certain private network identifier reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold or the maximum number of terminals, the second element can send a second request message to the fourth element to report the number of terminals associated with the private network identifier. The fourth element can perform a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the private network identifier and can receive a second response message from the fourth element. The fact that the number of terminals associated with the private network identifier reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold can mean that the number of terminals associated with the private network identifier increases to the corresponding terminal number threshold or that the number of terminals associated with the private network identifier decreases to the corresponding terminal number threshold. The fact that the number of terminals associated with the private network identifier reaches the corresponding maximum number of terminals can mean that the number of terminals associated with the private network identifier increases to the corresponding maximum number of terminals. In this way, by using the number of terminals as the basis for judging the usage status of network access resources, charging is realized based on the number of terminals accessing the network. And when multiple terminal number thresholds are set, hierarchical charging for the usage status of user access resources can be realized, providing more choices for industry clients.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fourth element can perform a charging process based on the directly received second request message and the class information.

[0062] In another embodiment, the fourth element can complete charging through a charging system. For example, by passing through the received second request message to the charging system, the charging system can perform a charging process based on the received second request message and the class information. The charging system includes, but is not limited to, a Converged Charging System (CCS), etc.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second request message may be a Charging Data Request and may be sent by invoking a charging service (e.g., a converged charging service, e.g., Nchf_NPNConvergedCharging) via a second element.

[0064] For example, if three terminal number thresholds, namely threshold 1, threshold 2, and threshold 3, are set, and when threshold 1 < threshold 2 < threshold 3 < the maximum number of terminals, if the number of terminals related to the corresponding private network identifier is increased to threshold 1 based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals related to the corresponding private network identifier is increased to threshold 2 based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals related to the corresponding private network identifier is increased to threshold 3 based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals related to the corresponding private network identifier is increased to the maximum number of terminals based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. Or, if the number of terminals related to the corresponding private network identifier is reduced to threshold 3 based on a deregistration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals related to the corresponding private network identifier is reduced to threshold 2 based on a deregistration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals related to the corresponding private network identifier is reduced to threshold 1 based on a deregistration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals.

[0065] It should be noted that the above embodiment is described by taking three terminal number thresholds as an example. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto, and two terminal number thresholds or four terminal number thresholds may be set, etc., and the corresponding charging method is the same, and the description thereof is omitted here.

[0066] Optionally, the second request message may include at least one of a first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. For example, the first non-public network identifier may be a CAG ID, or the first non-public network identifier may be a PLMN ID and / or an NID.

[0067] In some embodiments, the charging process includes, but is not limited to, charge settlement and price setting control.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second request message may be a converged charging request message, and accordingly, the second response message may be a converged charging response message. Alternatively, the second request message may be a charging data request message, and accordingly, the second response message may be a charging data response message. Alternatively, the second request message may be a charging request message, and accordingly, the second response message may be a charging response message.

[0069] In some embodiments, the fourth element includes, but is not limited to, a Charging Function (CHF). For example, when the number of terminals associated with any one non-public network identifier (e.g., the number of registered terminals) reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold or the maximum number of terminals (e.g., increases to the corresponding terminal number threshold or the maximum number of terminals, or decreases to the corresponding terminal number threshold), the NPNACF can send a charging data request message to the CHF to report the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier (i.e., the number of terminals used by the corresponding non-public network or the number of terminals registered with the corresponding non-public network), whereby the CHF can perform a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and receive a charging data response message from the CHF.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second element may configure a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals. And / or, the second element may obtain, from the fifth element, a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals based on each non-public network identifier. The maximum number of terminals and / or the terminal number thresholds associated with different non-public network identifiers may be different or the same. In this way, by obtaining the maximum number of terminals and at least one terminal number threshold associated with each non-public network identifier, access control and / or charging processing can be performed based on the number of terminals accessing the network.

[0071] In some embodiments, the fifth element includes, but is not limited to, an OAM (Operation Administration and Maintenance) unit. For example, the NPNACF may statically configure a maximum number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and / or a set of terminal number thresholds smaller than the maximum number of terminals, or may obtain, based on the non-public network identifier, a maximum number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and / or a set of terminal number thresholds smaller than the maximum number of terminals from the OAM unit.

[0072] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a charging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a second element, which may include, but is not limited to, NPNACF, NSACF, etc. As shown in FIG. 3, the method may include the following steps 31-32.

[0073] In step 31, when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding first value or second value, a second request message is sent to the fourth element.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, and the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. Here, the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier may be the number of terminals used by the non-public network corresponding to the first non-public network identifier or the number of terminals registered in the non-public network. The first non-public network identifier is an identifier of any one non-public network to which access by a terminal is permitted. The first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier, that is, the second value may be different terminal number thresholds.

[0075] In some embodiments, the above charging process includes, but is not limited to, fee settlement and price setting control.

[0076] In some embodiments, the above second request message may be a Charging Data Request, and may be sent by calling a charging service (such as a converged charging service, such as Nchf_NPNConvergedCharging) via a second element.

[0077] In step 32, a second response message is received from the fourth element.

[0078] In this embodiment, the second response message may include a success or failure result indication. That is, when the number of terminals (e.g., the number of registered terminals) associated with a certain non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold or the maximum number of terminals, the second element can send a second request message to the fourth element to report the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier. The fourth element can perform a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and can receive a second response message from the fourth element. The fact that the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold may be that the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier increases to the corresponding terminal number threshold or that the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier decreases to the corresponding terminal number threshold. The fact that the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding maximum number of terminals may be that the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier increases to the corresponding maximum number of terminals. In this way, by using the number of terminals as a basis for judging the usage status of network access resources, charging is realized based on the number of terminals accessing the network. And when multiple terminal number thresholds are set, graded charging for the usage status of user access resources can be realized, providing more choices for industry clients. Furthermore, it is possible to realize charging for the (maximum) number of registered terminals that industry users of non-public networks can register with the network. When the (maximum) number of registered terminals agreed upon in the contract package is exceeded, it is possible to propose that the industry user order a more expensive package that provides a larger number of registered terminals, thereby realizing an increase in revenue.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fourth element can perform a charging process based on the directly received second request message and the class information.

[0080] In another embodiment, the fourth element can complete charging via a charging system, for example, by passing the received second request message through to the charging system, so that the charging system can perform a charging process based on the received second request message and the rating information. The charging system includes, but is not limited to, a Charged Coupled Charging System (CCS).

[0081] For example, if three terminal number thresholds, namely threshold 1, threshold 2, and threshold 3, are set, and when threshold 1 < threshold 2 < threshold 3 < the maximum number of terminals, if the number of terminals associated with the corresponding private network identifier is increased to threshold 1 based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals associated with the corresponding private network identifier is increased to threshold 2 based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals associated with the corresponding private network identifier is increased to threshold 3 based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals associated with the corresponding private network identifier is increased to the maximum number of terminals based on a registration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. Or, if the number of terminals associated with the corresponding private network identifier is reduced to threshold 3 based on a deregistration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals associated with the corresponding private network identifier is reduced to threshold 2 based on a deregistration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals. If the number of terminals associated with the corresponding private network identifier is reduced to threshold 1 based on a deregistration request, the second element can initiate a charging request to the fourth element to perform a charging process of the corresponding level based on the number of terminals.

[0082] It should be noted that the above embodiments are described by taking three terminal number thresholds as an example. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto, and two terminal number thresholds or four terminal number thresholds, etc. may be set, and the corresponding charging method is the same, and the description thereof is omitted here.

[0083] Optionally, the second request message may include at least one of a first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. For example, the first non-public network identifier may be a CAG ID, or the first non-public network identifier may be a PLMN ID and / or an NID.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second request message may be a converged charging request message, and correspondingly, the second response message may be a converged charging response message. Alternatively, the second request message may be a charging data request message, and correspondingly, the second response message may be a charging data response message. Alternatively, the second request message may be a charging request message, and correspondingly, the second response message may be a charging response message.

[0085] In some embodiments, the fourth element includes, but is not limited to, CHF. For example, when the number of terminals (e.g., registered terminals) associated with any one non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold or maximum terminal number (e.g., increases to the corresponding terminal number threshold or maximum terminal number, or decreases to the corresponding terminal number threshold), the NPNACF can report the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier by sending a charging data request message to the CHF, whereby the CHF can perform a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and receive a charging data response message from the CHF.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second element may configure the maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals. And / or, the second element may obtain, from the fifth element, the maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals based on each non-public network identifier. The maximum number of terminals and / or the terminal number thresholds associated with different non-public network identifiers may be different or the same. In this way, by obtaining the maximum number of terminals and at least one terminal number threshold associated with each non-public network identifier, access control and / or charging processing can be performed based on the number of terminals accessing the network.

[0087] In some embodiments, the fifth element includes, but is not limited to, an operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) unit. For example, the NPNACF may statically configure the maximum number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and / or a set of terminal number thresholds smaller than the maximum number of terminals, or may obtain, based on the non-public network identifier, the maximum number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and / or a set of terminal number thresholds smaller than the maximum number of terminals from the OAM unit.

[0088] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a charging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a fourth element, which may include, but is not limited to, a CHF. As shown in FIG. 4, the method may include the following steps 41 to 42.

[0089] In step 41, when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding first value or second value, a second request message is received from the second element.

[0090] In this embodiment, the second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, and the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. Here, the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier may be the number of terminals used by the non-public network corresponding to the first non-public network identifier or the number of terminals registered in the non-public network. The first non-public network identifier is an identifier of any one non-public network to which access by a terminal is permitted. The first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier, that is, the second value may be different terminal number thresholds.

[0091] In some embodiments, the above charging process includes, but is not limited to, charge settlement and price setting control.

[0092] In some embodiments, the fourth element can perform a charging process based on the directly received second request message and class information.

[0093] In another embodiment, the fourth element can complete charging through a charging system. For example, by passing through the received second request message to the charging system, the charging system can perform a charging process based on the received second request message and class information. The charging system includes, but is not limited to, a converged charging system CCS, etc.

[0094] In step 42, a second response message is sent to the second element.

[0095] In this embodiment, the second response message may include a success or failure result indication. That is, when the number of terminals associated with a certain non-public network identifier (for example, the number of registered terminals) reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold or the maximum number of terminals, the fourth element receives the second request message from the second element, performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier, and can send the second response message to the second element. In this way, by using the number of terminals as the basis for judging the usage status of network access resources, charging is realized based on the number of terminals accessing the network. And when multiple terminal number thresholds are set, hierarchical charging for the user access resource usage status can be realized, providing more choices for industry clients.

[0096] Optionally, the second request message may include at least one of a first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. For example, the first non-public network identifier may be a CAG ID, or the first non-public network identifier may be a PLMN ID and / or an NID.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second request message may be a charging data request message, and correspondingly, the second response message may be a charging data response message. For example, when the number of terminals associated with any one non-public network identifier (for example, the number of registered terminals) reaches the corresponding terminal number threshold or the maximum number of terminals (for example, increases to the corresponding terminal number threshold or the maximum number of terminals, or decreases to the corresponding terminal number threshold), the NPNACF can report the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier by sending a charging data request message to the CHF, so that the CHF performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and can receive a charging data response message from the CHF.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth element may configure a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals. And / or, the fourth element may obtain, from the fifth element, a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals based on each non-public network identifier. The maximum number of terminals and / or the terminal number thresholds associated with different non-public network identifiers may be different or the same. In this way, by obtaining the maximum number of terminals and at least one terminal number threshold for each non-public network, access control and / or charging processing can be performed based on the number of terminals accessing the network.

[0099] In some embodiments, the fifth element includes, but is not limited to, an operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) unit, etc. For example, the CHF may statically configure a maximum number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and / or a set of terminal number thresholds smaller than the maximum number of terminals, or may obtain, based on the non-public network identifier, a maximum number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier and / or a set of terminal number thresholds smaller than the maximum number of terminals from the OAM unit.

[0100] Hereinafter, the access control and charging process in an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, taking the non-public network as an example of PNI-NPN, the access control and charging process may include the following steps S501 to S511.

[0102] In S501, for each CAG ID, the CHF statically configures or obtains from the OAM unit a maximum (registered) UE number associated therewith and / or a set of (registered) UE number thresholds smaller than the maximum UE number, and the maximum (registered) UE number corresponds to the maximum value of the (registered) UE number allocation. The number of UEs is also referred to as the number of terminals.

[0103] In S502, for each CAG ID, the NPNACF or NSACF (taking the example of NPNACF in FIG. 5 for explanation) statically configures or obtains from the OAM unit a set of (registered) UE count thresholds that are the maximum (registered) UE count or less than the maximum UE count, and these different (registered) UE count thresholds correspond to different UE count charging levels.

[0104] In S503, the UE sends a registration request (e.g., Registration Request) to the AMF via the Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0105] In S504, the AMF determines whether to permit the UE's access to the non-public network.

[0106] In S505, if the AMF permits the UE's access to the non-public network, the AMF sends a first request message to the NPNACF or NSACF. Here, the first request message may be, for example, a UE count update request message (e.g., Nnpnacf_NPNAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Request, or Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Request, or NumOfUEsUpdate_Request), and may include at least one CAG ID, second indication information (e.g., update flag), etc. The second indication information is used to indicate an increase or decrease in the UE count of each CAG.

[0107] In S506, the NPNACF or NSACF checks whether the (registered) UE count associated with each CAG ID has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE count or (registered) UE count threshold, updates the UE count associated with the CAG ID that has not reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE count, and responds to the AMF.

[0108] Here, when the number of (registered) UEs associated with any CAG ID increases to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold or the maximum (registered) UE number, or decreases to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold, S507 to S509 will be executed, triggering the charging flow to implement grading charging based on the number of (registered) UEs for each CAG ID.

[0109] In S507, optionally, the NPNACF or NSACF may send a second request message to the CHF, and the second request message may be, for example, a Charging Data Request message, which may include a specific CAG ID, the number of (registered) UEs already in use, etc. The number of (registered) UEs associated with the specific CAG ID has already increased to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold or the maximum (registered) UE number, or decreased to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold.

[0110] For example, the NPNACF or NSACF can report the number of (registered) UEs already in use by invoking a converged charging such as the Nchf_NPNConvergedCharging service and sending the second request message.

[0111] In S508, the CHF controls the charge settlement and price setting based on the number of (registered) UEs associated with the specific CAG ID, that is, controls the charge settlement and price setting for the number of UEs already in use or registered. For example, the CHF passes through the received second request message to a charging system such as the CCS, and the CCS performs the charging process based on the received second request message and the grading information.

[0112] In S509, the CHF returns a second response message to the NPNACF or NSACF, and the second response message is, for example, a Charging Data Response message.

[0113] In S510, the NPNACF or NSACF returns a first response message to the AMF, and the first response message may be, for example, a UE count update response message (e.g., Nnpnacf_NPNAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Response, or Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Response, or NumOfUEsUpdate_Response), and may include first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the (registered) UE count associated with each CAG ID has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE count.

[0114] Optionally, if the (registered) UE count associated with all CAG IDs has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE count, the NPNACF or NSACF notifies the AMF that it will not accept subsequent registration requests that include only these CAG IDs in the future, and the AMF rejects subsequent new registration requests that include only these CAG IDs.

[0115] In S511, if it is confirmed based on the first indication information that there is no (registered) UE count associated with the CAG ID that has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE count, or that there is only a partial (registered) UE count, a registration acceptance (e.g., Registration Accept) message is sent to the UE. On the other hand, if it is confirmed based on the first indication information that the (registered) UE count associated with all CAG IDs has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE count, a registration rejection (e.g., Registration Reject) message is sent to the UE. In this way, access control for the maximum (registered) UE count can be realized for each CAG ID.

[0116] Hereinafter, the access control and charging process in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, taking the non-public network as an example of the SNPN, the access control and charging process may include the following steps S601 to S611.

[0118] In S601, for each PLMN ID and / or NID, CHF statically configures or obtains from the OAM unit a set of (registered) UE count thresholds smaller than the associated maximum (registered) UE count and / or the maximum UE count, where the maximum (registered) UE count corresponds to the maximum value of the (registered) UE count allocation. The UE count is also referred to as the number of terminals.

[0119] In S602, NPNACF or NSACF (taking the example of NPNACF in Figure 6 for illustration) statically configures or obtains from the OAM unit for each PLMN ID and / or NID a set of (registered) UE count thresholds smaller than the associated maximum (registered) UE count and / or the maximum UE count, and these different (registered) UE count thresholds correspond to different UE count charging levels.

[0120] In S603, the UE sends a registration request (e.g., Registration Request) to the AMF via the radio access network RAN.

[0121] In S604, the AMF determines whether to permit the UE's access to the non-public network.

[0122] In S605, when permitting the UE's access to the non-public network, the AMF sends a first request message to NPNACF or NSACF, where the first request message can be, for example, a UE count update request message (e.g., Nnpnacf_NPNAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Request, or Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Request, or NumOfUEsUpdate_Request), and may include at least one PLMN ID and / or NID, second indication information (e.g., update flag), etc. The second indication information is used to indicate an increase or decrease in the UE count for each PLMN ID and / or NID.

[0123] In S606, the NPNACF or NSACF checks whether the number of (registered) UEs associated with each PLMN ID and / or NID has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE number or (registered) UE number threshold, and updates the number of UEs associated with the PLMN ID and / or NID that has not reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE number, and responds to the AMF.

[0124] Here, if the number of (registered) UEs associated with any PLMN ID and / or NID increases to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold or maximum (registered) UE number, or decreases to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold, S607 to S609 will be executed, triggering the charging flow to implement grading charging based on the number of (registered) UEs for each PLMN ID and / or NID.

[0125] In S607, optionally, the NPNACF or NSACF sends a second request message to the CHF, and the second request message may be, for example, a Charging Data Request message, which may include a specific PLMN ID and / or NID, the number of (registered) UEs already used, etc. The number of (registered) UEs associated with the specific PLMN ID and / or NID has already increased to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold or maximum (registered) UE number, or decreased to the corresponding (registered) UE number threshold.

[0126] For example, the NPNACF or NSACF can report the number of (registered) UEs already used by invoking converged charging such as the Nchf_NPNConvergedCharging service and sending a second request message.

[0127] In S608, the CHF controls charging calculation and price setting based on the number of (registered) UEs associated with the specific PLMN ID and / or NID, that is, it controls charging calculation and price setting for the number of already used or registered UEs. For example, the CHF passes through the received second request message to a charging system such as CCS, and the CCS performs charging processing based on the received second request message and the class information.

[0128] In S609, the CHF returns a second response message to the NPNACF or NSACF, and the second response message is, for example, a Charging Data Response message.

[0129] In S610, the NPNACF or NSACF returns a first response message to the AMF, and the first response message is, for example, a UEs number update response message (e.g., Nnpnacf_NPNAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Response, or Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfUEsUpdate_Response, or NumOfUEsUpdate_Response), and may include first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of (registered) UEs associated with each PLMN ID and / or NID has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UEs number.

[0130] Optionally, when the number of (registered) UEs associated with all PLMN IDs and / or NIDs has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UEs number, the NPNACF or NSACF notifies the AMF that it will not accept subsequent registration requests containing only these PLMN IDs and / or NIDs in the future, and the AMF rejects subsequent new registration requests containing only these PLMN IDs and / or NIDs.

[0131] In S611, when it is confirmed based on the first indication information that there is no (registered) UE number related to the PLMN ID and / or NID that has reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE number, or there is only a part of it, a registration acceptance (e.g., Registration Accept) message is sent to the UE. On the other hand, when it is confirmed based on the first indication information that the (registered) UE numbers related to all PLMN IDs and / or NIDs have reached the corresponding maximum (registered) UE numbers, a registration rejection (e.g., Registration Reject) message is sent to the UE. In this way, access control for the maximum (registered) UE number can be realized for each PLMN ID and / or NID.

[0132] The execution entity of the access control method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be an access control device. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, taking the execution of the access control method by the access control device as an example, the access control device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0133] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an access control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device is applied to a first element, and the first element includes, but is not limited to, an AMF, etc. As shown in FIG. 7, the access control device 60 includes a first transmission module 61 and a first reception module 62.

[0134] The first transmission module 61 is configured to send a first request message to a second element. The first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals related to each non-public network identifier. The first reception module 62 is configured to receive a first response message from the second element. The first response message includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals related to each non-public network identifier has reached a first value corresponding thereto.

[0135] Optionally, the first value is the maximum number of terminals related to the corresponding non-public network identifier.

[0136] Optionally, the access control device 60 further includes a second receiving module configured to receive a registration request message or a deregistration request message from a terminal, when the first transmission module 61 further determines to permit access of the terminal to the non-public network, the first request message is configured to be transmitted to the second element.

[0137] Optionally, the access control device 60 further may include a second transmission module configured to, when the first indication information indicates that the number of terminals associated with some or all of the at least one non-public network identifier does not reach a first value corresponding thereto, transmit a registration acceptance message to the terminal, or when the first indication information indicates that the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value, transmit a registration rejection message to the terminal.

[0138] Optionally, the access control device 60 includes a rejection module configured to reject a subsequent registration request message for a non-public network corresponding to each non-public network identifier when the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value.

[0139] Optionally, each non-public network identifier is determined by terminal contract data obtained by the first element from a third element and / or a non-public network identifier list supported by a cell obtained by the first element from a radio access network.

[0140] Optionally, the first request message further including at least one of a terminal identifier and second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate an increase or decrease in the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier.

[0141] Optionally, the at least one non-public network identifier is one or more Closed Access Group identifiers CAG ID, and one or more Network identifiers NID, and at least one of one or more Public Land Mobile Network identifiers PLMN ID.

[0142] It can be understood that the access control device 60 of the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 1 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repeated description, the description is omitted here.

[0143] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an access control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device is applied to a second element, and the second element includes, but is not limited to, NPNACF, NSACF, etc. As shown in FIG. 8, the access control device 70 includes a third receiving module 71, a processing module 72, and a third transmitting module 73.

[0144] The third receiving module 71 is configured to receive a first request message from a first element. The first request message includes at least one non-public network identifier and is used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. The processing module 72 is configured to check whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier reaches a corresponding first value, and update the number of terminals associated with the non-public network identifier that does not reach the corresponding first value. The third transmission module 73 is configured to transmit a first response message to the first element. The first response message includes first instruction information, and the first instruction information is used to indicate whether the number of terminals corresponding to each non-public network identifier has reached a first value.

[0145] Optionally, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the corresponding non-public network identifier.

[0146] Optionally, the access control device 70 further includes a fourth transmission module configured to transmit a second request message to the fourth element when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches the first value or the second value; a fourth reception module configured to receive a second response message from the fourth element, and includes The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The first non-public network identifier is any one of the at least one non-public network identifier. The first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The first value is greater than the second value. The second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0147] Optionally, the second request message includes at least one of the first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0148] Optionally, the access control device 70 further includes a first execution module, The first execution module configuring a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals; configured to perform at least one of: obtaining, based on each non-public network identifier, a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals from a fifth element.

[0149] Optionally, the at least one non-public network identifier includes at least one of: one or more closed access group identifiers CAG ID, one or more network identifiers NID, one or more public land mobile network identifiers PLMN ID.

[0150] It can be understood that the access control device 70 in the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 2 above and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repeated description, the description is omitted here.

[0151] The execution body of the charging method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a charging device. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the charging device will be described by taking the execution of the charging method by the charging device as an example.

[0152] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device is applied to a second element, and the second element includes, but is not limited to, NPNACF, NSACF, etc. As shown in FIG. 9, the charging device 80 includes a fifth transmission module 81 and a fifth reception module 82.

[0153] The fifth transmission module 81 is configured to transmit a second request message to a fourth element when the number of terminals associated with a first non-public network identifier reaches a first value or a second value corresponding thereto. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, and the first value is greater than the second value. The second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0154] The fifth receiving module 82 is configured to receive a second response message from the fourth element.

[0155] Optionally, the second request message includes at least one of the first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0156] Optionally, the charging device 80 includes a second execution module. The second execution module is configured to configure the maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals. Based on each non-public network identifier, the second execution module is configured to perform at least one of: obtaining from the fifth element the maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals.

[0157] It can be understood that the charging device 80 in the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 3 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repeated description, the description is omitted here.

[0158] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device is applied to a fourth element, which includes but is not limited to CHF, etc. As shown in FIG. 10, the charging device 90 includes a sixth receiving module 91 and a sixth transmitting module 92.

[0159] The sixth receiving module 91 is configured to receive a second request message from a second element when the number of terminals associated with a first non-public network identifier reaches a first value or a second value corresponding thereto. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, and the first value is greater than the second value. The second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0160] The sixth transmitting module 92 is configured to transmit a second response message to the second element.

[0161] Optionally, the second request message includes at least one of the first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier.

[0162] Optionally, the charging device 90 includes a third execution module. The third execution module is configured to constitute a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals. Based on each non-public network identifier, the third execution module is configured to perform at least one of obtaining from a fifth element a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals.

[0163] For better understanding, the charging device 90 of the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the same technical effects by implementing each process of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4 above. To avoid redundant description, the description is omitted here.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 11, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device 100 including a processor 101 and a memory 102, and the memory 102 stores a program or instruction executable on the processor 101. For example, when the communication device 100 is the first element, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 101, each step of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 1 above can be realized to achieve the same technical effects. When the communication device 100 is the second element, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 101, each step of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 2 above can be realized to achieve the same technical effects, or each step of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 3 above can be realized to achieve the same technical effects. When the communication device 100 is the fourth element, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 101, each step of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4 above can be realized to achieve the same technical effects. To avoid redundant description, the description is omitted here.

[0165] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a readable storage medium storing a program or instruction. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, each process of the above access control method embodiment can be realized to achieve the same technical effects, or each process of the above charging method embodiment can be realized to achieve the same technical effects. To avoid redundant description, the description is omitted here.

[0166] A computer-readable medium can be any method or technology capable of realizing information storage, and can include persistent media, non-persistent media, removable, and non-removable media. The information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include phase-change random access memory (PRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc (DVD), or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassette tapes, magnetic tape storage devices, or other magnetic storage devices, or other non-transmission media, but are not limited thereto. The computer storage media are available for use in storing information accessible by a computing device. According to the definition herein, a computer-readable medium does not include transitory media such as modulated data signals or carrier waves.

[0167] In addition, in this specification, the terms "include", "have" and any variations thereof are intended to be non-exclusive. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of elements may include not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or other elements specific to those processes, methods, products or apparatuses. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "... includes one" does not mean excluding the presence of another identical element in the process, method, product, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0168] The numbers of the above embodiments of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0169] From the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly see that the above example methods can be realized by adding a general-purpose hardware platform required for software, and of course, it is also possible by hardware. In many cases, however, the former is a better embodiment. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be essentially embodied, or the part that contributes to the related technology, as a computer software product. The computer software product includes several instructions for causing a service classification device (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the respective embodiments of the present disclosure and is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk).

[0170] It should be pointed out that the above embodiments are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can make some improvements and refinements that should be regarded as within the protection scope of the present disclosure without departing from the principle of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An access control method applied to a first element, comprising: sending a first request message to a second element, the first request message including at least one non-public network identifier and being used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier; receiving a first response message from the second element, the first response message including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the corresponding non-public network identifier.

3. Before sending the first request message to the second element, the method further comprises: receiving a registration request message or a deregistration request message from a terminal; wherein sending the first request message to the second element comprises sending the first request message to the second element when it is determined to permit access of the terminal to the non-public network.

4. After receiving a registration request message from a terminal and then receiving a first response message from the second element, the method further comprises: sending a registration acceptance message to the terminal when the first indication information indicates that the number of terminals associated with some or all of the at least one non-public network identifier has not reached the corresponding first value; or sending a registration rejection message to the terminal when the first indication information indicates that the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value.

5. The method further comprises: rejecting subsequent registration request messages for the non-public network corresponding to each non-public network identifier when the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached the corresponding first value.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein each non-public network identifier is determined by terminal contract data obtained by the first element from the third element and / or a non-public network identifier list supported by a cell obtained by the first element from a radio access network.

7. The first request message further includes at least one of a terminal identifier and second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate an increase or decrease in the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. The method according to claim 1.

8. The at least one non-public network identifier includes at least one of one or more closed access group identifiers CAG ID, one or more network identifiers NID, and one or more public land mobile network identifiers PLMN ID. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An access control method applied to a second element, comprising: receiving, by the second element, a first request message from a first element, the first request message including at least one non-public network identifier and being used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier; checking whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value, and updating the number of terminals associated with a non-public network identifier that has not reached the corresponding first value; sending, to the first element, a first response message, the first response message including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the corresponding non-public network identifier.

11. The method further comprises: when the number of terminals associated with a first non-public network identifier reaches a corresponding first value or second value, sending a second request message to a fourth element; receiving, from the fourth element, a second response message. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first non-public network identifier is any one of the at least one non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier. The method according to claim 9.

12. The second request message is associated with the first non-public network identifier and includes at least one of the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The method according to claim 11.

13. The method further comprises configuring a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals, and obtaining from a fifth element a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals based on each non-public network identifier. The method according to claim 9 includes at least one of the above.

14. The at least one non-public network identifier includes at least one of one or more closed access group identifiers CAG ID, one or more network identifiers NID, and one or more public land mobile network identifiers PLMN ID. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. A charging method applied to a second element, when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding first value or second value, sending a second request message to a fourth element, and receiving a second response message from the fourth element. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier. Charging method.

16. The second request message is at least one of the first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The method according to claim 15.

17. The method further includes constituting the maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals, and obtaining from the fifth element the maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals based on each non-public network identifier. The method according to claim 15 includes at least one of the above.

18. A charging method applied to the fourth element, comprising when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches the corresponding first value or second value, receiving a second request message from the second element, and sending a second response message to the second element. The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier. Charging method.

19. The second request message is at least one of the first non-public network identifier and the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier. The method according to claim 18.

20. The method further includes ​ Configuring a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals. The method according to claim 18, comprising at least one of: obtaining, based on each non-public network identifier, a maximum number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier and / or at least one terminal number threshold smaller than the maximum number of terminals from a fifth element. **Claim 21** An access control device applicable to a first element, A first transmission module configured to transmit a first request message to a second element, the first request message including at least one non-public network identifier and being used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. An access control device comprising: a first reception module configured to receive a first response message from the second element, the first response message including first indication information used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value. **Claim 22** An access control device applicable to a second element, A third reception module configured to receive a first request message from the first element, the first request message including at least one non-public network identifier and being used to request an update of the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier. A processing module configured to check whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value, and update the number of terminals associated with non-public network identifiers that have not reached the corresponding first value. An access control device comprising: a third transmission module configured to transmit a first response message to the first element, the first response message including first indication information used to indicate whether the number of terminals associated with each non-public network identifier has reached a corresponding first value. **Claim 23** A charging device applicable to a second element, A fifth transmission module configured to transmit a second request message to a fourth element when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches a first value or a second value corresponding thereto; A fifth reception module configured to receive a second response message from the fourth element, and includes: The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier, a charging device.

24. A charging device applied to a fourth element, A sixth reception module configured to receive a second request message from a second element when the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier reaches a first value or a second value corresponding thereto; A sixth transmission module configured to transmit a second response message to the second element, and includes: The second request message is used to report the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the fourth element performs a charging process based on the number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is the maximum number of terminals associated with the first non-public network identifier, the first value is greater than the second value, and the second value is any one of the terminal number thresholds associated with the first non-public network identifier, a charging device.

25. A communication device including a processor, a memory, and a program or instruction stored in the memory and executable on the processor, When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the steps of the access control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the steps of the access control method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, or the steps of the charging method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, or the steps of the charging method according to any one of claims 18 to 20 are realized, a communication device.

26. A readable storage medium storing a program or instructions, wherein when the program or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the access control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the steps of the access control method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, or the steps of the charging method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, or the steps of the charging method according to any one of claims 18 to 20 are realized. A readable storage medium.

Images