User Service Priority Adjustment Method, System, and Computer Program

Abstract

The present application proposes a user service priority adjustment method, a system, and a storage medium. The user service priority adjustment method includes the steps of: an AF sending service priority change information of a UE to a PCF, the PCF notifying an SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE, and notifying the UE to newly establish a PDU Session; an AMF receiving a PDU Session establishment request sent from the UE and sending a service authorization request message to the PCF, the PCF modifying a first S-NSSAI to a modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information and sending a service authorization response message to the AMF, and establishing a new PDU Session for the UE, wherein the S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the modified S-NSSAI.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communications, for example, to a method, system, and storage medium for adjusting user service priority.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, mobile communication technology has already developed to the fifth generation (5G) stage. Compared with the previous network architecture, the main feature of the 5G network architecture lies in the architecture based on serviceification. The 5G network supports various scenarios, and different scenarios have different requirements for network functions and performance. Through network slicing (NS), operators can divide multiple virtual end-to-end networks on the same hardware infrastructure according to needs, and each network slice is logically isolated so as to meet the different network requirements of services that require high service quality (QoS) guarantee and services with normal QoS guarantee simultaneously.

[0003] After the network is sliced, in order to better utilize network resources, a dedicated network slice instance (NSI) is established in the network to guarantee the services of high-priority users or high-priority services. Since general users do not have good service QoS guarantee and service experience, when an application (APP) or service provider (SP) website, or in other ways, orders short-term or long-term, or other forms of VIP services, the user is upgraded to a high-priority user, or some services used by the user are upgraded to high-priority services.

[0004] When users with normal priority have already established a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session, in order to ensure the service experience of these users, the current problem to be solved is how to switch the established PDU Session to a dedicated Network Slice Instance (NSI) to improve the QoS guarantee level of user services.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, system, and storage medium for adjusting user service priority, which can switch an established PDU Session to an appropriate NSI when the user service priority changes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a method for adjusting user service priority, AF sends UE service priority change information to PCF. The UE has already registered with the network and activated a PDU Session. The S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI, and the NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to users with normal service priority. PCF notifies the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE. The SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session activates the PDU Session activated by the UE and notifies the UE to re-establish the PDU Session. AMF receives a PDU Session establishment request sent from the UE. The PDU Session establishment request is attached with the first S-NSSAI information. The step where the AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF, where the service authorization request message includes the UE identifier and the first S-NSSAI, and The step where the PCF modifies the first S-NSSAI to the modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the UE's service priority change information, and The step where the PCF sends a service authorization response message to the AMF, where the service authorization response message includes the modified S-NSSAI, and The step where the AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF, where the user slice information acquisition request message includes the modified S-NSSAI, and The step where the NSSF sends a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF, where the user slice information acquisition response message is attached with NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and The step where the AMF selects the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI based on the modified S-NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and the DNN, and The step where the AMF sends a session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, where the session context establishment request message is attached with the modified S-NSSAI, and The step where the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI sends a session context establishment response message to the AMF, and The step where the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI and the AMF establish a new PDU Session for the UE, where the S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the modified S-NSSAI, are included.

[0007] According to a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a user service priority adjustment system, including an AF, a PCF, an SMF, an AMF, and an NSSF, AF is arranged to send the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF. The UE has already registered with the network and activated the PDU Session. The S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI, and the NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to the normal service priority user. PCF is arranged to notify the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE. The SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session is arranged to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE and notify the UE to re-establish the PDU Session. AMF is arranged to receive the PDU Session establishment request sent from the UE and send the service authorization request message to the PCF. The PDU Session establishment request is attached with the first S-NSSAI information, and the service authorization request message includes the identifier of the UE and the first S-NSSAI. PCF is further arranged to modify the first S-NSSAI to the modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the service priority change information of the UE and send the service authorization response message to AMF. The service authorization response message includes the modified S-NSSAI. AMF is further arranged to send the user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF. The user slice information acquisition request message includes the modified S-NSSAI. NSSF is arranged to send the user slice information acquisition response message to AMF. The user slice information acquisition response message is attached with the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI. The AMF is further configured to select, based on the changed S-NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI, and the DNN, an SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI, and to send a session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI, where the changed S-NSSAI is attached to the session context establishment request message. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI is configured to send a session context establishment response message to the AMF. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI and the AMF are further configured to establish a new PDU Session for the UE, where the S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the changed S-NSSAI.

[0008] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the user service priority adjustment method described in the first aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in detail.

[0011] Currently, mobile communication technology has already developed to the 5G stage. Compared with the previous generation, the main feature of the 5G network architecture is the architecture based on serviceification.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture. As shown in FIG. 1, the functions of each network element in the 5G network architecture are as follows.

[0013] User Equipment (UE): Mainly accesses the 5G network through the radio air interface to obtain services. The terminal exchanges information with the base station through the air interface and exchanges information with the Access and Mobility Management function (AMF) of the core network through the Non-Access Stratum (NAS).

[0014] Radio Access Network (RAN): Schedules the air interface resource of the terminal access network and manages the connection of the air interface.

[0015] Access and Mobility Management function (AMF): It is a core network control plane entity, mainly performing functions such as user mobility management including registration and temporary identifier assignment, maintaining the IDLE, CONNECT states and state transitions, handover in the CONNECT state, and triggering paging by the user in the IDLE state.

[0016] Authentication Server Function (AUSF): A core network control plane entity that mainly performs user authentication and authorization to ensure that the user is a legitimate user.

[0017] Unified Data Management (UDM): A core network control plane entity that belongs to the user server and permanently stores user contract data.

[0018] Session Management function (SMF): A core network control plane entity that mainly maintains the PDU Session, assigns the user network protocol (Internet Protocol, IP) address, and has functions such as QoS control, charging function, and when the user receives and caches downlink data packets in the IDLE state, notifies the AMF to page the user.

[0019] User plane function (UPF): A core network user plane function entity that transfers user data messages and has functions such as statistical analysis of user data messages for charging purposes.

[0020] Policy Control Functionality (PCF): A core network control plane entity that is a functional entity for access and mobility management policies, UE policies, session management policies, and charging rules. Based mainly on service information, user contract information, and operator configuration information, this functional entity generates access and mobility management policies, UE routing selection policies, QoS rules for user data transmission, and charging rules, etc.

[0021] Capability Exposure Function (Network Exposure Function, NEF): A core network control plane entity that performs external exposure of mobile network capabilities.

[0022] Network Function Library Function (NF Repository Function, NRF): A core network control plane entity that performs dynamic registration of service capabilities of network functions and network function discovery.

[0023] Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF): A core network control plane entity that selects the target NSI.

[0024] Application Function (AF): An application entity that provides specific services to users.

[0025] The 5G network supports diverse scenarios, and different scenarios have different requirements for network functions and performance. Through network slicing, the operator can divide multiple virtual and logical end-to-end networks on the same hardware infrastructure according to needs, and each network slice is logically isolated to meet the different network requirements of services that require high QoS guarantee and services with normal QoS guarantee. After the network is sliced, in order to better use network resources, a dedicated network slice instance (Network Slice Instance, NSI) is established in the network to guarantee the services of high-priority users or high-priority services.

[0026] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the user service priority adjustment method provided by the preferred embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the user service priority adjustment method provided by this embodiment includes the following steps: Step S2010: AF sends the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF. The UE has already registered with the network and activated the PDU Session. The S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI, and the NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to the normal service priority user.

[0027] The user service priority adjustment method provided by this embodiment is applied to the network side in the 5G network. Figure 1 shows the architecture of the 5G network. Network functions other than the UE and RAN are all arranged on the network side, and each network function may be an independent device or a function arranged in network equipment.

[0028] At least two different service priorities are arranged in the network, and the QoS of different service priorities is different. In the network, corresponding NSIs are established for different service priorities. Since the service QoS guarantee of general users is not good and the service experience is not good, when a user subscribes to short-term or long-term, or other forms of VIP services through an APP or SP website, or other means, the user is upgraded to a high-priority user, or some services used by the user are upgraded to high-priority services. To guarantee the service experience of these high-priority users, the established PDU Session is switched to a dedicated NSI to provide the QoS guarantee level of the user service. Or when the VIP service period of a user of the Very Important Person (VIP) service expires, or the user cancels the VIP service, the high-priority NSI used by the user is switched to the NSI corresponding to the general user.

[0029] First, when AF determines that the service priority of the UE has changed, AF sends the UE's service priority change information to the PCF. The UE has already registered with the network and activated a PDU Session. The network slice identifier S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI, and the NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to the normal service priority user. That is, when registering with the network, the UE uses the first S-NSSAI corresponding to the UE with normal priority.

[0030] After receiving the high-priority service subscription information sent from the UE, AF sends the UE's high-priority service subscription information to the PCF. In this case, the NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the normal priority user. That is, in this case, the PDU Session activated by the UE is the first PDU Session, and the NSI corresponding to the first PDU Session is the first NSI. The first PDU Session and the first NSI correspond to the first S-NSSAI and also correspond to the normal priority user. The high-priority service subscription information is a predetermined short-term or long-term VIP service ordered by the user through APP prompts in order to obtain a better service experience when the user feels that the service experience is not good, or for other reasons, the user subscribes to the VIP service through the APP client. Then, the AF corresponding to the APP receives the high-priority service subscription information sent from the UE.

[0031] After receiving the high-priority service cancellation information sent from the UE, AF further sends the high-priority service subscription cancellation information to the PCF. In this case, the NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the high-priority user. That is, in this case, the PDU Session activated by the UE is the second PDU Session, the NSI corresponding to the second PDU Session is the second NSI, the second PDU Session and the second NSI correspond to the second S-NSSAI and also correspond to the high-priority user. The high-priority service cancellation information is actively sent when the user using the UE does not need the VIP service, or is automatically sent after the expiration of the VIP service subscribed by the UE.

[0032] If AF determines that the expiration date of the high-priority service subscribed by the UE has expired and has not been updated, AF further sends the high-priority service subscription cancellation information to the PCF. In this case, the NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the high-priority user. That is, in this case, the PDU Session activated by the UE is the second PDU Session, the NSI corresponding to the second PDU Session is the second NSI, the second PDU Session and the second NSI correspond to the second S-NSSAI and also correspond to the high-priority user. The high-priority service cancellation information is actively sent when the user using the UE does not need the VIP service, or is automatically sent after the expiration of the VIP service subscribed by the UE.

[0033] AF may send the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF by the NEF or directly send the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF.

[0034] Step S2020: The PCF notifies the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE.

[0035] After receiving the service priority change information sent from the AF, the PCF knows that the service priority of the UE has changed. In this case, the PCF notifies the SMF corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE.

[0036] Before notifying the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE, the PCF may subscribe to the service permission of the UE from the AMF.

[0037] Step S2030: The SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session activates the PDU Session activated by the UE and notifies the UE to re - establish the PDU Session.

[0038] After receiving the PDU Session activation notification sent from the PCF, the SMF corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE activates the PDU Session activated by the UE and notifies the UE PDU to re - establish the Session. Since the service priority of the UE has changed, the PDU Session activated by the UE cannot meet the QoS needs of the UE, so the UE has to re - establish the PDU Session, and the PDU Session re - established by the UE corresponds to the changed priority of the UE.

[0039] Step S2040: The AMF receives the PDU Session establishment request sent from the UE, and the PDU Session establishment request is attached with the first S - NSSAI information.

[0040] The PDU Session establishment request sent from the UE is received by the AMF. When the UE registers with the network, since the S-NSSAI used is the first S-NSSAI, the first S-NSSAI information is attached to the PDU Session establishment request sent from the UE.

[0041] Step S2050: The AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF. The service authorization request message includes the UE identifier and the first S-NSSAI.

[0042] After receiving the PDU Session establishment request, the AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF. The service authorization request message includes the UE identifier and the first S-NSSAI. The UE identifier may be a user permanent identifier (SUbscription Permanent Identifier, SUPI).

[0043] Step S2060: The PCF modifies the first S-NSSAI to the modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the UE's service priority change information.

[0044] Since the PCF has received the UE's service priority change information sent from the AF, it knows that the UE's service priority has changed. Then, after receiving the service authorization request message sent from the AMF, the PCF first determines the UE's information based on the UE identifier and determines that the UE is the UE whose service priority has changed. Then, the PCF modifies the first S-NSSAI corresponding to the UE to the modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information. The modified S-NSSAI may be the same as or different from the first S-NSSAI.

[0045] Step S2070: The PCF sends a service authorization response message to the AMF. The service authorization response message includes the modified S-NSSAI.

[0046] After modifying the first S-NSSA to the modified S-NSSAI, the PCF sends a service authorization response message to the AMF, and the modified S-NSSAI is included in the service authorization response message.

[0047] Step S2080: The AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), and the modified S-NSSAI is included in the user slice information acquisition request message.

[0048] After receiving the service authorization response message, the AMF establishes a new PDU Session for the UE based on the modified S-NSSAI attached to the service authorization response message. First, the AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF, and the modified S-NSSAI is included in the user slice information acquisition request message.

[0049] Step S2090: The NSSF sends a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF, and the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI is attached to the user slice information acquisition response message.

[0050] After receiving the user slice information response message sent from the AMF, the NSSF assigns the corresponding NSI to the modified S-NSSAI and then sends the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI to the AMF.

[0051] Step S2100: The AMF selects the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI based on the modified S-NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and the DNN.

[0052] Step S2110: The AMF sends a session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and the modified S-NSSAI is attached to the session context establishment request message.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the session context establishment request message sent from the AMF to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI further includes a first S-NSSAI. The first S-NSSAI checks the contract, that is, the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI obtains the UE's contract data from the UDM.

[0054] Step S2120: The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI sends a session context establishment response message to the AMF.

[0055] Step S2130: The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI and the AMF establish a new PDU Session for the UE, and the S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the changed S-NSSAI.

[0056] Step S2130 includes the following steps. When the SMF selects a PCF and obtains a session management policy (SM Policy) from the PCF, it provides the modified - NSSAI to the PCF. The SMF then selects a UPF and completes the N4 session establishment for the UPF. The SMF constructs an N2 PDU session request message, attaches the modified S - NSSAI to the message, and constructs a PDU session establishment receive message. The SMF sends an N1N2 message transmission message to the AMF, which includes the N2 PDU session request message and the PDU session establishment receive message. The AMF sends the N2 PDU session request message to the RAN, which includes the PDU session establishment receive message. The RAN sends the PDU session establishment receive message to the UE. The RAN returns an N2 PDU session response message to the AMF. The AMF sends a session context update request message to the SMF, which includes the N2 PDU session response message. The SMF updates the N4 session. The SMF returns a session context update response message to the AMF. Finally, the UE accesses the service via the NSI corresponding to the modified S - NSSAI.

[0057] The user service priority adjustment method provided in this embodiment solves the problem of how to appropriately switch an established PDU Session to a suitable NSI when the priority of the UE or the priority of the user service changes. By the method of this embodiment, when the priority of the user or the priority of the user service changes, by switching the established PDU Session to a suitable NSI, the service experience of high - priority users or high - priority services of users can be better guaranteed.

[0058] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the implementation of the user service priority adjustment method provided by a preferred embodiment. This embodiment is an example where a UE subscribes to a VIP service and the AF notifies the 5G network through the NEF. As shown in Figure 3, the user service priority adjustment method provided by this embodiment includes the following steps: Step 200: For a certain service, the 5G network has already instantiated two NSIs, namely NSI1 and NSI2. For NSI1, ordinary users use the service, and the corresponding S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI1. For NSI2, high-priority users use the service, and the corresponding S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI2.

[0059] Step 201: The UE registers with the 5G network, activates a PDU Session, and the S-NSSAI of the activated PDU Session is S-NSSAI1, and the PDU Session corresponds to NSI1.

[0060] Step 202: The user feels that the service experience is not good, or the APP prompts to order a short-term or long-term VIP service in order to obtain a better service experience, or for other reasons, the user subscribes to the VIP service through the APP client.

[0061] Step 203: The AF notifies the NEF that the user has subscribed to the VIP service.

[0062] Step 204: The NEF notifies the PCF that the user has subscribed to the VIP service.

[0063] Step 205: The PCF subscribes to the AMF for users who require service permission, and the user is the one who has subscribed to the VIP service.

[0064] Step 206: The PCF notifies the SMF to activate the affected established PDU Session.

[0065] Step 207: When the SMF completes the activation flow of the established PDU Session and activates the established PDU Session, it requests the UE to re - establish the PDU Session.

[0066] Step 208: The UE decides to start the PDU Session again and decides that the information such as the S - NSSAI used by the PDU Session is consistent with the activated PDU Session, that is, it is S - NSSAI1.

[0067] Step 209: The UE sends a PDU Session establishment request message with information such as S - NSSAI1 attached.

[0068] Step 210: After receiving the PDU Session establishment request message, the AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF with information such as SUPI and S - NSSAI1 attached.

[0069] Step 211: Based on the user priority, the PCF determines the S - NSSAI used by the service as S - NSSAI2.

[0070] Step 212: The PCF returns a service authorization response message and the modified S - NSSAI2 to the AMF.

[0071] Step 213: The AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF with information such as S - NSSAI2 attached.

[0072] Step 214: Based on the information such as S - NSSAI2, the NSSF selects information such as NSI2 for the PDU Session.

[0073] Step 215: The NSSF returns a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF, with information such as NSI2 attached.

[0074] Step 216: The AMF selects the SMF based on information such as S-NSSAI2, DNN, and NSI2.

[0075] Step 217: The AMF sends a session context establishment request message to the SMF, with information such as the requested S-NSSAI and the permitted S-NSSAI attached. The requested S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI1, and the permitted S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI2.

[0076] Step 218: The SMF obtains subscription data from the UDM.

[0077] Step 219: The SMF returns a session context establishment response message to the AMF.

[0078] Step 220: The SMF selects the PCF and, if it obtains the SM Policy (session management policy) from the PCF, provides S-NSSAI2 to the PCF.

[0079] Step 221: The SMF selects the UPF and completes the N4 session establishment for the UPF.

[0080] Step 222: The SMF constructs an N2 PDU session request message, with S-NSSAI2 attached to the message. The SMF constructs a PDU session establishment received message.

[0081] Step 223: The SMF sends an N1N2 message transmission message to the AMF, with the N2 PDU session request message and the PDU session establishment received message attached to the message.

[0082] Step 224: The AMF sends an N2 PDU session request message to the RAN, and the message includes a PDU session establishment reception message.

[0083] Step 225: The RAN sends a PDU session establishment reception message to the UE.

[0084] Step 226: The RAN returns an N2 PDU session response message to the AMF.

[0085] Step 227: The AMF sends a session context update request message to the SMF, and the N2 PDU session response message is attached to the message.

[0086] Step 228: The SMF updates the N4 session.

[0087] Step 229: The SMF returns a session context update response message to the AMF.

[0088] Step 230: The UE accesses the service via NSI2.

[0089] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the implementation of another user service priority adjustment method provided by a preferred embodiment. This embodiment is a preferred embodiment in which the UE subscribes to a VIP service and the AF directly notifies the PCF. As shown in Figure 4, the user service priority adjustment method provided by this embodiment includes the following steps: Step 300: For a certain service, the 5G network has already instantiated two NSIs, namely NSI1 and NSI2. NSI1 is used by general users for the service, and the corresponding S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI1. NSI2 is used by high-priority users for the service, and the corresponding S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI2.

[0090] Step 301: The UE registers with the 5G network, activates a PDU Session, and the S-NSSAI of the activated PDU Session is S-NSSAI1, and the PDU Session corresponds to NSI1.

[0091] Step 302: The user feels that the service experience is not good, or the APP prompts the user to order a short-term or long-term VIP service in order to obtain a better service experience, or for other reasons, the user subscribes to the VIP service through the APP client.

[0092] Step 303: The AF notifies the PCF that the user has subscribed to the VIP service.

[0093] Step 304: The PCF subscribes to the user who needs service permission with the AMF, and the user is the user who has subscribed to the VIP service.

[0094] Step 305: The PCF notifies the SMF to activate the affected established PDU Session.

[0095] Step 306: When the SMF completes the activation flow of the established PDU Session and activates the established PDU Session, it requests the UE to re-establish the PDU Session.

[0096] Step 307: The UE decides to start the PDU Session again and decides that information such as the S-NSSAI used by the PDU Session is the same as the activated PDU Session, that is, S-NSSAI1.

[0097] Step 308: The UE sends a PDU Session establishment request message with information such as S-NSSAI1 attached.

[0098] Step 309: After receiving the PDU Session establishment request message, the AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF, with information such as the SUPI and S-NSSAI1 attached.

[0099] Step 310: The PCF determines the S-NSSAI used by the service as S-NSSAI2 based on the user priority.

[0100] Step 311: The PCF returns a service authorization response message and the modified S-NSSAI2 to the AMF.

[0101] Step 312: The AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF, with information such as the S-NSSAI2 attached.

[0102] Step 313: The NSSF selects information such as NSI2 for the PDU Session based on information such as the S-NSSAI2.

[0103] Step 314: The NSSF returns a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF, with information such as the NSI2 attached.

[0104] Step 315: The AMF selects the SMF based on information such as the S-NSSAI2, DNN, and NSI2.

[0105] Step 316: The AMF sends a session context establishment request message to the SMF, with information such as the requested S-NSSAI and the permitted S-NSSAI attached. The requested S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI1, and the permitted S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI2.

[0106] Step 317: The SMF obtains the subscription data from the UDM.

[0107] Step 318: The SMF returns a session context establishment response message to the AMF.

[0108] Step 319: If the SMF selects the PCF and obtains the SM Policy (Session Management Policy) from the PCF, the SMF provides S-NSSAI2 to the PCF.

[0109] Step 320: The SMF selects the UPF and completes the establishment of the N4 session for the UPF.

[0110] Step 321: The SMF constructs an N2 PDU session request message, attaches S-NSSAI2 to the message, and the SMF constructs a PDU session establishment receive message.

[0111] Step 322: The SMF sends an N1N2 message transmission message to the AMF, and the N2 PDU session request message and the PDU session establishment receive message are attached to the message.

[0112] Step 323: The AMF sends the N2 PDU session request message to the RAN, and the PDU session establishment receive message is included in the message.

[0113] Step 324: The RAN sends the PDU session establishment receive message to the UE.

[0114] Step 325: The RAN replies to the AMF with an N2 PDU session response message.

[0115] Step 326: The AMF sends a session context update request message to the SMF, and the N2 PDU session response message is attached to the message.

[0116] Step 327: The SMF updates the N4 session.

[0117] Step 328: The SMF replies to the AMF with a session context update response message.

[0118] Step 329: The UE accesses the service via NSI2.

[0119] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another user service priority adjustment method provided by a preferred embodiment. This embodiment is a preferred embodiment in which the expiration date of the VIP service subscribed by the UE expires and the AF is notified to the 5G network by the NEF. As shown in FIG. 5, the user service priority adjustment method provided by this embodiment includes the following steps. Step 400: For a certain service, the 5G network has already instantiated two NSIs, namely NSI1 and NSI2. NSI1 is for general users to use the service, and the corresponding S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI1. NSI2 is for high-priority users to use the service, and the corresponding S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI2.

[0120] Step 401: The UE registers with the 5G network and activates the PDU Session, and the PDU Session corresponds to NSI2.

[0121] Step 402: The expiration date of the VIP service subscribed by the user has expired and the user is not continuously subscribed.

[0122] Step 403: The AF notifies the NEF that the user cancels the VIP service subscribed.

[0123] Step 404: The NEF notifies the PCF that the user cancels the VIP service subscribed.

[0124] Step 405: The PCF subscribes to the AMF for the users who need service permission, and the users are the users who have subscribed to the VIP service.

[0125] Step 406: The PCF notifies the SMF to activate the affected established PDU Session.

[0126] Step 407: When the SMF completes the activation flow of the established PDU Session and activates the established PDU Session, it requests the UE to re - establish the PDU Session.

[0127] Step 408: The UE decides to start the PDU Session again and decides that the information such as the S - NSSAI used by the PDU Session is consistent with the activated PDU Session, that is, it is S - NSSAI1.

[0128] Step 409: The UE sends a PDU Session establishment request message with information such as S - NSSAI1 attached.

[0129] Step 410: After receiving the PDU Session establishment request message, the AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF with information such as SUPI and S - NSSAI1 attached.

[0130] Step 411: Based on the user priority, the PCF determines that the S - NSSAI used by the service is S - NSSAI1.

[0131] Step 412: The PCF returns a service authorization response message and the modified S - NSSAI1 to the AMF.

[0132] Step 413: The AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF with information such as S - NSSAI1 attached.

[0133] Step 414: Based on the information such as S - NSSAI1, the NSSF selects information such as NSI1 for the PDU Session.

[0134] Step 415: The NSSF returns a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF, with information such as NSI1 attached.

[0135] Step 416: The AMF selects the SMF based on information such as S-NSSAI1, DNN, and NSI1.

[0136] Step 417: The AMF sends a session context establishment request message to the SMF, with information such as the requested S-NSSAI attached, and the requested S-NSSAI is S-NSSAI1.

[0137] Step 418: The SMF obtains subscription data from the UDM.

[0138] Step 419: The SMF returns a session context establishment response message to the AMF.

[0139] Step 420: The SMF selects the PCF and, if it obtains the SM Policy (session management policy) from the PCF, provides S-NSSAI1 to the PCF.

[0140] Step 421: The SMF selects the UPF and completes the N4 session establishment for the UPF.

[0141] Step 422: The SMF constructs an N2 PDU session request message, with S-NSSAI1 attached to the message, and the SMF constructs a PDU session establishment reception message.

[0142] Step 423: The SMF sends an N1N2 message transmission message to the AMF, with the N2 PDU session request message and the PDU session establishment reception message attached to the message.

[0143] Step 424: The AMF sends the N2 PDU session request message to the RAN, with the PDU session establishment reception message included in the message.

[0144] Step 425: The RAN sends a PDU session establishment reception message to the UE.

[0145] Step 426: The RAN replies to the AMF with an N2 PDU session response message.

[0146] Step 427: The AMF sends a session context update request message to the SMF, and the N2 PDU session response message is attached to the message.

[0147] Step 428: The SMF updates the N4 session.

[0148] Step 429: The SMF replies to the AMF with a session context update response message.

[0149] Step 430: The UE accesses the service via NSI1.

[0150] FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a user service priority adjustment system provided by a preferred embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the user service priority adjustment system provided by this embodiment includes an AF, a PCF, an SMF, an AMF, and an NSSF.

[0151] AF is arranged to send the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF. The UE has already registered with the network and activated the PDU Session. The S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI. The NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to the normal service priority user. The PCF is arranged to notify the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE. The SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session is the PDU activated by the UEIt is arranged to notify the UE to activate the session and re - establish the PDU session. The AMF is arranged to receive the PDU session establishment request sent from the UE and send a service authorization request message to the PCF. The PDU session establishment request is attached with the first S - NSSAI information, and the service authorization request message includes the UE identifier and the first S - NSSAI. The PCF is further arranged to modify the first S - NSSAI to the modified S - NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the UE's service priority change information, and send a service authorization response message to the AMF. The service authorization response message includes the modified S - NSSAI. The AMF is further arranged to send a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF. The user slice information acquisition request message includes the modified S - NSSAI. The NSSF is arranged to send a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF. The user slice information acquisition response message is attached with the NSI information corresponding to the modified S - NSSAI. The AMF is further arranged to select the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S - NSSAI based on the modified S - NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the modified S - NSSAI, and the DNN, and send a session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S - NSSAI. The session context establishment request message is attached with the modified S - NSSAI. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S - NSSAI is arranged to send a session context establishment response message to the AMF. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S - NSSAI and the AMF are further arranged to establish a new PDU session for the UE. The S - NSSAI of the new PDU session is the modified S - NSSAI.

[0152] The user service priority adjustment system provided in this embodiment realizes the technical solution of the user service priority adjustment method in FIG. 2. Since its realization principle and technical effects are similar, there is no redundant description here.

[0153] Based on the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, before notifying the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE, the PCF is arranged to subscribe to the service permission of the UE from the AMF.

[0154] Based on the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, specifically, the AF is arranged to send the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF by the capability exposer function NEF.

[0155] Based on the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, the AF is further arranged to receive and obtain the high-priority service subscription information sent from the UE, and send the high-priority service subscription information of the UE to the PCF. The NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the normal-priority user, and the NSI corresponding to the new PDU Session is the NSI used by the high-priority user.

[0156] Based on the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, specifically, when the AF determines that the expiration date of the high-priority service subscribed by the UE has expired and has not been updated, or receives the high-priority service cancellation information sent from the UE, the AF is arranged to send the high-priority service subscription cancellation information of the UE to the PCF. The NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the high-priority user, and the NSI corresponding to the new PDU Session is the NSI used by the normal-priority user.

[0157] Based on the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6, the session context establishment request message is further attached with a first S-NSSAI for contract inspection.

[0158] Embodiments of the present application further provide a storage medium containing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a computer processor, execute a user service priority adjustment method. The method includes: AF sending service priority change information of the UE to the PCF, where the UE has already registered with the network and activated a PDU Session, the S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI, and the NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to a normal service priority user; the PCF notifying the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE; the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session notifying the UE to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE and re-establish the PDU Session; and AMF receiving a PDU Session establishment request sent from the UE, where the PDUThe steps included in the session establishment request are: the step of attaching the first S-NSSAI information; the step where the AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF, and the service authorization request message includes the UE identifier and the first S-NSSAI; the step where the PCF modifies the first S-NSSAI to the modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the UE's service priority change information; the step where the PCF sends a service authorization response message to the AMF, and the service authorization response message includes the modified S-NSSAI; the step where the AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF, and the user slice information acquisition request message includes the modified S-NSSAI; the step where the NSSF sends a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF, and the user slice information acquisition response message is attached with the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI; the step where the AMF selects the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI based on the modified S-NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and the DNN; the step where the AMF sends a session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and the session context establishment request message is attached with the modified S-NSSAI; the step where the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI sends a session context establishment response message to the AMF; and the step where the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI and the AMF establish a new PDU Session for the UE, and the S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the modified S-NSSAI.

[0159] The above does not limit the protection scope of this application and is only an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0160] As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the term user terminal covers any suitable type of wireless user equipment, such as a mobile phone, a portable data processing device, a portable web browser or an in-vehicle mobile station.

[0161] In general, the various embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, a microprocessor or other computing device, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0162] The embodiments of the present application are realized by a data processor of a mobile device executing computer program instructions, for example, within a processor entity, or using hardware, or using a combination of software and hardware. The computer program instructions may be editing instructions, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-related instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting data, or source code or target code created in any combination of one or more programming languages.

[0163] Any block diagram of a logic flow in the drawings of the present application represents a program step, or represents logical circuits, modules and functions connected to each other, or represents a combination of program steps, logical circuits, modules and functions.

[0164] A computer program is stored in memory. The memory may have any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any appropriate data storage technology, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), optical memory and systems (including but not limited to digital versatile discs (DVDs) or compact discs (CDs)).

[0165] Computer-readable media include non-transitory storage media. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment, for example, general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, including but not limited to these.

Industrial Applicability

[0166] This application transmits the service priority change information of the user equipment UE to the policy control function PCF by the application function AF. The UE has already registered with the network and activated a packet data unit session PDUSession. The network slice identifier S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI, and the NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to the normal service priority user. The PCF notifies the session management function SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDUSession activated by the UE. The SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session activates the PDUSession activated by the UE and notifies the UE to re-establish the PDUSession. The mobile management function AMF receives the PDUSession establishment request sent from the UE, and the PDUThe Session establishment request is attached with the first S-NSSAI information. The AMF sends a service authorization request message to the PCF. The service authorization request message includes the identifier of the UE and the first S-NSSAI. The PCF modifies the first S-NSSAI to a modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the service priority change information of the UE. The PCF sends a service authorization response message to the AMF. The service authorization response message includes the modified S-NSSAI. The AMF sends a user slice information acquisition request message to the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF). The user slice information acquisition request message includes the modified S-NSSAI. The NSSF sends a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF. The user slice information acquisition response message is attached with the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI. The AMF selects the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI based on the modified S-NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and the Data Network Name (DNN). The AMF sends the session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI. The session context establishment request message is attached with the modified S-NSSAI. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI sends a session context establishment response message to the AMF. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI and the AMF establish a new PDU Session for the UE. The S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the method of the modified S-NSSAI. When the priority of the UE or the priority of the user service changes, it solves the problem of how to switch the established PDU Session to an appropriate NSI. When the priority of the user or the priority of the user service changes, by switching the established PDU Session to an appropriate NSI, the service experience of high-priority users or high-priority services of users can be better guaranteed.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting user service priority, comprising: A step in which an application function AF transmits service priority change information of a user equipment UE to a policy control function PCF, where the UE has already registered with the network and activated a packet data unit session PDU Session, and a network slice identifier S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is a first S-NSSAI, and an NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is an NSI corresponding to a normal service priority user; A step in which the PCF notifies a session management function SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE; A step in which the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session activates the PDU Session activated by the UE and notifies the UE to re-establish the PDU Session; A step in which a mobile management function AMF receives a PDU Session establishment request transmitted from the UE, where the first S-NSSAI information is attached to the PDU Session establishment request; A step in which the AMF transmits a service permission request message to the PCF, where the service permission request message includes an identifier of the UE and the first S-NSSAI; A step in which the PCF modifies the first S-NSSAI to a changed S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the service priority change information of the UE; A step in which the PCF transmits a service permission response message to the AMF, where the changed S-NSSAI is included in the service permission response message; A step in which the AMF transmits a user slice information acquisition request message to a network slice selection function NSSF, where the changed S-NSSAI is included in the user slice information acquisition request message; A step in which the NSSF transmits a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF, where NSI information corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI is attached to the user slice information acquisition response message; The AMF selects an SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI based on the changed S-NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI, and the data network name DNN, and the AMF transmits a session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI, and the changed S-NSSAI is attached to the session context establishment request message, and the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI transmits a session context establishment response message to the AMF, and the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the changed S-NSSAI and the AMF establish a new PDU Session for the UE, and the S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the changed S-NSSAI. The method includes steps. **Claim 2** Before the step in which the PCF notifies the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE, the method according to claim 1, further comprising the step in which the PCF subscribes to the service permission of the UE with the AMF. **Claim 3** The step in which the AF transmits a service priority change message of the UE to the PCF is the method according to claim 1, including the step in which the AF transmits the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF by the capability exposer function NEF. **Claim 4** Before the step in which the AF transmits the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF, the AF further includes the step of receiving and obtaining the high-priority service subscription information transmitted from the UE, and the step in which the AF transmits the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF is the step in which the AF transmits the high-priority service subscription information of the UE to the PCF, the NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the normal priority user, and the NSI corresponding to the new PDU Session is the NSI used by the high-priority user. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 includes steps. **Claim 5** The step in which the AF transmits the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF is The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the AF determines that the expiration date of the high-priority service subscribed by the UE has expired and has not been updated, or the AF receives the high-priority service cancellation information transmitted from the UE, and the AF transmits the high-priority service subscription cancellation information of the UE to the PCF. The NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by high-priority users, and the NSI corresponding to the new PDU Session is the NSI used by normal-priority users.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first S-NSSAI for contract inspection is further attached to the session context establishment request message.

7. A user service priority adjustment system, including an application function AF, a policy control function PCF, a session management function SMF, a mobile management function AMF, and a network slice selection function NSSF. The AF is arranged to transmit the service priority change information of the user equipment UE to the PCF. The UE has already registered with the network and activated a packet data unit session PDU Session. The network slice identifier S-NSSAI registered by the UE with the network is the first S-NSSAI, and the NSI corresponding to the first S-NSSAI is the NSI corresponding to normal service priority users. The PCF is arranged to notify the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE. The SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session is arranged to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE and notify the UE to re-establish the PDU Session. The AMF is arranged to receive a PDU Session establishment request transmitted from the UE and transmit a service authorization request message to the PCF. The PDU Session establishment request is attached with the first S-NSSAI information, and the service authorization request message includes the identifier of the UE and the first S-NSSAI. The PCF is further arranged to modify the first S-NSSAI to a modified S-NSSAI corresponding to the service priority change information based on the service priority change information of the UE, and transmit a service authorization response message to the AMF. The service authorization response message includes the modified S-NSSAI. The AMF is further arranged to transmit a user slice information acquisition request message to the NSSF. The user slice information acquisition request message includes the modified S-NSSAI. The NSSF is arranged to transmit a user slice information acquisition response message to the AMF. The user slice information acquisition response message is attached with NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI. The AMF is further arranged to select an SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI based on the modified S-NSSAI, the NSI information corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI, and the data network name DNN, and transmit a session context establishment request message to the SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI. The session context establishment request message is attached with the modified S-NSSAI. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI is arranged to transmit a session context establishment response message to the AMF. The SMF corresponding to the NSI corresponding to the modified S-NSSAI and the AMF are further arranged to establish a new PDU Session for the UE. The S-NSSAI of the new PDU Session is the modified S-NSSAI system.

8. The PCF is further arranged to subscribe the service permission of the UE to the AMF before notifying the SMF corresponding to the activated PDU Session to activate the PDU Session activated by the UE, according to the system of claim 7.

9. Specifically, the AF is arranged to transmit the service priority change information of the UE to the PCF by the capability exposer function NEF, according to the system of claim 7.

10. The AF is further arranged to receive and obtain the high-priority service subscription information transmitted from the UE, and transmit the high-priority service subscription information of the UE to the PCF. The NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the normal priority user, and the NSI corresponding to the new PDU Session is the NSI used by the high-priority user, according to the system of any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. Specifically, when the AF determines that the expiration date of the high-priority service subscribed by the UE has expired and has not been updated, or receives the high-priority service cancellation information transmitted from the UE, the AF is arranged to transmit the high-priority service subscription cancellation information of the UE to the PCF. The NSI corresponding to the PDU Session activated by the UE is the NSI used by the high-priority user, and the NSI corresponding to the new PDU Session is the NSI used by the normal priority user, according to the system of any one of claims 7 to 9.

12. The first S-NSSAI for contract inspection is further attached to the session context establishment request message, according to the system of any one of claims 7 to 9.

13. A computer program which, when executed by a processor, realizes the user service priority adjustment method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

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