Method, apparatus, system and storage medium for limiting data rates for network slice users

Abstract

The present application relates to a method, device, and system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user, as well as a storage medium. The method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user comprises a policy control function network element performing uniform rate limiting on a guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data stream and a non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data stream of the network slice user when a user terminal issues a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request. The present application can achieve user data rate limiting in the network slice dimension.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from Chinese Application No. 202010783278.6, filed on August 6, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of mobile communications, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, system and storage medium for limiting data rates for network segments. [Background technology]

[0003] Network slicing technology is one of the key features of 5G mobile communication systems. In network slicing technology, multiple different logical networks are virtualized on a unified network infrastructure using virtualization technology, each serving different service and user requirements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user is proposed, which includes, when a user terminal issues a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request, performing unified rate limiting on a guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data stream and a non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data stream of the network slice user by a policy control function network element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of executing the unified rate limit on the GBR data stream and the non-GBR data stream of the network slice user comprises: acquiring, by the policy control function network element, a total rate of all current uplink data streams of a user plane in a terminal-activated state in the network slice and a total rate of all current downlink data streams of a user plane in a terminal-activated state in the network slice; comparing, by the policy control function network element, the total rate of all current uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of a terminal in the network slice and the total rate of all current downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of a terminal in the network slice; and executing, by the policy control function network element, the unified rate limit on the GBR data stream and the non-GBR data stream of the network slice user according to results of comparing the total rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of a terminal in the network slice and the total rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of a terminal in the network slice.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the unified rate limit for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user is set according to a result of comparing the sum rate of all the current uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of all the current downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, where the unified rate limit is set according to a result of comparing the sum rate of all the current uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of all the current downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice. and a transmitting step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range of the uplink data stream in the non-GBR to the user terminal or a user plane function network element to be executed via a session management function network element, when the total rate of the current all uplink data streams in the GBR is equal to or less than the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, by the policy control function network element, to obtain a first value by subtracting the total rate of the current all uplink data streams in the GBR from the maximum uplink rate of the terminal, and defining the first value as a rate range of the downlink data stream in the non-GBR.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the execution of the unified rate limiting for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user is performed in response to a result of comparing the sum rate of all the current uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and comparing the sum rate of all the current downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, where the sum rate of all the current uplink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of all the current downlink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice. and a transmission step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range of the downlink data stream in the non-GBR via a session management function network element to a user terminal or a user plane function network element to be executed, when the total rate of all the current downlink data streams in the GBR is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, by the policy control function network element, by subtracting the total rate of all the current downlink data streams in the GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value and defining the second value as a rate range of the downlink data stream in the non-GBR.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the execution of the unified rate limiting for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user is performed according to a result of comparing the sum rate of the current all uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of the current all downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice. In this case, when the sum rate of the current all uplink data streams is equal to or greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and a new CBR data stream exists to ensure that the sum rate of the current all uplink data streams is equal to or less than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, the policy control function network element may: the policy control function network element to obtain a first value by subtracting the total rate of all current uplink data streams in the GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal, and define the first value as a rate range in non-GBR; the policy control function network element to notify, via a session management function network element, the radio access network side devices that have address analysis protocol priorities lower than the predetermined priority and that should discontinue the uplink data stream in GBR; and the policy control function network element to transmit, via the session management function network element, the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to a user terminal or a user plane function network element to be executed.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slice data session establishment request or the slice data session modification request includes a terminal capability indicator that indicates whether the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session rate of the non-GBR data stream.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the transmitting step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR mode to a user terminal or a user plane function network element to be executed via the session management function network element, comprises transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range of the non-GBR data stream to the session management function network element, which is configured to determine that the user terminal supports a function to limit the slice session rate according to the terminal capability indicator, and transmitting, if the user terminal supports the function to limit the slice session rate, the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR mode to the user terminal to be executed, and transmitting, if the user terminal does not support the function to limit the slice session rate, the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR mode to the user plane function network element to be executed.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the execution of the unified rate limiting for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user by the policy control function network element in response to a result of comparing a sum rate of the current all uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and a sum rate of the current all downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, comprises: defining, by the policy control function network element, a downlink data stream in GBR having an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as a downlink data stream in GBR requested to be stopped, when the sum rate of the current all uplink data streams is greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, a new data stream in GBR exists, and the sum rate of the current all downlink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice; The method includes a step of, by the policy control function network element, subtracting the total rate of all the current downlink data streams in the GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value and defining the second value as a rate range of downlink data streams in non-GBR; a notification step of, by the policy control function network element, notifying, via a session management function network element, radio access network side devices that have the address analysis protocol priority lower than the predetermined priority and should stop the downlink data stream in GBR; and a transmission step of, by the policy control function network element, transmitting, via the session management function network element, the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR to a user terminal or a user plane function network element to be executed.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a policy control function network element is provided, comprising: a rate limiting module configured to perform unified rate limiting on guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data streams and non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data streams of a network slice user when a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request is issued in a user terminal.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the policy control function network element performs operations to implement a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user as described in any of the previous embodiments.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a policy control function network element, comprising: a memory for storing instructions; and a processor for executing the instructions to cause the policy control function network element to perform a method for limiting a data rate of a network slice user as described in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for limiting a data rate of a network slice user, the system comprising: a policy control function network element according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user includes a session management function network element that, when a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request is issued in a user terminal, requests a session management policy from the policy control function network element, the session management policy including a rate range for an uplink data stream in non-GBR, a rate range for a downlink data stream in non-GBR, and an instruction to stop the downlink data stream in GBR and the uplink data stream in GBR, receives the session management policy transmitted from the policy control function network element, transmits the rate range for the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the user terminal or a user plane function network element to execute, transmits the rate range for the downlink data stream in non-GBR to the user plane function network element to execute, and notifies the radio access network side device to stop the uplink data stream in GBR or the downlink data stream in GBR with an address analysis protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user further includes a user terminal that transmits a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request, wherein the slice data session establishment request or the slice data session modification request includes a terminal capability indicator that indicates whether the user terminal supports a function for limiting the slice session rate of the data stream in non-GBR and performs rate modification of the data stream in non-GBR.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user further includes a user plane function network element that implements at least one of a rate range for an uplink data stream in non-GBR and a rate range for a downlink data stream in non-GBR.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a method for limiting a data rate of a network slice user as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0020] In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or related technologies, the accompanying drawings that need to be used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies are briefly introduced below. It is apparent that the accompanying drawings shown below are merely a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art may obtain other accompanying drawings according to these accompanying drawings on the premise that no inventive efforts are involved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a method for limiting the data rate of network slice users according to the present disclosure; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of network slice users according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a policy control function network element of the present disclosure in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a policy control function network element according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are explicitly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and does not limit the present disclosure and its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without involving inventive efforts fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and values described in these examples do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] At the same time, it should be understood that for ease of illustration, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings have not been drawn to scale.

[0025] Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the relevant art may not be described in detail, although the techniques, methods, and apparatus will form part of the given description where appropriate.

[0026] Among all examples shown and discussed herein, any particular value should be construed as merely exemplary, not limiting, and thus other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0027] It should be noted that in the following accompanying drawings, like reference numerals and letters indicate like items, so that once an item is defined in one accompanying drawing, the same item will need to be further discussed in subsequent accompanying drawings.

[0028] The new requirement described in the 3GPP R17 (5G Evolution Standard) research report TR23.700-40 aims to limit the data rate of network slice users. No corresponding solution has been disclosed in the related art.

[0029] In consideration of at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, the present disclosure provides a method, a device, and a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user, as well as a storage medium capable of implementing rate limiting of user data in the network slice dimension.

[0030] 1 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment can be performed by a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure or a policy control function network element according to the present disclosure. The method includes the following step 11.

[0031] In step 11, if the user terminal issues a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request, the PCF (Policy Control Function) network element executes the guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data stream and the non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data stream of the network slice user.

[0032] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure can implement limiting of user data rates in the network slice dimension.

[0033] 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment may be performed by a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure or a policy control function network element according to the present disclosure. The method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure (i.e., step 11 in the embodiment of FIG. 1) may include at least one of steps 21 to 23.

[0034] In step 21, when a user terminal issues a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request, the policy control function network element obtains the total current rate of all uplink data streams of terminals with active user planes in the network slice and the total current rate of all downlink data streams of terminals with active user planes in the network slice.

[0035] In step 22, the policy control function network element compares the sum rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, and compares the sum rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, respectively.

[0036] In step 23, the policy control function network element performs unified rate limiting on the GBR data streams and non-GBR data streams of the network slice user depending on the comparison result between the current sum rate of all upstream streams and the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the comparison result between the current sum rate of all downlink data streams and the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice.

[0037] 3 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment may be performed by a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure or a policy control function network element according to the present disclosure. The method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure may include at least one step from 301 to 317.

[0038] In step 301, a UE (user equipment) issues a 5G network sliced data PDU (protocol data unit) session establishment request or a network sliced data PDU session modification request, where the sliced data session establishment request or the sliced data session modification request includes a terminal capability indicator, and the terminal capability indicator is configured to indicate whether the user equipment supports a function for limiting the sliced session rate of a non-GBR data stream.

[0039] In step 302, the SMF (Session Management Function) network element stores a capability indicator configured to indicate whether the UE supports the function of limiting the slice session rate.

[0040] In step 303, the SMF network element requests an SM (Session Management) policy from the PCF network element.

[0041] In step 304, the PCF network element compares the sum rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, and compares the sum rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice. If the sum rate of all current uplink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of all current downlink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, step 305 is executed. Otherwise, if the sum rate of all current uplink data streams is greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice or the sum rate of all current downlink data streams is greater than the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, step 310 is executed.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a Unified Data Repository (UDR) device of a PCF network element is pre-stored with the maximum uplink rate and the maximum downlink rate of a terminal in a network slice.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, two subscription parameters stored in the PCF (UDR) device are used, namely, slice-UL (uplink)-AMBR (aggregate maximum bit rate) and slice-DL (downlink)-AMBR, which represent the maximum uplink rate of a terminal in a network slice and the maximum downlink rate of a terminal in a network slice, respectively.

[0044] In step 305, for the uplink data stream, the PCF network element subtracts the total rate of all current uplink data streams in GBR from the terminal's maximum uplink rate in GBR to obtain a first value, and defines the first value as the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 305 involves the PCF network element subtracting the GBR sum rate of all currently active uplink streams in GBR from the slice-UL-AMBR to obtain a first value, and defining the first value as a rate range for uplink data streams in non-GBR.

[0046] In step 306, for the downlink data stream, the PCF network element subtracts the sum rate at GBR of all current downlink data streams at GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value, and defines the second value as the rate range of the downlink data stream at non-GBR.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 306 involves the PCF network element subtracting the sum rate in GBR of all current downlink streams in the active GBR from the slice-DL-AMBR to obtain a second value, and defining the second value as the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR.

[0048] In step 307, the PCF network element responds with SM policy information to the SMF network element, where the SM policy information includes a rate range for the uplink data stream in non-GBR and a rate range for the data stream downlink in non-GBR.

[0049] In step 308, the SMF network element sends the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the user terminal or a UPF (User Plane Function) network element for execution.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 308 may include at least one of steps 3081 to 3083.

[0051] In step 3081, the session management function network element determines whether the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session rate according to the terminal capability indicator.

[0052] In step 3082, if the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session rate, the session management function network element sends the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the user terminal for execution.

[0053] In step 3083, if the user terminal does not support the function of limiting the slice session rate, the session management function network element sends the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the non-GBR user plane function network element.

[0054] In step 309, the session management function network element sends the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR to the user plane function network element for execution.

[0055] In step 310, if there is a request for a new data stream in the GBR, the PCF decides to stop some data streams in the GBR with low priority according to the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) priority, ensuring that the current total uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed the slice-UL / DL-AMBR.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 310 may include at least one of steps 3101 to 3102.

[0057] In step 3101, if the total rate of all current uplink data streams is greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and there is a new data stream in the GBR, the policy control function network element takes an uplink data stream in the GBR with an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as an uplink data stream in the GBR to be stopped according to the address resolution protocol, so as to ensure that the total rate of all current uplink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice.

[0058] In step 3102, if the total rate of all current uplink data streams is greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and there is a new data stream in the GBR, the policy control function network element takes a downlink data stream in the GBR with an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as a downlink data stream in the GBR to be stopped according to the address resolution protocol so that all current downlink data streams are less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice.

[0059] In some disclosed embodiments, step 310 may include: first, determining whether the total rate of all current uplink / downlink data streams exceeds slice-UL / DL-AMBR, and if the total rate of all current uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed slice-UL / DL-AMBR, determining that a data stream at a lower priority GBR is a GBR data stream that needs to be stopped, and if the total rate of all current uplink data streams is still greater than slice-UL-AMBR or if the total rate of all current downlink data streams is still greater than slice-DL-AMBR, stopping another GBR data stream with a lower priority until the total rate of all current uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed slice-UL / DL-AMBR.

[0060] In step 312, for the uplink data stream, the PCF network element subtracts the sum rate at GBR of all current uplink data streams at GBR from the maximum uplink rate of the terminal to obtain a first value, and defines the first value as the rate range of the uplink data stream at non-GBR.

[0061] In step 313, for the downlink data stream, the PCF network element subtracts the GBR sum rate of all current downlink data streams at GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value, and defines the second value as the rate range of the downlink data stream at non-GBR.

[0062] In step 314, the PCF network element responds with the SM policy information to the SMF network element, such that the SM policy information comprises a rate range for an uplink data stream in non-GBR, a rate range for a downlink data stream in non-GBR, and an uplink data stream in GBR and / or a downlink data stream in GBR to be stopped.

[0063] In step 315, the SMF network element notifies the RAN (Radio Access Network) side device to adjust the resources of the GBR streams and stop some GBR streams with low priority.

[0064] In some disclosed embodiments, step 315 may include the SMF network element notifying the RAN side to adjust resources of GBR streams and stop some uplink data streams in GBR and / or downlink data streams in GBR with lower priority according to the SM policy information.

[0065] In step 316, the SMF network element sends the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the user terminal or the UPF network element for execution.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 316 is the same as or similar to step 308, and step 316 may also include steps 3081 through 3083.

[0067] In step 317, the session management function network element transmits the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR that the user plane function network element performs.

[0068] Based on the method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user provided by the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to limit the user data rate directed to the network slice dimension so as to achieve unified rate limiting of GBR and non-GBR data streams of a network slice terminal, which leads to rational allocation of network slice resources and optimized transmission efficiency of data streams in the network slice.

[0069] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure make it possible to optimize the transmission efficiency of data streams in 5G network slices when 5G network slices are deployed in the future.

[0070] 4 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment may be performed by a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure or a policy control function network element according to the present disclosure. This embodiment is a scenario in which the PCF determines that the total rate of the current user plane uplink / downlink data streams in the active state does not exceed the slice-UL / DL-AMBR (e.g., the scenario from step 301 to step 309 in the embodiment of FIG. 3). The method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 41 to 49.

[0071] In step 41, the UE sends a sliced data PDU session establishment request or a sliced data PDU session modification request to an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element, where the sliced data session establishment request or the sliced data session modification request includes a terminal capability indicator, a DNN (Data Network Name), and an S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), and the terminal capability indicator is configured to indicate whether the user equipment supports a function for limiting the sliced session rate of a data stream in non-GBR.

[0072] In step 42, the AMF network element sends an SM context create / update request (session management context create / update request) to the SMF network element.

[0073] In step 43, the SMF network element stores a capability indicator configured to indicate whether the UE supports the function of limiting the slice session rate.

[0074] In step 44, the SMF network element requests the PCF network element to establish an SM policy.

[0075] In step 45, the PCF network element determines that the total rate of the current user plane uplink / downlink data streams in the active state is less than or equal to slice-UL / DL-AMBR, and calculates the rate range of the uplink / downlink data streams in non-GBR.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 45 may comprise at least one of step 451 and step 452.

[0077] In step 451, for the uplink data stream, the PCF network element subtracts the sum rate at GBR of all current uplink data streams at GBR from the maximum uplink rate of the terminal to obtain a first value, and the first value is defined as the rate range of the uplink data stream at non-GBR.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 451 may comprise the PCF network element subtracting the GBR sum rate of all currently active uplink streams at GBR from the Slice-UL-AMBR to obtain a first value, which is defined as a rate range for the uplink data streams at non-GBR.

[0079] In step 452, for the downlink data stream, the PCF network element subtracts the sum rate at GBR of all current downlink data streams at GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value, and defines the second value as the rate range of the downlink data stream at non-GBR.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 452 may include the PCF network element subtracting the sum rate at GBR of all current downlink streams at GBR in the active state from Slice-DL-AMBR to obtain a second value, and defining the second value as the rate range for the downlink data stream at non-GBR.

[0081] In step 46, the PCF network element sends the SM policy (including the rate ranges of the uplink / downlink data streams in non-GBR) to the SMF network element.

[0082] In step 47, the SMF network element sends the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR to the UPF to use (alternative solution to step 49: the SMF network element sends the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the UPF to use).

[0083] In step 48, the SMF network element responds with an SM context create / update response (session management context create / update response) to the AMF network element.

[0084] In step 49, the step of establishing / modifying the PDU session is completed (if the UE supports the function of limiting the slice session rate, the network side device sends the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the UE to use).

[0085] In the above embodiment of the present disclosure, if the total rate of the current uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed the slice-UL / DL-AMRR for the uplink data stream, the PCF subtracts the total rate in GBR of all current uplink streams in GBR from the slice-UL-AMRR as the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR, and sends the rate range of the non-GBR data stream uplink via the SMF to the UE that supports the function of limiting the slice session rate (if the UE does not support this function, an alternative solution is for the SMF to send corresponding parameters to the UPF device for execution). For the downlink data stream, the PCF uses a similar method to obtain the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR, and sends the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR to the UPF device for execution.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment may be performed by a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure or a policy control function network element according to the present disclosure. This embodiment is a scenario in which the PCF determines that the total rate of the currently active user plane uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed the slice-UL / DL-AMBR (e.g., steps 301 to 304 and steps 310 to 317 in the embodiment of FIG. 3). The method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure may include at least one of steps 51 to 59.

[0087] In step 51, the UE sends a sliced data PDU session establishment request or a sliced data PDU session modification request to an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element via the RAN. The sliced data session establishment request or the sliced data session modification request comprises a terminal capability indicator, a DNN (Data Network Name), and an S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), where the terminal capability indicator indicates whether the user terminal supports the function of limiting the sliced session rate of a non-GBR data stream.

[0088] In step 52, the AMF network element sends an SM context create / update request (session management context create / update request) to the SMF network element.

[0089] In step 53, the SMF network element stores a capability indicator configured to indicate whether the UE supports the function of limiting the slice session rate.

[0090] In step 54, the SMF network element requests the PCF network element to establish an SM policy.

[0091] In step 55, the PCF network element determines that the total rate of the currently active user plane uplink / downlink data streams is greater than Slice-UL / DL-AMBR, determines that there are new data streams in GBR, and determines to stop some data streams in GBR with lower priority according to the ARP priority, and calculates the rate range of the uplink / downlink data streams in non-GBR.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 55 may include at least one of steps 551 to 553.

[0093] In step 551, the policy control function network element determines a downlink data stream in the GBR with an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as a downlink data stream in the GBR that should be stopped according to its address resolution protocol priority, if the total rate of all current downlink data streams is greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and ensures that, if there is a new data stream in the GBR, the total rate of all current downlink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice.

[0094] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 551 includes first determining whether the total rate of all current uplink / downlink data streams exceeds slice-UL / DL-AMBR; if the total rate of all current uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed slice-UL / DL-AMBR, determining that a data stream in a GBR with a lower priority is a data stream in a GBR that should be stopped; if the total rate of all current uplink data streams is still greater than slice-UL-AMBR or if the total rate of all current downlink data streams is still greater than slice-DL-AMBR, stopping a data stream in another GBR with a lower priority until the total rate of all current uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed slice-UL / DL-AMBR.

[0095] In step 552, for the uplink data stream, the PCF network element determines a first value by subtracting the sum rate at GBR of all current uplink data streams at GBR from the maximum uplink rate of the terminal, and defines the first value as the rate range of the uplink data stream at non-GBR.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 552 comprises the PCF network element subtracting the sum rate at GBR of all currently active uplink streams at GBR from the Slice-UL-AMBR to obtain a first value, and defining the first value as a rate range for the uplink data streams at non-GBR.

[0097] In step 553, for the downlink data stream, the PCF network element subtracts the sum rate at GBR of all current downlink data streams at GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value, and defines the second value as the rate range of the downlink data stream at non-GBR.

[0098] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 553 involves the PCF network element subtracting the total GBR rate of all currently active GBR downlink streams from Slice-DL-AMBR to obtain a second value, and defining the second value as the rate range for the non-GBR downlink data streams.

[0099] In step 56, the PCF network element sends the SM policy (including the rate ranges of the uplink data streams in GBR and / or the downlink data streams in GBR and the uplink / downlink data streams in non-GBR to be stopped) to the SMF network element.

[0100] In step 57, the SMF network element sends the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR to the UPF to use (alternative solution to step 59: the SMF network element sends the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the UPF to use).

[0101] In step 58, the SMF network element responds to the AMF network element with a Create / Update SM Context Response (Create / Update Session Management Context Response), which includes informing the RAN to stop the specific GBR data stream.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, step 58 may include the SMF network element informing the RAN side device to adjust resources of the GBR streams and stop uplink data streams in some GBRs with lower priority and / or downlink data streams in GBRs according to the SM policy information.

[0103] In step 59, the step of establishing / modifying the PDU session is completed (if the UE supports the function of limiting the slice session rate, the network side device sends to the UE the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR).

[0104] In the above embodiment of the present disclosure, when the total rate of the current uplink / downlink data streams may exceed Slice-UL / DL-AMRR and there is a request for a new data stream in GBR, the PCF informs the RAN side device to stop some data streams in GBR with lower priority according to ARP priority so that the total rate of all the current uplink / downlink data streams does not exceed Slice-UL / DL-AMRR; then, the PCF calculates the rate range of the uplink / downlink data streams in non-GBR according to the same method as before; Should be used Rate range of uplink / downlink data streams for non-GBR of Send to UPF device (alternative solution is non-GBR Should be used Uplink Data Stream Rate Range of (sent to the UE).

[0105] In the above embodiment of the present disclosure, it is provided to add two subscription parameters stored in the PCF (UDR) device, namely slice-UL-AMBR and slice-DL-AMBR, which represent the maximum uplink / downlink rates of a terminal in a network slice.

[0106] In the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, rate limiting for GBR and non-GBR data streams of a user accessing a network slice of a 5G system is achieved by storing, calculating, and analyzing corresponding subscription parameters, transmitting rate limiting information, and executing a rate limiting policy.

[0107] 6 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a policy control function network element of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 6, the policy control function network element of the present disclosure may include a rate limiting module 61.

[0108] The rate limiting module 61 is configured to perform unified rate limiting on guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data streams and non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data streams of a network slice user when a user terminal issues a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slice data session establishment request or slice data session modification request may include a terminal capability indicator, which is configured to indicate whether the user terminal supports the ability to limit the slice session rate of a data stream in non-GBR.

[0110] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 6, the policy control function network element of the present disclosure may further include a rate acquisition module 62 and a rate comparison module 63.

[0111] The rate acquisition module 62 is configured to acquire, when a user terminal issues (or transmits) a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request, the total rate of all current uplink data streams of the terminal active user plane in the network slice and the total rate of all current downlink data streams of the terminal active user plane in the network slice.

[0112] The rate comparison module 63 is configured to compare the sum rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, and to compare the sum rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice.

[0113] The rate limiting module 61 is configured to perform unified rate limiting on the GBR data streams and non-GBR data streams of the network slice user depending on the comparison result between the total rate of all current uplink data and the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, and the comparison result between the total rate of all current downlink data streams and the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice.

[0114] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rate limiting module 61 subtracts a sum rate in GBR of all current uplink data streams in GBR from a maximum uplink rate of the terminal to obtain a first value, defines the first value as a rate range of the uplink data streams in non-GBR, and determines whether the sum rate of all current uplink data streams is equal to or less than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and whether the sum rate of all current downlink data streams is equal to or less than the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice: Should be used Rate range of uplink data streams for non-GBR of User terminal or user plane function network element Session Management Function via Network Elements Send.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rate limiting module 61 subtracts a GBR sum rate of all current downlink data streams at GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value, and defines the second value as a rate range for the non-GBR data streams, such that if the sum rate of all current uplink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of all current downlink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, use The range of downlink stream rates for non-GBR of User Plane Function Network Element Session Management Function via Network Elements Send.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the sum rate of all current uplink data streams is greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and new data streams in the GBR exist, the rate limiting module 61 acquires uplink data streams in the GBR with an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as uplink data streams in the GBR to be stopped, ensuring that all current uplink data streams are equal to or less than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice; subtracts the sum rate of all current uplink data streams in the GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a first value, defines the first value as a rate range of uplink data streams in the non-GBR; and notifies the radio access network side device via the session management function network element to stop the uplink data streams in the GBR with an address resolution protocol priority lower than the predetermined priority; Should be used Rate range of uplink data streams for non-GBR of User terminal or user plane function network element Session Management Function via Network Elements It can also be configured to transmit.

[0117] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rate limiting module 61 is configured to limit the session management function of the network element. Should be used Rate range of uplink data streams for non-GBR of To the user equipment or user plane function network element Session Management Function via Network Elements When transmitting, the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR is transmitted to the session management function network element, so that the session management function network element determines whether the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session rate according to the terminal capability indicator, and if the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session, Should be used Rate range of uplink data streams for non-GBR of If the user terminal does not support the slice session rate limiting function, Should be used Rate range of uplink data streams for non-GBR of It may be sent to a user plane function network element.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the sum rate of all current downlink data streams is greater than the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice and there is a new data stream in the GBR, the rate limiting module 61 acquires downlink data streams in the GBR with an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as downlink data streams in the GBR to be stopped, ensures that all current downlink data streams are equal to or lower than the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, subtracts the sum rate in the GBR of all current downlink data streams in the GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to acquire a second value, defines the second value as a rate range of downlink data streams in non-GBR, and notifies the radio access network side device via the session management function network element to stop the downlink data streams in the GBR with an address resolution protocol priority lower than the predetermined priority; Should be used The rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR is specified to the user plane function network element. Session Management Function via Network Elements Send.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a policy control function network element may be configured to perform operations implementing a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user in accordance with any one of the above embodiments (e.g., any one of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5).

[0120] Based on the policy control function network element provided in the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure, rate limiting for GBR data streams and non-GBR data streams of a user accessing a network slice of a 5G system is achieved by storing, calculating and analyzing corresponding subscription parameters, issuing rate limiting information, and executing rate limiting policies.

[0121] In the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, for the technical solution of limiting the rate of a data connection established for a user accessing a network slice, it is necessary to consider that the data streams in GBR therein are guaranteed the required guaranteed bit rate, and a rate upper limit range is set mainly for data streams for non-GBR.

[0122] The foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to all scenarios of 5G network slice data services.

[0123] 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a policy control function network element according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the policy control function network element of the present disclosure may include a memory 71 and a processor 72.

[0124] The memory 71 is configured to store instructions.

[0125] The processor 72 is configured to execute the instructions, such that the policy control function network element is configured to perform operations that implement a method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to any of the embodiments described above (e.g., any of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5).

[0126] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to solutions for limiting user data rates in the network slice dimension. The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure provide unified data rate limits for GBR and non-GBR data streams of a network slice user. When 5G network slices are deployed in the future, the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure can optimize data streams within the 5G network slice.

[0127] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user, comprising a policy control function network element according to any of the aforementioned embodiments (e.g., the embodiments of Figures 6 to 7).

[0128] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams of a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, a system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to the present disclosure may include a policy control function network element (PCF) 1.

[0129] The policy control function network element 1 may be configured to perform unified rate limiting on guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data streams and non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data streams of a network slice user when the user terminal issues a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request.

[0130] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a policy control function network element (PCF) 1 may comprise a UDR.

[0131] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the policy control function network element (PCF) 1 may be implemented as a policy control function network element according to any of the previously described embodiments (e.g., the embodiments of Figures 6 to 7).

[0132] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user may further include a session management function network element (SMF) 2.

[0133] the session management function network element 2, when the user terminal issues a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request, requests a session management policy from the policy control function network element, and receives the session management policy sent by the policy control function network element, the session management policy including a rate range for an uplink data stream in non-GBR, a rate range for a downlink data stream in non-GBR, and a stop command for the downlink data stream in GBR or the uplink data stream in GBR; Should be used Rate range of uplink data streams for non-GBR of a user equipment or user plane function network element to indicate the rate range of the downlink data stream in non-GBR mode; use and notifies the radio access network side device to stop uplink data streams in GBR or downlink data streams in GBR that have an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority.

[0134] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user may further include a user equipment (UE) 3.

[0135] The user terminal 3 is configured to send a sliced data session establishment request or a sliced data session modification request, the sliced data session establishment request or the sliced data session modification request indicating whether the user terminal supports a function for limiting the sliced session rate of the non-GBR data stream and implementing the rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR sent by the session management function network element 2.

[0136] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user may further include a user plane function network element (UPF) 4.

[0137] The user plane function network element 4 may be configured to implement the rate range of the non-GBR uplink data stream and / or the rate range of the non-GBR downlink data stream transmitted by the session management function network element 2.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user may further include an Access and Mobility Management Function network element (AMF) 5.

[0139] The access and mobility management function network element 5 may be configured to send a session management context creation / update request to the SMF network element when a sliced data PDU session establishment request or a sliced data PDU session modification request is sent by the user terminal 3.

[0140] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 5, the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user may further include a radio access network (RAN) 6.

[0141] The radio access network 6 may be configured to adjust the resources of the GBR streams according to the notification of the SMF network element and stop some GBR uplink data streams and / or GBR downlink data streams with low priority.

[0142] Based on the system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user provided by the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, only software updates are required without changing hardware. When 5G network slices are deployed in the future, the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the transmission efficiency of GBR and non-GBR data streams and optimize resource utilization of 5G network slices.

[0143] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a method for limiting a data rate of a network slice user according to any of the aforementioned embodiments (e.g., any of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5).

[0144] Based on the computer-readable storage medium provided by the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to limit user data rates directed to the network slice dimension and realize unified rate limiting across the network in GBR and non-GBR network slice elements, which leads to rational allocation of network slice resources and optimized transmission efficiency of data streams within the network slice.

[0145] The aforementioned policy control function network elements, session management function network elements, and user terminals may be implemented as general-purpose processors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware assemblies, or any suitable combination thereof, configured to perform the functions described in this application.

[0146] The present disclosure has been described in detail above. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details that are well known in the art are not described. According to the above description, those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0147] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the above embodiments can be achieved by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0148] The description of the present disclosure, given for purposes of illustration and explanation, is not exhaustive or intended to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are chosen to better explain the principles and practical applications of the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the disclosure and to design various embodiments, including various modifications, to suit their particular purposes.

Claims

1. 1. A method for limiting a data rate of a network slice user, comprising: When a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request is issued in a user terminal, a policy control function network element performs unified rate limiting on a guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data stream and a non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data stream of a network slice user, wherein the slice data session establishment request or the slice data session modification request includes a terminal capability indicator, and the terminal capability indicator indicates whether the user terminal supports a function for limiting the slice session rate of a non-GBR data stream; The execution of the unified rate limiting by the policy control function network element on the GBR data stream and the non-GBR data stream of the network slice user includes: a step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, a rate range for the uplink data stream in non-GBR to a session management function network element, wherein the session management function network element determines whether the user terminal supports a function for limiting the slice session rate according to the terminal capability indicator, and transmits to the user terminal the rate range for the uplink data stream in non-GBR to be used if the user terminal supports the function for limiting the slice session rate, and transmits to a user plane function network element the rate range for the uplink data stream in non-GBR to be used if the user terminal does not support the function for limiting the slice session rate.

2. The step of performing the unified rate limiting for the GBR data stream and the non-GBR data stream of the network slice user includes: Acquiring, by the policy control function network element, a total rate of all current uplink data streams of user planes in a terminal-activated state in the network slice and a total rate of all current downlink data streams of user planes in a terminal-activated state in the network slice; a comparison step by the policy control function network element comparing the total rate of the current all uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of a terminal in the network slice, and comparing the total rate of the current all downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of a terminal in the network slice; 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: performing, by the policy control function network element, the unified rate limiting for the GBR data stream and the non-GBR data stream of the network slice user in response to a result of comparing a sum rate of all current uplink data streams with a maximum uplink rate of a terminal in the network slice and a sum rate of all current downlink data streams with a maximum downlink rate of a terminal in the network slice. method.

3. The execution by the policy control function network element of the unified rate limiting for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user in response to the comparison of the total rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of terminals in the network slice and the comparison of the total rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of terminals in the network slice, comprises: When the sum rate of all current uplink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of all current downlink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, subtracting, by the policy control function network element, the sum rate of all current uplink data streams in GBR from the maximum uplink rate of the terminal to obtain a first value, and defining the first value as a rate range of uplink data streams in non-GBR; and a transmitting step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range for the uplink data stream in the non-GBR to be used to a user terminal or a user plane function network element via a session management function network element. method.

4. The execution of the unified rate limiting by the policy control function network element for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user in response to the comparison of the total rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of terminals in the network slice and the comparison of the total rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of terminals in the network slice, comprises: When the sum rate of all current uplink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the sum rate of all current downlink data streams is less than or equal to the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, subtracting, by the policy control function network element, the sum rate of all current downlink data streams in GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value, and defining the second value as a rate range of downlink data streams in non-GBR; and transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range for the downlink data stream in the non-GBR to be used to a user terminal or a user plane function network element via a session management function network element.

5. The execution of the unified rate limiting by the policy control function network element for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user in response to the comparison of the total rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of terminals in the network slice and the comparison of the total rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of terminals in the network slice, comprises: When the total rate of all current uplink data streams is equal to or greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and a new GBR data stream exists to ensure that the total rate of all current uplink data streams is equal to or less than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, defining, by the policy control function network element, an uplink data stream in GBR having an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as an uplink in GBR requested to be discontinued; subtracting, by the policy control function network element, the total rate of all the current uplink data streams in the GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a first value, and defining the first value as a rate range in the non-GBR; a notification step of notifying, by the policy control function network element, via a session management function network element, a radio access network side device that has an address resolution protocol priority lower than the predetermined priority and should stop the uplink data stream in GBR; and a transmitting step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range for the uplink data stream in the non-GBR to be used to a user terminal or a user plane function network element via a session management function network element.

6. The transmitting step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range of the uplink data stream in the non-GBR to be used to a user terminal or a user plane function network element via the session management function network element, comprises: transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range of the non-GBR data stream to the session management function network element, the session management function network element being configured to determine that the user terminal supports a function for limiting the slice session rate according to the terminal capability indicator; 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising transmitting a rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to be used to the user terminal when the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session rate, and transmitting a rate range of the uplink data stream in non-GBR to the user plane function network element when the user terminal does not support the function of limiting the slice session rate. method.

7. The execution of the unified rate limiting by the policy control function network element for the GBR data streams and the non-GBR data streams of the network slice user in response to the comparison of the total rate of all current uplink data streams with the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice and the comparison of the total rate of all current downlink data streams with the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, comprises: By the policy control function network element, when the total rate of all the current uplink data streams is greater than the maximum uplink rate of the terminal in the network slice, a new data stream in GBR exists, and the total rate of all the current downlink data streams is equal to or less than the maximum downlink rate of the terminal in the network slice, define, by the policy control function network element, a downlink data stream in GBR having an address analysis protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority as a downlink data stream in GBR that is requested to be stopped; subtracting, by the policy control function network element, the total rate of all the current downlink data streams in the GBR from the maximum downlink rate of the terminal to obtain a second value, and defining the second value as a rate range of downlink data streams in the non-GBR; a notification step of notifying, by the policy control function network element, via a session management function network element, a radio access network side device that has the address analysis protocol priority lower than the predetermined priority and should stop the downlink data stream in GBR; and a transmitting step of transmitting, by the policy control function network element, the rate range for the downlink data stream in the non-GBR to be used to a user terminal or a user plane function network element via the session management function network element.

8. a memory for storing instructions; A processor that executes the instructions to perform operations by which the policy control function network element performs the method for limiting the data rate of a network slice user according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A policy control function network element comprising:

9. A policy control function network element including a rate limiting module that performs unified rate limiting on guaranteed bit rate (GBR) data streams and non-guaranteed bit rate (non-GBR) data streams of a network slice user when a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session modification request is issued in a user terminal, The slice data session establishment request or the slice data session modification request comprises a terminal capability indicator, and the terminal capability indicator indicates whether the user terminal supports a function for limiting a slice session rate of a non-GBR data stream; The rate limiting module is configured to transmit a rate range of an uplink data stream in the non-GBR to a session management function network element; The session management function network element is configured to determine whether the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session rate according to the terminal capability indicator, transmit to the user terminal the rate range of the uplink data stream in the non-GBR to be used if the user terminal supports the function of limiting the slice session rate, and transmit to a user plane function network element the rate range of the uplink data stream in the non-GBR to be used if the user terminal does not support the function of limiting the slice session rate.

10. A policy control function network element according to any one of claims 8 to 9; The user terminal is configured to transmit the slice data session establishment request or the slice data session modification request, wherein the slice data session establishment request or the slice data session modification request includes a terminal capability indicator that indicates whether the user terminal supports a function for limiting a slice session rate of the non-GBR data stream and is configured to use a rate range of an uplink data stream in non-GBR; A system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user, comprising:

11. Furthermore, when a slice data session establishment request or a slice data session change request is issued in the user terminal, the policy control function network element requests a session management policy, the session management policy including a rate range for an uplink data stream in non-GBR, a rate range for a downlink data stream in non-GBR, and an instruction to stop the downlink data stream in GBR and the uplink data stream in GBR, receives the session management policy sent from the policy control function network element, sends the rate range for the uplink data stream in non-GBR to be used to the user terminal or the user plane function network element, and sends the rate range for the downlink data stream in non-GBR to be used to the user plane function network element; The system according to claim 10, further comprising a session management function network element configured to notify a radio access network side device that an uplink data stream in GBR or the downlink data stream in GBR should be discontinued with an address resolution protocol priority lower than a predetermined priority.

12. The system described in claim 10 or 11, further comprising a user plane function network element that uses at least one of a rate range for an uplink data stream in non-GBR and a rate range for a downlink data stream in non-GBR.

13. A system for limiting the data rate of a network slice user, comprising a policy control function network element according to claim 8 or 9.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method for limiting the data rate of network slice users according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images