Network slice switching method, terminal, storage medium, and electronic device

Abstract

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network slice switching method, a terminal, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method includes: when a second terminal establishes a connection with a first terminal, the second terminal displays a network slice list, the network slice list including a plurality of first network slices, and the first network slice provides a network data service to the second terminal; receiving a selection command from the second terminal, the selection command being for selecting a target network slice from the network slice list; and sending a target identifier of the target network slice to the first terminal, so that the first terminal switches the current network slice to the target network slice. [0010] The embodiment of the present disclosure can solve the problem of low network slice configuration efficiency and further achieve the effect of improving network slice configuration efficiency.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to a network slice switching method and terminal, a storage medium, and an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the related art, in network sharing, the mobile phone that turns on network sharing can only set the traffic type, and the client cannot select or change the traffic type. The set traffic type only specifies a certain type of data traffic and cannot specify a certain slice. The traffic type must be selected in advance, and after the client connects to the network sharing, the network sharing terminal cannot set the traffic type again or select a slice.

[0003] In other words, the related art has low efficiency in setting network slices during the network sharing process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network slice switching method, a terminal, a storage medium, and an electronic device to solve at least the problem of low efficiency in setting network slices in the related art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a second terminal establishes a connection with a first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice List a step of displaying the Network Slice Lista step of providing a network data service to the second terminal; and a step of receiving a selection command from the second terminal, the selection command including: Network Slice List a step of selecting a target network slice from the target network slices; and a step of the second terminal transmitting a target identifier of the target network slice to the first terminal so that the first terminal switches its current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice that provides the network data service to the second terminal that the first terminal is using when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice List before the step of displaying the first terminal, Network Slice List and the second terminal acquires a second account corresponding to a second account logged in to the second terminal. Network Slice List and the second terminal acquires the first Network Slice List and the second Network Slice List and Network Slice List and merging the two as follows:

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, the second terminal may store the second ID corresponding to the second account logged in to the second terminal. Network Slice List The step of acquiring is a step of the second terminal transmitting an acquisition request to a server corresponding to the second account, and the acquisition request is Network Slice List and the second terminal receives the second Network Slice List and receiving the signal.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice List After the step of displaying the second network slice, the method further includes a step of receiving a login command, where the login command is for logging in to a target page, and the target page includes a second network slice, and a step of receiving a purchase command, where the purchase command is for purchasing the second network slice.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, after the step of receiving the purchase command, the step of further comprising, upon successful purchase of the second network slice, transferring the second network slice to the Network Slice List The method includes the step of integrating the

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice List The step of displaying the Network Slice List The method includes a step of displaying the slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, and slice name of each of the network slices in the network slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, and slice name.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when a second terminal establishes a connection with a first terminal, the first terminal receives a switching command sent from the second terminal, the switching command including a target identifier of a target network slice, the first terminal is used to provide a network data service to the second terminal using the target network slice, and the target network slice is displayed on the second terminal. Network Slice List a network slice in Network Slice Lista step in which a plurality of network slices are included; and a step in which the first terminal switches a current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice that provides a data network service to the second terminal that is being used by the first terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, before the first terminal receives a switching command transmitted from the second terminal, the second terminal further Network Slice List and the second Network Slice List and Network Slice List The first terminal merges the first terminal's first Network Slice List to the second terminal, Network Slice List corresponds to a second account logged in to the second terminal Network Slice List The method includes the steps:

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the step of the first terminal switching the current network slice to the target network slice includes the step of the first terminal sending a data connection activation request to a wireless data connection virtual device interface, wherein the data connection activation request includes a target identifier of the target network slice, and the step of the first terminal establishing a connection between the first terminal and the wireless data connection virtual device interface.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the first terminal further includes a step of setting a system default network slice as the current network slice, or the first terminal further includes a step of setting a network slice pre-set by a user as the current network slice.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a receiving unit for receiving a switching command transmitted from a second terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the switching command including a target identifier of a target network slice, the first terminal being configured to provide a network data service to the second terminal using the target network slice, and the target network slice being displayed on the second terminal. Network Slice List a network slice in Network Slice List The present invention provides a first terminal including: a receiving unit including a plurality of network slices; and a switching unit that switches a current network slice to the target network slice, wherein the current network slice is a network slice that provides a data network service to the second terminal that is being used by the first terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the first terminal may receive a signal from the second terminal after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal and before the first terminal receives a switching command sent from the second terminal. Network Slice List and the second Network Slice List and the first terminal of the first terminal so as to merge them as the network slice. Network Slice List a transmitting unit for transmitting the second terminal Network Slice List corresponds to a second account logged in to the second terminal Network Slice List The transmitter further includes a transmitting unit,

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the switching unit includes: a sending module configured to send a data connection activation request to a wireless data connection virtual device interface, wherein the data connection activation request includes a target identifier of the target network slice; and an establishment module configured to establish a connection between the first terminal and the wireless data connection virtual device interface.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the first terminal further includes a determination unit configured to set a system default network slice as the current network slice when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, or to set a network slice preset by a user as the current network slice.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, Network Slice List A display unit installed to display Network Slice List includes a plurality of first network slices, each of which provides a network data service to the second terminal; a display unit; and a first receiving unit configured to receive a selection command, wherein the selection command includes: Network Slice List a first receiving unit for selecting a target network slice from a target network slice; and a transmitting unit for transmitting a target identifier of the target network slice to the first terminal so that the first terminal switches a current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice used by the first terminal for providing the network data service to the second terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the second terminal may be configured to: Network Slice List before displaying the first terminal Network Slice List a first acquiring unit configured to acquire a second account corresponding to a second account logged into the second terminal; Network Slice List a second acquisition unit configured to acquire the first Network Slice List and the second Network Slice List and Network Slice List and a merger unit merging as a merger unit.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the second acquiring unit is a sending module configured to send an acquiring request to a server corresponding to the second account, and the acquiring request is Network Slice List a sending module for requesting the second Network Slice List and a receiving module configured to receive the signal.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the second terminal may be configured to: Network Slice List The communication device further includes a second receiving unit that receives a registration command after displaying the second network slice, the registration command being for logging in to a target page, the target page including the second network slice, and a third receiving unit that receives a purchase command, the purchase command being for purchasing the second network slice.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, after receiving the purchase command, if the second terminal successfully purchases the second network slice, the second terminal transfers the second network slice to the Network Slice List The device further includes an integration unit for integrating the device into the device.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the display unit displays the second terminal's status after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal. Network Slice List The network slices in the network slice set include a display module that displays the slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, and slice name of each of the network slices in the network slice set.

[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is further provided a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program configured, when in operation, to perform the steps of any of the method embodiments described above.

[0026] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is further provided an electronic device including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to perform the steps of any of the method embodiments above by running the computer program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after a first terminal establishes a connection with a second terminal, the second terminal can display multiple network slices and control the modification of the network slice of the first terminal according to a command. This makes it possible to realize the display, selection, and switching of network slices during the network sharing process. Therefore, the problem of low network slice configuration efficiency can be solved, and the effect of improving the configuration efficiency of network slices can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal for a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a software module interaction diagram of a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the interaction of modules in a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a content packet format for a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] A figure showing a control signal packet format for a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a second terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a first terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of the present disclosure are intended to distinguish between similar objects and are not intended to describe a specific order or chronological order.

[0031] 5G Network Slicing. Network slicing has already become the most ideal 5G network architecture, approved by carriers such as China Mobile, South Korea's KT, SK Telecom, Japan's KDDI and NTT, and equipment manufacturers such as Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei.

[0032] In its simplest form, 5G network slicing involves dividing a physical network into multiple virtual end-to-end networks, with each virtual network, including the network's equipment, access, transmission, and core networks, being logically independent, and a failure in one virtual network not affecting the other virtual networks. Each virtual network has different functional characteristics and is intended for different needs and services.

[0033] 5G slicing is a future technology trend, but currently, there is relatively little application development for this technology. As 5G and slicing technology become more widespread, the development of 5G slicing functions will become explosive. Currently, the main functions of USB and WiFi network sharing data cards and mobile phones are to share 5G network bandwidth, but they do not support the purchase and selection of 5G slices.

[0034] The embodiments of the present disclosure optimize and improve the network sharing function of a terminal via USB and WiFi hotspot, providing a client with the functions of displaying existing 5G network slices, purchasing network slices, and selecting or switching network slices, allowing the client to select a slice and have the terminal perform network sharing, thereby completing the network sharing function of the terminal and providing a complete function for using 5G network sharing slices.The embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to data cards and smart mobile terminals, allowing client users and client applications to select required 5G slices as needed, providing users with an experience of new 5G technology.

[0035] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application may be executed in a mobile terminal, a computer terminal, or a similar computing device. Taking the mobile terminal as an example, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a mobile terminal for implementing the network slice switching method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal may include one or more (only one is shown in FIG. 1) processors 102 (the processors 102 may include, but are not limited to, processing devices such as microprocessors (MCUs) or programmable logic devices (FPGAs)) and a memory 104 for storing data. The mobile terminal may further include a transmission device 106 and an input / output device 108 for communication functions.

[0036] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the configuration shown in Figure 1 is merely schematic and is not intended to limit the configuration of the mobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal may include more or fewer assemblies than those shown in Figure 1, or may have a different configuration than that shown in Figure 1.

[0037] The memory 104 is used to store computer programs, for example, software programs and modules of application software such as a computer program corresponding to the network slice switching method in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the processor 102 performs various functional applications and data processing by operating the computer programs stored in the memory 104, i.e., realizes the above-mentioned network slice switching method.

[0038] The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory.

[0039] In some embodiments, memory 104 may include memory located remotely relative to processor 102, and these remote memories may be connected to the mobile terminal via a network, examples of which include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0040] The transmission device 106 is for transmitting and receiving data via a network. An example of the network may include a wireless network provided by a communications supplier of the mobile terminal. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a network interface controller (NIC) that is connected to other network devices via a base station and can communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 106 may be a radio frequency (RF) module for wirelessly communicating with the Internet.

[0041] This embodiment provides a network slice switching method, and Figure 2 is a flowchart of the network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the flow includes the following steps:

[0042] In step S202, when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice List Display the above Network Slice List includes a plurality of first network slices, and the first network slices provide network data services to the second terminal.

[0043] In step S204, the second terminal receives a selection command, and the selection command includes: Network Slice List to select a target network slice from

[0044] In step S206, the second terminal sends a target identifier of the target network slice to the first terminal so that the first terminal switches the current network slice to the target network slice, and the current network slice is a network slice that provides the network data service to the second terminal that the first terminal is using when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0045] In the method, after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice List before the step of displaying the first terminal, Network Slice List and the second terminal acquires a second account corresponding to a second account logged in to the second terminal. Network Slice List and the second terminal acquires the first Network Slice List and the second Network Slice List and Network Slice List and merging the two as follows:

[0046] Among them, the second terminal is configured to receive the second account corresponding to the second account logged in to the second terminal. Network Slice List The step of acquiring is a step of the second terminal transmitting an acquisition request to a server corresponding to the second account, and the acquisition request is Network Slice List and the second terminal receives the second Network Slice List and receiving the signal.

[0047] In the method, after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice ListAfter the step of displaying the second network slice, the method further includes a step of receiving a login command, where the login command is for logging in to a target page, and the target page includes a second network slice, and a step of receiving a purchase command, where the purchase command is for purchasing the second network slice.

[0048] Wherein, the method further includes, after the step of receiving the purchase command, if the purchase of the second network slice is successful, transferring the second network slice to the Network Slice List The method includes the step of integrating the

[0049] Wherein, after the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the second terminal Network Slice List The step of displaying the Network Slice List The method includes a step of displaying the slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, and slice name of each of the network slices in the network slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, and slice name.

[0050] According to the above steps, after a connection is established between a first terminal and a second terminal, the second terminal can display multiple network slices and control the modification of the network slice of the first terminal according to a command. This makes it possible to realize the display, selection, and switching of network slices during the network sharing process. Therefore, the problem of low network slice configuration efficiency can be solved and the effect of improving the configuration efficiency of network slices can be achieved.

[0051] Let's take an example: Currently, the three mainstream application scenarios of 5G are eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), uRLLC (Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communication), and mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communication), which are three communication service types defined according to different network demands for the number of users, QoS, bandwidth, etc., and correspond to three network slices.

[0052] A network slice (or simply referred to as a "slice") may be a network set menu that provides network services to a user.

[0053] Network slices are not limited to the three types of eMBB, uRLLC, and mMTC, and carriers can carve out multiple virtual networks from a physical network based on different application scenarios. Typically, a network assigns an eMBB-like slice to a smart terminal device such as a mobile phone, and may assign slices with different QoS to suit different application scenarios.

[0054] When performing 5G network registration, the mobile phone obtains information about the slice, including the DNN (Data Network Name) within the slice, by negotiating with the network or by providing a network slice set NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) from the network.

[0055] A mobile phone includes a URSP (UE Route Selection Policy), which includes an NSSP (Network Slice Selection Policy). An application in the mobile phone selects a slice according to the NSSP. Elements of the NSSP rule include DNN, application ID, etc., and the application can select elements from these to match the NSSP. The carrier can pre-configure the URSP for the UE, or the URSP can be dynamically issued / updated by the PCF.

[0056] Typically, the terminal system selects a slice using a DNN element, activates the DNN of the corresponding slice, and establishes a connection before using it.

[0057] When a terminal attempts to purchase a slice service, it can select a slice set menu from the online mall provided by the carrier. After the purchase is successful, the slice mall provides the DNN parameters to the terminal application and simultaneously sends a slice contract change command to the 5G network UDM and a slice URSP change command to the PCF. The UDM updates and stores the user slice order information in the UDR, and the PCF can update the subscribed S-NSSAIs and corresponding URSP rules to the mobile phone. The terminal application can then use the DNN to activate data traffic and select the data connection of the corresponding slice.

[0058] The process of obtaining the slice list during the mobile phone registration process and the subsequent entire process of purchasing slices involve multiple user data management (including contractual relationships and policy data) modules of the 5G core network, and a detailed description is provided below.

[0059] UDM: Unified Data Management is responsible for managing user identifiers, contract data and authentication data, and managing user registrations to service network elements (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc. that currently provide traffic to terminals; for example, if a user switches the AMF they are accessing, the UDM sends a deregistration message to the original AMF, requesting the original AMF to delete information about the user).

[0060] AUSF: Authentication Server Function. AUSF receives a request for identity authentication of the UE from the access and mobility management function (AMF), requests an encryption key from the UDM, and performs authentication processing by forwarding the encryption key issued by the UDM to the AMF.

[0061] PCF: Policy Control function, which supports a unified policy framework to manage network activity, provides and enforces policy rules to network entities, and accesses subscription information in the Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0062] UDR: Unified Data Repository, used by UDM to store or read subscription data and by PCF to store or read policy data.

[0063] An interaction diagram of the preferred software modules is shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the solid lines are user data streams and the dashed lines are control data streams.

[0064] The 5G device terminal (the first terminal in this application) includes a network sharing control module and a slice management module. The network sharing control module is an existing module in the operating system that is improved in this disclosure to add a slice control flow. The slice management module is a newly added module that can search for already supported slices, report newly added slices, and select a slice activation function. The slice management module can provide a UI interface for the user to select a slice to be used for the network sharing function on the 5G device side.

[0065] A front-end application for slice selection and a front-end application for slice purchase are newly added to a mobile phone or PC (a second terminal in this application) that is a network sharing client, and both can be realized as a single application. The mobile phone or PC that is a client can access the mobile hotspot via a WiFi hotspot or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal. When a shared connection is made to a 5G terminal via a WiFi or USB bus, a bridge connection is first established with the 5G terminal's mobile phone, and the front-end application can send a command to the 5G terminal to search for available slices that the terminal has already acquired. The 5G terminal then feeds back the slices available for network sharing to the slice selection client. At the same time, the front-end application connects to and logs in to Slice Mall via the already shared default Internet to search for slices that the client has already ordered. The Slice Mall system sends a slice contract search command to the 5G network UDM to find that the user has already ordered or purchased a slice, and then sends a slice change to the PCF, and the PCF sends a signal to the 5G terminal to update the NSSAI and URSP rules. In this case, the slice authorized by the client user is newly added to the 5G terminal and displayed to the client user along with the slices available for sharing on the 5G terminal.

[0066] When a network sharing client user feels that the network speed is insufficient and that a better slice needs to be purchased, the user can purchase a slice from Slice Mall at any time. Before purchasing, the client must be satisfied that the client can already connect to the Internet through the network sharing of the 5G terminal, and connect to Slice Mall via the Internet. The Slice Mall may be provided by a carrier, a terminal manufacturer, or a third party (e.g., Tencent, JD.com, Alipay, etc.).

[0067] After the slice search is completed or the slice is purchased and updated, the front-end application displays the network slice characteristics (slice set menu name, rate, time delay) to the user for selection, and after the user selects the slice, the 5G terminal activates the slice and uses the connection via the activated slice instead of the default Internet connection.

[0068] The embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to 5G data cards and 5G smart terminals, and can be fully implemented by software. There are two implementation methods, and the detailed steps are as follows:

[0069] In the following, a 5G terminal or data card that provides network sharing will be described as the first terminal device, and a PC or terminal device that connects using USB sharing or WiFi hotspot sharing will be described as the second terminal device.

[0070] The first type of implementation: Step S101: The first terminal device turns on the USB user sharing function or the WiFi hotspot function in the control interface.

[0071] Step S102: The second terminal device connects to the USB or WLAN of the first terminal device, and if it is a WiFi hotspot, this step is delayed before the step of the user selecting a slice.

[0072] Step S103: The network sharing module of the first terminal device turns on the kernel IP forwarding function.

[0073] Step S104: The network sharing module of the first terminal device turns on the internal local area network DNS domain name resolution service.

[0074] Step S105: The network sharing module of the first terminal device turns on the internal local area network DHCP dynamic address allocation function.

[0075] Step S106: The network sharing module of the first terminal device requests a slice data connection from the slice management module and enters a standby mode.

[0076] Step S107: The slice management module of the first terminal device selectively activates a system default slice connection or a user-specified slice connection.

[0077] Step S108: When the slice connection of the first terminal device is made, the slice management module obtains the name of the slice-connected wireless data connection virtual device interface and reports it to the network sharing module.

[0078] Step S109: The network sharing module of the first terminal device establishes a routing bridge connection between the USB or WLAN internal device interface and the wireless data connection virtual device interface and performs intranet and extranet address translation of packets.

[0079] Step S110: The slice management application front-end of the second terminal device issues a slice search command to the slice management module of the first terminal device via a USB, a WLAN channel, or an Internet channel. If the Internet channel is used, an extranet Internet server needs to be established. The server receives the command from the second terminal device via the Internet and forwards the command to the slice management module of the first terminal device via the Internet.

[0080] Step S111: The slice management module of the first terminal device receives a slice search command from the second terminal device and searches the modem for the slice list information allowed by the network when the terminal registered or the latest slice list information updated by the network. The first terminal device reports the acquired slice list to the application front end of the second terminal device. The network slice is used to provide network data services.

[0081] Step S112: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device logs in to the Slice Mall server via the Internet, the login account is the client account of the second terminal, and searches the slices that the client has already purchased in Slice Mall, and Slice Mall returns slice list information.

[0082] Step S113: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device integrates the slice lists obtained in the above two steps and displays them for the user to select, and the display of slice information includes, but is not limited to, slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, DNN, etc.

[0083] Step S114: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device integrates the slice lists obtained in the above two steps and displays them for the user to select, and the display of slice information includes, but is not limited to, slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, DNN, etc.

[0084] Step S115: When the user selects a slice to be used in the slice management application front end of the second terminal device, and the slice is a network slice already acquired by the first terminal device, the slice management module of the first terminal device sends a matching element (e.g., DNN) of the slice to the slice management module of the first terminal device. The slice management module of the first terminal device initiates a data connection activation request for the slice. If the data connection is successfully established, it obtains the name of the wireless data connection virtual device interface and notifies the network sharing module to re-establish the routing bridge connection between the USB or WLAN internal device interface and the new wireless data connection virtual device interface, and to perform intranet and extranet address translation for packets. The slice selection is completed.

[0085] If the slice selected by the client user is related to the client user, is not already owned by the second terminal device, is not pre-purchased by the user, and needs to be purchased from Slice Mall, proceed to the next step.

[0086] Step S116: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device searches and obtains the IMEI / IMSI device identifier, SIM card user identifier, carrier information, etc. of the first terminal device from the slice management module of the first device.

[0087] Step S117: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device sends the first terminal information and the selected slices acquired in the previous step to Slice Mall to request a change to the slice set menu of the first terminal. If the slice set menu purchased by the user does not meet the requirements, the user logs in to Slice Mall, purchases and selects a slice set menu, and requests a change to the slice set menu of the first terminal.

[0088] Step S118: The slice mall sends a slice contract change command to the 5G network UDM of the first terminal device through the slice organization and management system, and the UDM completes the slice change registration to the UDR and simultaneously sends a slice change command to the PCF, and the PCF sends a signal to the first terminal device to update the slice list NSSAI and URSP slice matching rules.

[0089] Step S119: The slice management module of the first terminal device receives the NSSAI and URSP update event, and reports the updated slice set to the slice management application front end of the second terminal device.

[0090] Step S120: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device receives the slice set update message, and if the slice selected by the user is included in the slice set, it can confirm that the selection of the slice set menu by the slice mall is successful, and issue a matching element (e.g., a DNN) of the slice to the slice management module of the first terminal device.

[0091] Step S121: The slice management module of the first terminal initiates a data connection activation request for the slice. If the data connection is successfully established, it obtains the name of the wireless data connection virtual device interface, and then notifies the network sharing module to re-establish the routing bridge connection between the USB or WLAN internal device interface and the new wireless data connection virtual device interface, and to re-establish the intranet and extranet address translation of packets. The slice selection is completed.

[0092] The second implementation method: This method does not require modification of the network sharing module of the original system.

[0093] Step S201: The first terminal device turns on the USB user sharing function or the WiFi hotspot function in the control interface.

[0094] Step S202: The second terminal device connects to the USB or WLAN of the first terminal device, and if it is a WiFi hotspot, this step is delayed before the step of the user selecting a slice.

[0095] Step S203: The network sharing module of the first terminal device turns on the kernel IP forwarding function.

[0096] Step S204: The network sharing module of the first terminal device turns on the internal local area network DNS domain name resolution service.

[0097] Step S205: The network sharing module of the first terminal device turns on the internal local area network DHCP dynamic address allocation function.

[0098] Step S206: The network sharing module of the first terminal device requests a slice data connection from the slice management module and enters a standby mode.

[0099] Step S207: The slice management module of the first terminal device selectively activates a system default slice connection or a user-specified slice connection.

[0100] Step S208: The slice management module of the first terminal device creates a virtual I / O interface device and reports the device interface name (for example, Slice0) to the network sharing module. The diagram is as shown in FIG.

[0101] Step S209: The network sharing module of the first terminal device establishes a routing bridge connection between the USB or WLAN internal device interface and the virtual I / O interface device (Slice0) and performs intranet and extranet address translation of packets.

[0102] In this case, the slice management module of the first terminal device and the slice management front-end application of the second terminal device transmit signals through the connection between Slice0 and USB (Rndis0) / WLAN, but this channel also carries data transmission, and since a local area network is established between the first terminal device and the second terminal device, what is transmitted between them is Ethernet packets, and the content is IP packets.

[0103] Therefore, it is necessary to define the format of the signal packet so that it can be distinguished from the user content packet. The distinction between the formats of the control signal packet and the user content packet is shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the format of the content packet, and Figure 6 shows the format of the control signal packet.

[0104] Step S210: The slice management module of the first terminal device selectively activates the system default slice connection or the user-specified slice connection to obtain a wireless data connection virtual device interface (e.g., Rmnet0), and the slice management module establishes a data transmission channel between Slice0 and Rmnet0. After this step is performed, the second terminal device already has the ability to access the Internet. This step may be selectively performed or may not be temporarily performed.

[0105] Step S211: The slice management application front-end of the second terminal device issues a slice search command to the slice management module of the first terminal device via a USB, a WLAN channel, or an Internet channel. If the second terminal device has Internet capability in the previous step, it can send the command using the Internet without sending the command from the USB or WLAN device port using the packet format described in step S209, and establish an extranet Internet server. The server receives the command of the second terminal device via the Internet and forwards the command to the slice management module of the first terminal device via the Internet.

[0106] Step S212: The slice management module of the first terminal device receives a slice search command from the second terminal device and searches for the slice list information allowed by the network when the terminal was registered in the modem or the latest slice list information updated by the network, and the first terminal device reports the already acquired slice list to the application front end of the second terminal device.

[0107] Step S213: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device logs in to the Slice Mall server via the Internet, the login account is the client account of the second terminal, searches the slices that the client has already purchased in Slice Mall, and Slice Mall returns slice list information.

[0108] Step S214: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device integrates the slice lists obtained in the above two steps and displays them for the user to select, and the display of slice information includes, but is not limited to, slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, DNN, etc.

[0109] Step S215: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device integrates the slice lists obtained in the above two steps and displays them for the user to select, and the display of slice information includes, but is not limited to, slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, DNN, etc.

[0110] Step S216: When the user selects a slice to be used in the slice management application front end of the second terminal device, and the slice is a network slice already acquired by the first terminal device, the matching element (e.g., DNN) of the slice is sent to the slice management module of the first terminal device, and the slice management module of the first terminal device initiates a data connection activation request for the slice. After the data connection is successfully established, after obtaining the wireless data connection virtual device interface name (e.g., Rmnet_n), the slice management module reconstructs the data transmission channel between Slice 0 and Rmnet_n, and the slice selection is completed.

[0111] If the slice selected by the client user is related to the client user and is not already owned by the second terminal device or pre-purchased by the user, but needs to be purchased from Slice Mall, proceed to the next step.

[0112] Step S217: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device searches and obtains the IMEI / IMSI device identifier, SIM card user identifier, carrier information, etc. of the first terminal device from the slice management module of the first device.

[0113] Step S218: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device sends the first terminal information and the selected slice acquired in the previous step to Slice Mall to request a change to the slice set menu of the first terminal. If the slice set menu purchased by the user does not meet the requirement, the user logs in to Slice Mall, purchases and selects a slice set menu, and requests a change to the slice set menu of the first terminal.

[0114] Step S219: The slice mall sends a slice contract change command to the 5G network UDM of the first terminal device through the slice organization and management system, and the UDM completes the slice change registration to the UDR and simultaneously sends a slice change command to the PCF, and the PCF sends a signal to the first terminal device to update the slice list NSSAI and URSP slice matching rules.

[0115] Step S220: The slice management module of the first terminal device receives the NSSAI and URSP update event, and reports the updated slice set to the slice management application front end of the second terminal device.

[0116] Step S221: The slice management application front end of the second terminal device receives the slice set update message, and if the slice selected by the user is included in the slice set, it can confirm that the selection of the slice set menu by the slice mall is successful, and issue a matching element (e.g., DNN) of the slice to the slice management module of the first terminal device.

[0117] Step S222: The slice management module of the first terminal initiates a data connection activation request for the slice. After successfully establishing the data connection, the slice management module obtains the wireless data connection virtual device interface name (e.g., Rmnet_n), and then reestablishes the data transmission channel between Slice 0 and Rmnet_n to complete the slice selection.

[0118] For a WiFi hotspot, there may be multiple clients connected to the WiFi hotspot. If a client needs to exchange slices, it must have administrator credentials and initiate an identity authentication request to the slice management module. After passing the authentication, it can exchange slices with the hotspot. It can also set whether to allow other users to use the slice connection. If not, other clients cannot use the slice to connect to the Internet. Since USB sharing is client-only, there is no need to consider identity authentication issues.

[0119] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the foreground interactive interface control portion resides on a second terminal, and the interface displays available slices to the user, and the display of slice information includes, but is not limited to, slice set menu name, slice data rate, slice network delay, DNN, etc.

[0120] A user can select one of the slices for use through the interface, which provides a display of a slice mall, and the user can access a web page to purchase the slice within the interface.

[0121] Optionally, an interface for configuring a slice management module in the 5G terminal (first terminal) can be provided, and a list of slices allowed for sharing and a slice to be used as a default can be configured.

[0122] From the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, based on the methods of the above embodiments, they can be realized by software in combination with a required general-purpose hardware platform, and of course, they can also be realized by hardware, and in many cases, the former is a more preferred embodiment. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be essentially embodied, or a part that contributes to the relevant technology can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium (e.g., ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes some instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] This embodiment further provides a network slice switching method, and Figure 7 is a flowchart of a network slice switching method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the flow includes the following steps:

[0124] At S702, when a second terminal establishes a connection with a first terminal, the first terminal receives a switching command sent from the second terminal, the switching command includes a target identifier of a target network slice, the first terminal is used to provide a network data service to the second terminal using the target network slice, and the target network slice is displayed on the second terminal. Network Slice List a network slice in Network Slice List includes multiple network slices.

[0125] At S704, the first terminal switches the current network slice to the target network slice, and the current network slice is the network slice that provides data network services to the second terminal that the first terminal is using when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0126] The specific details of this network slice switching method can be referred to above, so we will not explain them here.

[0127] This embodiment further provides a second terminal, which is configured to implement the above embodiment and optional embodiments, and the description of what has already been described will be omitted. The term "module" used below can realize a combination of software and / or hardware for a given function. The device described in the following embodiment is preferably realized by software, but it can also be realized by hardware or a combination of software and hardware and can be envisioned.

[0128] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a second terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the device includes: When the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, Network Slice List A display unit installed to display Network Slice List a display unit 802 including a plurality of first network slices, the first network slices providing network data services to the second terminal; a first receiving unit configured to receive a selection command, the selection command comprising: Network Slice List a first receiving unit 804 for selecting a target network slice from and a transmitting unit 806 that transmits a target identifier of the target network slice to the first terminal so that the first terminal switches the current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice for providing the network data service to the second terminal that the first terminal is using when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0129] Each of the above modules can be realized by software or hardware, and in the latter case, the modules can be all located within the same processor, or the modules can be located within different processors in any combination, but this is not limited to this.

[0130] This embodiment further provides a first terminal, which is configured to implement the above embodiment and optional embodiments, and the description of what has already been described will be omitted. The term "module" used below can realize a combination of software and / or hardware for a given function. The device described in the following embodiment is preferably realized by software, but it can also be realized by hardware or a combination of software and hardware and can be envisioned.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a first terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the device includes: a receiving unit for receiving a switching command sent from the second terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the switching command including a target identifier of a target network slice, the first terminal being configured to provide a network data service to the second terminal using the target network slice, and the target network slice being displayed on the second terminal; Network Slice List a network slice in Network Slice List a receiving unit 902, which includes a plurality of network slices; and a switching unit 904 for switching a current network slice to the target network slice, wherein the current network slice is a network slice that provides data network services to the second terminal that is used by the first terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal.

[0132] Each of the above modules can be realized by software or hardware, and in the latter case, the modules can be all located within the same processor, or the modules can be located within different processors in any combination, but this is not limited to this.

[0133] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program configured, when in operation, to perform the steps of any of the method embodiments described above.

[0134] In one exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may be, but is not limited to, a medium capable of storing various computer programs, such as a USB disk, a read-only memory (abbreviated as ROM), a random access memory (abbreviated as RAM), a removable hard disk, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0135] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an electronic device including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to perform the steps of any of the method embodiments above by running the computer program.

[0136] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device connected to the processor, and an input / output device connected to the processor.

[0137] For specific examples in this embodiment, reference can be made to the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary embodiments, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted here.

[0138] Clearly, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, each module or step of the present disclosure above can be implemented by a general-purpose computing device, can be centralized in a single computing device, or can be distributed across a network of multiple computing devices, can be implemented by computing device-executable program code so that they can be stored in a storage device and executed by a computing device, and in some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than shown here, or can be implemented by creating each of them in a separate integrated circuit module, or by creating multiple modules or steps among them in a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0139] The above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the principle of the present disclosure should be included within the protection scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0140] In the present disclosure, after a first terminal establishes a connection with a second terminal, the second terminal can display multiple network slices and control the modification of the network slice of the first terminal according to a command. This makes it possible to realize the display, selection, and switching of network slices during the network sharing process. Therefore, the problem of low network slice configuration efficiency can be solved, and the effect of improving the configuration efficiency of network slices can be achieved.

Claims

1. When a second terminal establishes a connection with a first terminal, the second terminal displays a network slice list, the network slice list including a plurality of first network slices, and the first network slices provide a network data service to the second terminal; and receiving a selection command by the second terminal, the selection command being for selecting a target network slice from the network slice list; a step in which the second terminal transmits a target identifier of the target network slice to the first terminal so that the first terminal switches a current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice that provides the network data service to the second terminal that is being used by the first terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal; How to switch network slices.

2. After the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, and before the second terminal displays the network slice list, The second terminal obtains a first network slice list of the first terminal; The second terminal obtains a second network slice list corresponding to a second account logged in to the second terminal; The second terminal merges the first network slice list and the second network slice list into the network slice list. The network slice switching method according to claim 1.

3. The step of the second terminal obtaining the second network slice list corresponding to the second account logged in to the second terminal includes: a step of the second terminal sending an acquisition request to a server corresponding to the second account, the acquisition request being for requesting the second network slice list; The second terminal receives the second network slice list returned from the server. A network slice switching method as described in claim 2.

4. After the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, after the second terminal displays the network slice list, further receiving a login command, the login command being for logging in to a target page, the target page including a second network slice; receiving a purchase command, the purchase command being for purchasing the second network slice; The network slice switching method according to claim 1.

5. After the step of receiving the purchase instruction, When the purchase of the second network slice is successful, integrating the second network slice into the network slice list. A network slice switching method as described in claim 4.

6. After the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the step of the second terminal displaying the network slice list includes: The second terminal displays a slice set menu name, a slice data rate, a slice network delay, and a slice name of each of the network slices in the network slice list. A network slice switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a step of receiving, by the first terminal, a switching command sent from the second terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, the switching command including a target identifier of a target network slice, the first terminal being used to provide a network data service to the second terminal using the target network slice, the target network slice being one network slice in a network slice list displayed on the second terminal, the network slice list including a plurality of network slices; a step of the first terminal switching a current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice that provides a data network service to the second terminal that is being used by the first terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal; How to switch network slices.

8. After the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, and before the first terminal receives a switching command transmitted from the second terminal, The method includes a step of the first terminal transmitting the first network slice list of the first terminal to the second terminal so that the second terminal merges the first network slice list and the second network slice list as the network slice list, the second network slice list being a network slice list corresponding to a second account logged in to the second terminal. A network slice switching method as described in claim 7.

9. The step of the first terminal switching the current network slice to the target network slice includes: The first terminal sends a data connection activation request to a wireless data connection virtual device interface, wherein the data connection activation request includes a target identifier of the target network slice; and the first terminal establishing a connection between the first terminal and the wireless data connection virtual device interface; A network slice switching method as described in claim 8.

10. When the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal, The first terminal includes a step of setting a system default network slice as the current network slice, or a step of setting a user-preset network slice as the current network slice. A network slice switching method as described in claim 7.

11. a display unit configured to display a network slice list when a second terminal establishes a connection with a first terminal, the network slice list including a plurality of first network slices, the first network slices providing network data services to the second terminal; and a first receiving unit configured to receive a selection command, the selection command being for selecting a target network slice from the network slice list; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit a target identifier of the target network slice to the first terminal so that the first terminal switches a current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice for providing the network data service to the second terminal that is being used by the first terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal; Second terminal.

12. a receiving unit that receives a switching command sent from a second terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with a first terminal, the switching command including a target identifier of a target network slice, the first terminal being configured to provide a network data service to the second terminal using the target network slice, the target network slice being one network slice in a network slice list displayed on the second terminal, the network slice list including a plurality of network slices; and a switching unit for switching a current network slice to the target network slice, the current network slice being a network slice that provides a data network service to the second terminal that is being used by the first terminal when the second terminal establishes a connection with the first terminal; The first terminal.

13. a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being arranged, when running, to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or any one of claims 7 to 10; A computer-readable storage medium.

14. a memory and a processor, The memory stores a computer program; The processor is arranged to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 or the method of any one of claims 7 to 10 by running the computer program. electronic equipment.

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