Handover method, device, network function and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a handover method, an apparatus, a network function, and a storage medium, the handover method including: a first network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to one or more user equipments (UEs) based on location information of each UE; and the first network function determining to transfer or transmit a data subscription or a data request for the one or more UEs to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is filed based on and claims priority to a Chinese patent application having application number 202111322041.9 and filing date November 9, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly to a handover method, an apparatus, a network function, and a storage medium. [Background technology]

[0003] As a core network data collection coordination node, the data collection area of ​​the DCCF is fixed, and a data source network function (NF) or data source NF set in the same area should only be associated with one DCCF instance or DCCF set. Therefore, there are scenarios where a DCCF needs to be reselected due to changes in user mobility. When the user equipment (UE) location moves, the current DCCF may not be able to provide data consumers with data after the UE location moves. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a handover method, an apparatus, a network function, and a storage medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure are realized as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a handover method, the handover method comprising: The first network function selects or discovers a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of the one or more UEs; The first network function determines to forward or transmit a data subscription or a data request for the one or more UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0007] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes: the first network function sending a first message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the first message including first parameters, the first parameters including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, identifiers of the one or more UEs, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), an NF type, an NF set identifier, a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; The method further includes the first network function receiving a second message sent by the third network function, wherein the second message includes a second parameter, and the second parameter includes at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes forwarding or transmitting the data subscriptions or data requests of the UEs corresponding to the first network function to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the first network function forwarding or transmitting the corresponding UE's data subscription or data request to the corresponding second network function for each UE includes: The first network function sends a third message to a second network function corresponding to each UE, wherein the third message is used to forward or transmit a data subscription or data request for each UE to a fifth network function, and the third message includes related information of the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes the first network function receiving a fourth message sent by the fifth network function, the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fourth message including a third parameter, the third parameter including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; Or, the first network function may receive a fifth message sent from the fifth network function via a fourth network function, the fifth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fifth message including at least the third parameter.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function sending a sixth message to the fifth network function or the fourth network function, the sixth message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs, and the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function sending a seventh message for unsubscribing to a sixth network function, the sixth network function supporting the provision of data to the one or more UEs.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function determining or discovering a sixth network function via the third network function and collecting or subscribing to data for the one or more UEs via the sixth network function, wherein the sixth network function supports providing the data for the one or more UEs.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, determining or discovering a sixth network function via the third network function comprises the first network function sending an eighth message to the third network function for determining or discovering a sixth network function, the eighth message including the third parameter;

[0015] The first network function receives a ninth message sent by the third network function, the ninth message including at least a fourth parameter, the fourth parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier.

[0016] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, collecting or subscribing to data of the one or more UEs via the sixth network function includes the first network function sending a tenth message to the sixth network function, the tenth message being used to collect or subscribe to data of the one or more UEs, and the tenth message including at least the third parameter.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function determining or subscribing to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0018] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover method, the handover method including: a second network function receiving a data subscription or a data request from the first network function, the fourth network function or the fifth network function, the data subscription or the data request being used to forward or transmit a corresponding data subscription or data request of one or more UEs; The second network function determines or discovers a sixth network function via a third network function and subscribes to or requests data regarding the one or more UEs from the sixth network function, the sixth network function supporting the provision of data to the one or more UEs.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the second network function sending an eleventh message to the fifth network function or the fourth network function, the eleventh message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs, and the eleventh message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the second network function receiving a data subscription or a data request from the first network function, the fourth network function, or the fifth network function comprises: The second network function receives a third message sent by the first network function, the third message being used to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for one or more UEs corresponding to a fifth network function, and the third message includes related information of the data subscriptions or data requests of the one or more UEs corresponding to the fifth network function; or The second network function receives a 14th message sent by the fourth network function or the fifth network function, the 14th message being used to forward or transmit a data subscription or data request for each UE of the fifth network function, and the 14th message includes related information of the data subscription or data request of the UE corresponding to the 14th message.

[0021] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover method, the handover method including: a fourth network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of the one or more UEs; The fourth network function determines to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0022] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes the fourth network function sending a twelfth message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the twelfth message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, identifiers of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; The fourth network function further includes receiving a thirteenth message sent by the third network function, wherein the thirteenth message includes a second parameter, and the second parameter includes at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier.

[0023] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes forwarding or transmitting data subscriptions or requests of the UEs corresponding to the fourth network function to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0024] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the fourth network function forwarding or transmitting the corresponding UE data subscriptions or requests to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively, comprises: The fourth network function sends a fourteenth message to a second network function corresponding to each UE, the fourteenth message being used to forward or transmit a data subscription or request for each UE to the fifth network function, and the fourteenth message includes related information of the data subscription or request of the corresponding UE.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes the fourth network function receiving a fifteenth message sent by a fifth network function, the fifteenth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fifteenth message including a third parameter, the third parameter including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; The method further includes the fourth network function determining or discovering the first network function via a third network function and sending a sixteenth message to the first network function, the sixteenth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the sixteenth message including the third parameter.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes the fourth network function receiving a seventeenth message sent by the first network function, the seventeenth message being used to notify successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, the seventeenth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function; The fourth network function further includes receiving an 18th message sent by the second network function, the 18th message being used to notify successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, and the 18th message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fourth network function determining or subscribing to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover method, the handover method including: a fifth network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of the one or more UEs; The fifth network function determines to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0029] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes: the fifth network function sending a nineteenth message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the nineteenth message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, identifiers of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; The fifth network function further includes receiving a twentieth message sent by the third network function, wherein the twentieth message includes a second parameter, and the second parameter includes at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier.

[0030] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes forwarding or transmitting data subscriptions or requests of the UEs corresponding to the fifth network function to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0031] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the fifth network function forwarding or transmitting the corresponding UE data subscriptions or requests to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively, comprises: The fifth network function sends a fourteenth message to a second network function corresponding to each UE, wherein the fourteenth message is used to forward or transmit data subscriptions or requests for each UE of the fifth network function, and the fourteenth message includes related information of the data subscriptions or requests of the UE corresponding to the fourteenth message.

[0032] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fifth network function determining or discovering a first network function via a third network function and sending a fourth message to the first network function, the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, the fourth message including the third parameters, the third parameters including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier.

[0033] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes the fifth network function receiving a sixth message sent by the first network function, the sixth message being used to notify successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, and the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function; The fifth network function further includes receiving an eleventh message sent by the second network function, the eleventh message being used to notify successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, and the eleventh message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fifth network function determining or subscribing to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device, the handover device including: a first determining unit and a second determining unit; The first determination unit is configured to select or discover a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs; The second determining unit is configured to determine to forward or transmit a data subscription or a data request for the one or more UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device, the handover device including: a second communication unit and a fourth determination unit; the second communication unit is configured to receive a data subscription or a data request from a first network function, a fourth network function, or a fifth network function, the data subscription or the data request being used to forward or transmit a corresponding data subscription or a data request of one or more UEs; the fourth determination unit is configured to determine or discover a sixth network function via a third network function; The second communication unit is further configured to subscribe to or request data regarding the one or more UEs from the sixth network function, the sixth network function supporting the provision of data to the one or more UEs.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device, the handover device including: a fifth determining unit and a sixth determining unit; The fifth determination unit is configured to select or discover a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs; The sixth determining unit is configured to determine to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0038] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device, the handover device including: an eighth determining unit and a ninth determining unit; The eighth determination unit is configured to select or discover a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs; The ninth determining unit is configured to determine to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0039] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer-readable storage medium being capable of implementing the steps of the method according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure when executed by a processor.

[0040] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a network function, the network function including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the program, when executed by the processor, implementing steps of a method according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a handover method, an apparatus, a network function, and a storage medium, the handover method including: a first network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs; and the first network function determining to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to the second network function corresponding to each UE. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure enables the first network function to reselect a network function (i.e., DCCF reselection), eliminating the need for consumers to resubscribe to data when the UE's location changes, realizing interoperability between multiple network functions (i.e., DCCFs), and ensuring the continuity of the data collection process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a first schematic flowchart of a handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] 2 is a second schematic flowchart of a handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3] 10 is a third schematic flowchart of a handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 4 is a fourth schematic flowchart of a handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a first interaction process of a handover method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a second interaction process of the handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a first configuration of a handover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a second configuration of a handover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a third configuration of a handover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth configuration of a handover device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a hardware configuration of a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and specific examples.

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as a Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a 5G system. Optionally, a 5G system or a 5G network may also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) system or an NR network.

[0045] For example, a communication system applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a network device and a terminal device (which may also be referred to as a terminal, a communication terminal, etc.). The network function may be a device that communicates with the terminal device. Here, the network device may provide communication coverage within a certain area range and communicate with terminals located within the area. Optionally, the network device may be a base station in each communication system, for example, an evolved base station (eNB: Evolutional Node B) in an LTE system, or a base station (gNB) in a 5G system or an NR system.

[0046] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device having a communication function in a network / system may be referred to as a communication device. The communication device may include a network device and a terminal having a communication function, and the network device and the terminal device may be the specific devices described above, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here. The communication device may also include other devices in a communication system, such as other network entities such as a network controller and a mobile management entity, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0047] It should be understood that in this specification, the terms "system" and "network" are always used interchangeably. The term "and / or" in this specification is merely for describing the relation between related objects, and indicates that three relations may exist, for example, A and / or B may indicate three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this specification generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0048] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a handover method, and a first schematic flowchart of the handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the method includes step 101 and step 102.

[0049] In step 101, the first network function selects or discovers a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs.

[0050] In step 102, the first network function determines to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0051] The handover method of this embodiment is applied to a first network function, and exemplarily, the first network function may be called a source DCCF, i.e., a data collection and coordination node before a UE location changes, and correspondingly, the second network function may be called a target DCCF, i.e., a data collection and coordination node that can adapt to a UE location change after the UE location changes.

[0052] In this embodiment, when location information of one or more UEs changes, the first network function determines whether it can continue to provide a data collection service based on the changed location information of the one or more UEs, and if it determines that it cannot continue to provide a data collection service, selects or finds a second network function corresponding to each UE, and further determines to transfer or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively, thereby facilitating the subsequent transfer or transmission of the data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to each second network function.

[0053] The technical solution of this embodiment realizes network function reselection (i.e., DCCF reselection) by the first network function, so that consumers do not need to resubscribe to data when the UE's location changes, and realizes interoperability between multiple network functions (i.e., DCCFs) and ensures the continuity of the data collection process.

[0054] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function determining or subscribing to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0055] In this embodiment, the seventh network function may be an NF capable of providing UE location information, or an NF capable of providing UE location detection function, and for example, the seventh network function may be an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Location Management Function (LMF), etc.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first network function can subscribe to location information of one or more UEs or subscribe to movement events of one or more UEs from the seventh network function, and when the location of one or more UEs changes, the seventh network function can send a notification message or an event notification to the first network function, and the notification message or the event notification includes the location information of one or more UEs.

[0057] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE via a third network function.

[0058] In this embodiment, for example, the third network function may be a Network Repository Function (NRF), a Bootstrapping Server Function (BSF), or a Unified Data Management (UDM). The first network function can select or discover a second network function corresponding to each UE from the third network function, that is, select or discover a second network function corresponding to location information of each UE.

[0059] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE via a third network function includes: the first network function sending a first message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the first message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; and the first network function receiving a second message sent by the third network function, the second message including a second parameter, the second parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier.

[0060] In this way, the first network function can send a first message to the third network function, and the third network function can search for a second network function that can provide data collection services based on the first parameter carried in the first message, and the second parameter in the second message can carry relevant information of the second network function (e.g., NF identifier, NF set identifier, etc.), allowing the first network function to select or discover the second network function corresponding to each UE.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes forwarding or transmitting the data subscriptions or data requests of the UEs corresponding to the first network function to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0062] In this embodiment, the second network functions corresponding to different UEs may be the same or different, so the first network function forwards or transmits the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function forwarding or transmitting the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE includes the first network function sending a third message to the second network function corresponding to each UE, the third message being used to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request for each UE to a fifth network function, and the third message including related information of the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE.

[0064] In this embodiment, the data subscription or data request is initiated by the UE via a fifth network function. Exemplarily, the fifth network function may specifically be a consumer, and the consumer is a node that has a demand for the NWDAF analysis service. Optionally, the consumer may be realized through other network devices. Exemplarily, the consumer may be a network function (NF) device, an application function (AF) device, etc. Of course, other node devices that have a demand for the NWDAF analysis service are also within the protection scope of this embodiment, and this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0065] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, before performing step 101, the method further includes: the first network function receiving a fourth message sent by the fifth network function, the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fourth message including a third parameter, the third parameter including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; or the first network function receiving a fifth message sent from the fifth network function via a fourth network function, the fifth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fifth message including at least the third parameter.

[0066] This embodiment is a process in which a fifth network function first initiates data collection, that is, the first network function receives a fourth message sent by the fifth network function, which is used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, or receives a fifth message sent from the fifth network function via the fourth network function, which is used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the first network function provides a corresponding data collection service.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function sending a sixth message to the fifth network function or the fourth network function, the sixth message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or data request for the one or more UEs, and the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function.

[0068] In this embodiment, the fourth network function may be referred to as a central DCCF or a coordinating DCCF, which is used to coordinate and manage each data request or data subscription, and allows the consumer to select or discover a DCCF (here the first network function or source DCCF) that can provide the corresponding data collection service.

[0069] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function sending a seventh message for unsubscribing to a sixth network function, the sixth network function supporting the provision of data to the one or more UEs.

[0070] In this embodiment, the sixth network function may specifically be a data source or a data provider, and supports providing data to the one or more UEs.

[0071] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the first network function determining or discovering a sixth network function via the third network function and collecting or subscribing to data for the one or more UEs via the sixth network function, the sixth network function supporting the provision of data for the one or more UEs.

[0072] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first network function determining or discovering the sixth network function via the third network function includes the first network function sending an eighth message to the third network function for determining or discovering the sixth network function, the eighth message including the third parameter, and the first network function receiving a ninth message sent by the third network function, the ninth message including at least a fourth parameter, the fourth parameter including at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier.

[0073] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, collecting or subscribing to data of the one or more UEs via the sixth network function includes the first network function sending a tenth message to the sixth network function, the tenth message being used to collect or subscribe to data of the one or more UEs, and the tenth message including at least the third parameter.

[0074] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover method. Figure 2 is a second schematic flowchart of the handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes step 201 and step 202.

[0075] In step 201, the fourth network function selects or discovers a second network function corresponding to each user equipment (UE) based on location information of one or more user equipments (UE).

[0076] In step 202, the fourth network function determines to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0077] The handover method of this embodiment is applied to a fourth network function, which may be exemplarily referred to as a central DCCF or a coordinating DCCF, and is used to coordinate and manage each data request or data subscription, and allows the consumer to select or discover a DCCF (here, the first network function or source DCCF) that can provide the corresponding data collection service.

[0078] In this embodiment, when location information of one or more UEs changes, the fourth network function determines whether it can continue to provide a data collection service based on the changed location information of the one or more UEs, and if it determines that it cannot continue to provide a data collection service, selects or finds a second network function corresponding to each UE, and further determines to transfer or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively, thereby facilitating the subsequent transfer or transmission of data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to each second network function.

[0079] The technical solution of this embodiment realizes network function reselection (i.e., DCCF reselection) through the fourth network function, so that consumers do not need to resubscribe to data when the UE's location changes, and realizes interoperability between multiple network functions (i.e., DCCFs) and ensures the continuity of the data collection process.

[0080] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fourth network function determining or subscribing to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0081] In this embodiment, the seventh network function may be an NF capable of providing UE location information, or an NF capable of providing UE location detection functionality, and illustratively, the seventh network function may be an AMF, an LMF, or the like.

[0082] In this embodiment, the fourth network function can subscribe to location information of one or more UEs or subscribe to movement events of one or more UEs from the seventh network function, and when the location of one or more UEs changes, the seventh network function can send a notification message or an event notification to the fourth network function, and the notification message or the event notification includes the location information of one or more UEs.

[0083] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fourth network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE via a third network function.

[0084] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE via a third network function includes: the fourth network function sending a 12th message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the 12th message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, identifiers of the one or more UEs, single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), a network function (NF type), an NF set identifier, a network data analysis function (NWDAF) identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; and the fourth network function receiving a 13th message sent by the third network function, the 13th message including a second parameter, the second parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier.

[0085] In this way, the fourth network function can send a twelfth message to the third network function, and the third network function can search for a second network function that can provide data collection services based on the first parameter carried in the twelfth message, and by carrying related information of the second network function (e.g., NF identifier, NF set identifier, etc.) via the second parameter in the second message, the fourth network function can select or discover the second network function corresponding to each UE.

[0086] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes forwarding or transmitting data subscriptions or requests of the UEs corresponding to the fourth network function to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second network functions corresponding to different UEs may be the same or different, so the fourth network function forwards or transmits the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0088] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function forwarding or transmitting the data subscription or request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE includes the fourth network function sending a fourteenth message to the second network function corresponding to each UE, the fourteenth message being used to forward or transmit the data subscription or request for each UE of the fifth network function, and the fourteenth message including related information of the data subscription or request of the corresponding UE.

[0089] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, before performing step 101, the method further includes: the fourth network function receiving a 15th message sent by the fifth network function, the 15th message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the 15th message including a third parameter, the third parameter including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; and the fourth network function determining or discovering a first network function via a third network function and sending a 16th message to the first network function, the 16th message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the 16th message including the third parameter.

[0090] In this embodiment, a fifth network function first initiates data collection, that is, the fourth network function receives a fifteenth message sent by the fifth network function, and the fifteenth message is used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs.

[0091] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fourth network function receiving a 17th message sent by the first network function, the 17th message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request for the one or more UEs, the 17th message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function; and the fourth network function receiving an 18th message sent by the second network function, the 18th message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request for the one or more UEs, the 18th message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0092] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover method. Figure 3 is a third schematic flowchart of the handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes step 301 and step 302.

[0093] In step 301, the fifth network function selects or discovers a second network function corresponding to each user equipment (UE) based on location information of one or more user equipments (UE).

[0094] In step 302, the fifth network function determines to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively. The handover method of this embodiment is applied to a fifth network function. Exemplarily, the fifth network function may specifically be a consumer, and the consumer is a node that demands the NWDAF analysis service. Optionally, the consumer may be realized through other network devices. Exemplarily, the consumer may be an NF device, an AF device, etc. Of course, other node devices that demand the NWDAF analysis service are also within the scope of protection of this embodiment, and this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the location information of one or more UEs changes, the fifth network function selects or discovers a second network function corresponding to each UE, and further determines to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively, and subsequently facilitates forwarding or transmitting the data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to each second network function.

[0096] The technical solution of this embodiment realizes network function reselection (i.e., DCCF reselection) through the fifth network function, so that consumers do not need to resubscribe to data when the UE's location changes, and realizes interoperability between multiple network functions (i.e., DCCFs) and ensures the continuity of the data collection process.

[0097] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fifth network function determining or subscribing to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0098] In this embodiment, the fifth network function can subscribe to location information of one or more UEs or subscribe to movement events of one or more UEs from the seventh network function, and when the location of one or more UEs changes, the seventh network function can send a notification message or an event notification to the fifth network function, and the notification message or the event notification includes the location information of one or more UEs.

[0099] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the fifth network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE via a third network function.

[0100] In some alternative embodiments, the fifth network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE via a third network function includes: the fifth network function sending a 19th message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the 19th message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, a network function NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; and the fifth network function receiving a 20th message sent by the third network function, the 20th message including a second parameter, the second parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier.

[0101] In this way, the fifth network function can send the 19th message to the third network function, and the third network function can search for a second network function that can provide data collection services based on the first parameter carried in the 19th message, and by carrying related information of the second network function (e.g., NF identifier, NF set identifier, etc.) via the second parameter in the 20th message, the fifth network function can select or discover the second network function corresponding to each UE.

[0102] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes forwarding or transmitting data subscriptions or requests of the UEs corresponding to the fifth network function to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0103] In this embodiment, the second network functions corresponding to different UEs may be the same or different, so the fifth network function forwards or transmits the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments, the fifth network function forwarding or transmitting the data subscription or request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE includes the fifth network function sending a fourteenth message to the second network function corresponding to each UE, the fourteenth message being used to forward or transmit the data subscription or request for each UE to the fifth network function, and the fourteenth message including related information of the data subscription or request of the corresponding UE.

[0105] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, before performing step 101, the method further includes the fifth network function determining or discovering a first network function via a third network function and sending a fourth message to the first network function, the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, the fourth message including the third parameters, the third parameters including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier.

[0106] This embodiment is a process in which a fifth network function first initiates data collection, that is, the fifth network function determines or discovers a first network function through a third network function, and sends a fourth message to the first network function, the first network function receives the fourth message sent by the fifth network function, the fourth message is used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the first network function provides a corresponding data collection service.

[0107] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes: the fifth network function receiving a sixth message sent by the first network function, the sixth message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request for the one or more UEs, the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function; and the fifth network function receiving an eleventh message sent by the second network function, the eleventh message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request for the one or more UEs, the eleventh message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0108] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover method. Figure 4 is a fourth schematic flowchart of the handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes step 401 and step 402.

[0109] In step 401, the second network function receives a data subscription or a data request from the first network function, the fourth network function or the fifth network function, and the data subscription or data request is used to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding one or more UEs.

[0110] In step 402, the second network function determines or discovers a sixth network function via a third network function and subscribes to or requests data regarding the one or more UEs from the sixth network function, and the sixth network function supports providing the data to the one or more UEs.

[0111] The handover method of this embodiment is applied to a second network function, and exemplarily, the second network function may be called a target DCCF, i.e., a data collection coordination node that can adapt to changes in the location of the UE after the location of the UE changes.

[0112] In this embodiment, the second network function receives a data subscription or data request from the first network function, the fourth network function, or the fifth network function, and determines or discovers a sixth network function through the third network function, which may specifically be a data source or data provider and supports providing data for the one or more UEs, and further subscribes to or requests data regarding the one or more UEs from the sixth network function, thereby realizing network function reselection (i.e., DCCF reselection) by the first network function, the fourth network function, or the fifth network function, so that consumers do not need to resubscribe to data when the UE's location changes, and realizing interoperability between multiple network functions (i.e., DCCFs) and ensuring continuity of the data collection process.

[0113] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes the second network function sending an eleventh message to the fifth network function or the fourth network function, the eleventh message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs, and the eleventh message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0114] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the second network function receiving a data subscription or data request from the first network function, the fourth network function, or the fifth network function includes the second network function receiving a third message sent by the first network function, the third message being used to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for one or more corresponding UEs of the fifth network function, and including related information of the data subscriptions or data requests of the one or more UEs corresponding to the third message, or the second network function receiving a fourteenth message sent by the fourth network function or the fifth network function, the fourteenth message being used to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for each UE of the fifth network function, and including related information of the data subscriptions or data requests of the UEs corresponding to the fourteenth message.

[0115] Hereinafter, the handover method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to a specific example.

[0116] In the following example, the first network function is a source DCCF, the second network function is a target DCCF, the third network function is a UDM / NRF / BSF, the fourth network function is a central DCCF, the fifth network function is a data consumer, the sixth network function is a data source, and the seventh network function is a UE location sensing NF.

[0117] Example 1 5 is a schematic diagram of the first interaction process of the handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the method includes the following steps:

[0118] In step 501, the source DCCF initiates the data collection process based on a data consumer request.

[0119] Here, a data consumer (NWDAF, AF, etc.) needs to collect data of a UE / a set of UEs / any UE within its area of ​​interest. The data consumer discovers a source DCCF that can assist in collecting data via the NRF and contacts the source DCCF to request data collection. The source DCCF queries a data source that can collect data for related UEs via the UDM / NRF / BSF. Specifically, the source DCCF queries and obtains the data source identifier ID via the UDM / NRF / BSF and contacts the data source to subscribe to the data of a UE / a set of UEs / any UE.

[0120] This step corresponds to the step in the above embodiment in which the first network function (source DCCF) receives a fourth message sent by the fifth network function (data consumer), the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fourth message including a third parameter.

[0121] In step 502, the source DCCF subscribes to mobility events of a UE / a set of UEs / any UE (hereinafter abbreviated as UEs).

[0122] Here, the source DCCF subscribes to the movement events of the UEs (UEs) through the UE location sensing NF, and the event notification can be provided by the UE location sensing NF (AMF, LMF, etc.). When the UEs (UEs) move, the UE location sensing NF sends the UE's location information to the source DCCF through the movement event notification. This step is the process of subscribing to the UE's location.

[0123] The handover process for DCCF reselection is as follows:

[0124] In step 503, the source DCCF decides to forward or transmit a data subscription or data request for the aforementioned User Equipment (UEs).

[0125] Here, if the source DCCF determines that it cannot continue to provide data collection services based on the location information of the UEs carried in the mobility event notification in step 502, it decides to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the above-mentioned UEs.

[0126] In step 504, the source DCCF selects, reselects, or discovers a target DCCF corresponding to each UE.

[0127] Here, the source DCCF goes to the UDM / NRF / BSF to discover target DCCFs (DCCFs) (or target DCCF Sets (target DCCF sets)) based on the first parameters in the above embodiment (e.g., slice ID, UE location information, analysis ID, etc.) to support data collection in the target area of ​​the UEs (UEs).

[0128] Here, the source DCCF sends a first message to the UDM / NRF / BSF, where the first message includes the above-mentioned first parameter, and the source DCCF receives a second message sent by the UDM / NRF / BSF, where the second message includes a second parameter, where the second parameter includes at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier, thereby allowing the source DCCF to obtain relevant information of the target DCCF.

[0129] In step 505, the source DCCF initiates a handover request to the target DCCF, requesting that the data subscription or data request of the data consumer in step 501 be transferred to the target DCCF.

[0130] Here, the source DCCF sends a third message to the target DCCF corresponding to each UE, and the third message is used to forward or transmit the consumer's data subscription or data request for each UE, and includes related information (e.g., including a UE list, an NF type, etc.) of the UE's data subscription or data request corresponding to the third message.

[0131] In step 506, the target DCCF accepts the forwarded data subscription or data request and administers the data subscription or data request based on the information received from the source DCCF. In step 507a, the source DCCF sends a DCCF reselection notification to the data consumer, notifying the data consumer that the data subscription or data request has been successfully forwarded.

[0132] Here, the source DCCF sends a sixth message equivalent to the sixth message in the previous embodiment to the data consumer, the sixth message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of the data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs, and the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function.

[0133] In step 507b, the target DCCF sends a DCCF reselection notification to the data consumer, informing the data consumer that the data subscription has been successfully transferred and providing the new subscription identifier.

[0134] Here, the target DCCF sends an equivalent of message 11 in the previous embodiment to the data consumer, said message 11 being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of the data subscription or data request of said one or more UEs, said message 11 including a second subscription identifier associated with said second network function, said second subscription identifier being a new subscription identifier (new subscription Id) different from the first subscription identifier.

[0135] In steps 508a to 508c, the target DCCF inquires about the ID of the data source through UDM / NRF / BSF based on the data subscription or data request forwarded by the source DCCF, and contacts the data source based on the acquired ID of the data source to subscribe to or request data for the corresponding UE, and the source DCCF unsubscribes from the previous data subscription or data request.

[0136] The source DCCF now sends a seventh message to the data source to unsubscribe.

[0137] Example 2 6 is a schematic diagram of a second interaction process of the handover method of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the method includes the following steps:

[0138] In step 601, the central DCCF initiates the data collection process based on a data consumer request.

[0139] Here, a data consumer (NWDAF, AF, etc.) needs to collect data for a UE / a set of UEs / any UE within its area of ​​interest. The data consumer discovers a central DCCF that can assist in collecting data via the NRF and contacts the central DCCF to request data collection. The central DCCF determines a source DCCF that can provide data collection services, specifically queries and determines a source DCCF that can provide data collection services via the UDM / NRF / BSF, and requests the source DCCF to collect data. The source DCCF queries a data source that can collect data for related UEs via the UDM / NRF / BSF. Specifically, the source DCCF queries and obtains the data source's identifier ID via the UDM / NRF / BSF, and contacts the data source to subscribe to the data for the UE / a set of UEs / any UE.

[0140] This step corresponds to the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment: the fourth network function receives a 15th message sent by a fifth network function, the 15th message is used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the 15th message includes a third parameter; the first network function is determined or discovered via a third network function, and a 16th message is sent to the first network function, the 16th message is used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the 16th message includes the third parameter; and the first network function (source DCCF) receives a fourth message (the fourth message corresponds to the above-mentioned 15th and 16th messages) sent from the fifth network function (data consumer) via the fourth network function, the fourth message is used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fourth message includes the third parameter.

[0141] In step 602, the central DCCF subscribes to mobility events of a UE / a set of UEs / any UE (hereinafter abbreviated as UEs).

[0142] Here, the central DCCF subscribes to the movement events of UEs (UEs) through the UE location sensing NF, and the event notification can be provided by the UE location sensing NF (AMF, LMF, etc.). When the UEs (UEs) move, the UE location sensing NF sends the UE's location information to the central DCCF through the movement event notification. This step is the process of subscribing to the UE's location.

[0143] The handover process for DCCF reselection is as follows:

[0144] In step 603, the central DCCF decides to forward or transmit a data subscription or data request for the aforementioned User Equipment (UEs).

[0145] Here, if the central DCCF determines, based on the location information of the UEs carried in the mobility event notification in step 602, that the selected source DCCF cannot continue to provide data collection services, it decides to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the above-mentioned UEs.

[0146] In step 604, the central DCCF selects, reselects, or discovers a target DCCF corresponding to each UE.

[0147] Here, the central DCCF goes to the UDM / NRF / BSF to discover target DCCFs (DCCFs) (or target DCCF Sets (target DCCF sets)) based on the first parameters in the above embodiment (e.g., slice ID, UE location information, analysis ID, etc.) to support data collection in the target area of ​​the UEs (UEs).

[0148] Here, the central DCCF sends a 12th message to the UDM / NRF / BSF, where the 12th message includes the above-mentioned first parameter. The central DCCF receives a 13th message sent by the UDM / NRF / BSF, where the 13th message includes a second parameter, where the second parameter includes at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier, thereby allowing the central DCCF to obtain relevant information of the target DCCF.

[0149] In step 605, the central DCCF initiates a handover request to the target DCCF, requesting that the central DCCF transfer the data subscription or data request of the data consumer in step 601 to the target DCCF.

[0150] Here, the central DCCF sends a 14th message to the target DCCF corresponding to each UE, and the 14th message is used to forward or transmit the consumer's data subscription or data request for each UE, and includes related information (e.g., including UE list, NF type, etc.) of the UE's data subscription or data request corresponding to the 14th message.

[0151] In step 606, the target DCCF accepts the forwarded data subscription or data request and administers the data subscription or data request based on the information received from the central DCCF.

[0152] In step 607a, the source DCCF sends a DCCF reselection notification to the central DCCF to notify the central DCCF that the data subscription has been successfully transferred.

[0153] Here, the source DCCF sends a message equivalent to the 17th message in the previous embodiment to the central DCCF, the 17th message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of the data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs, and the 17th message includes a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function.

[0154] In step 607b, the target DCCF sends a DCCF reselection notification to the central DCCF, notifying the central DCCF of the successful transfer of the data subscription and providing the new subscription identifier.

[0155] Here, the target DCCF sends an equivalent of the 18th message in the previous embodiment to the central DCCF, the 18th message being used to notify the central DCCF that the data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs has been successfully forwarded or transmitted, and the 18th message includes a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function, and the second subscription identifier is a new subscription identifier (new subscription Id) different from the first subscription identifier.

[0156] In steps 608a to 608c, the target DCCF inquires about the ID of the data source through UDM / NRF / BSF based on the data subscription or data request forwarded by the central DCCF, and contacts the data source based on the acquired ID of the data source to subscribe to or request data for the corresponding UE, and the source DCCF unsubscribes from the previous data subscription or data request.

[0157] The source DCCF now sends a seventh message to the data source to unsubscribe.

[0158] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device. Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a first configuration of the handover device of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the device includes a first determination unit 11 and a second determination unit 12.

[0159] The first determination unit 11 is configured to select or discover a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs.

[0160] The second determining unit 12 is configured to determine to forward or transmit a data subscription or a data request for the one or more UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0161] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a first communication unit 13, wherein the first communication unit 13 is configured to send a first message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the first message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier, and to receive a second message sent by the third network function, the second message including a second parameter, the second parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier.

[0162] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a first communication unit 13 configured to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests of corresponding UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0163] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first communication unit 13 is configured to send a third message to a second network function corresponding to each UE, the third message being used to forward or transmit a data subscription or data request for each UE to a fifth network function, and the third message includes related information of the data subscription or data request of the UE corresponding to the third message.

[0164] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a first communication unit 13, wherein the first communication unit 13 is configured to receive a fourth message sent by the fifth network function, the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fourth message includes a third parameter, wherein the third parameter includes at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; or the first communication unit 13 is configured to receive a fifth message sent from the fifth network function via a fourth network function, the fifth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fifth message including at least the third parameter.

[0165] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first communication unit 13 is further configured to send a sixth message to the fifth network function or the fourth network function, the sixth message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs, and the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function.

[0166] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the first communication unit 13 is further configured to send a seventh message for unsubscribing to a sixth network function, which supports providing data to the one or more UEs.

[0167] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first determination unit 11 is further configured to determine or discover a sixth network function via the third network function, and collect or subscribe to data for the one or more UEs via the sixth network function, and the sixth network function supports providing data for the one or more UEs.

[0168] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first determination unit 11 is further configured to send an eighth message to the third network function via the first communication unit 13 for determining or discovering a sixth network function, the eighth message including the third parameter, and receive a ninth message sent by the third network function, the ninth message including at least a fourth parameter, the fourth parameter including at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier.

[0169] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the first determination unit 11 is further configured to send a tenth message to the sixth network function via the first communication unit 13, the tenth message being used to collect or subscribe to data of the one or more UEs, and the tenth message including at least the third parameter.

[0170] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a third determining unit configured to determine or subscribe to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0171] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is applied to a first network function. In practical applications, the first determining unit 11, the second determining unit 12, and the third determining unit in the device may all be realized by a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In practical applications, the first communication unit 13 in the device may be realized by a communication module (including an infrastructure communication kit, an operating system, a communication module, a standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transmitting and receiving antenna.

[0172] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device. Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a second configuration of the handover device of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the device includes a second communication unit 21 and a fourth determination unit 22.

[0173] The second communication unit 21 is configured to receive a data subscription or a data request from the first network function, the fourth network function or the fifth network function, and the data subscription or data request is used to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding one or more UEs.

[0174] The fourth determination unit 22 is configured to determine or discover a sixth network function via a third network function.

[0175] The second communication unit 21 is further configured to subscribe to or request data relating to the one or more UEs from the sixth network function, which supports providing data to the one or more UEs.

[0176] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the second communication unit 21 is further configured to send an eleventh message to a fifth network function or the fourth network function, the eleventh message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or data request of the one or more UEs, and the eleventh message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0177] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the second communication unit 21 is configured to receive a third message sent by the first network function, the third message being used to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for one or more UEs corresponding to the fifth network function, and the third message including related information of the data subscriptions or data requests of the one or more UEs corresponding to the fifth network function, or the second communication unit 21 is configured to receive a fourteenth message sent by the fourth network function or the fifth network function, the fourteenth message being used to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for each UE of the fifth network function, and the fourteenth message including related information of the data subscriptions or data requests of the UEs corresponding to the fourteenth message.

[0178] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is applied to a second network function. In practical applications, the fourth determination unit 22 in the device may be realized by a CPU, a DSP, an MCU, or an FPGA. In practical applications, the second communication unit 21 in the device may be realized by a communication module (including an infrastructure communication kit, an operating system, a communication module, a standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transmitting and receiving antenna.

[0179] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device. Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a third configuration of the handover device of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the device includes a fifth determination unit 31 and a sixth determination unit 32.

[0180] The fifth determining unit 31 is configured to select or discover a second network function corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs.

[0181] The sixth determining unit 32 is configured to determine to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0182] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a third communication unit 33, wherein the third communication unit 33 is configured to send a 12th message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the 12th message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier, and to receive a 13th message sent by the third network function, the 13th message including a second parameter, the second parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier.

[0183] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a third communication unit 33 configured to forward or transmit data subscriptions or requests of corresponding UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0184] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the third communication unit 33 is configured to send a 14th message to each second network function corresponding to each UE, and the 14th message is used to forward or transmit a data subscription or request for each UE to the fifth network function, and the 14th message includes related information of the data subscription or request of the UE corresponding to the 14th message.

[0185] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a third communication unit 33 configured to receive a fifteenth message sent by a fifth network function, the fifteenth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fifteenth message includes a third parameter, the third parameter including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; the fifth determination unit 31 is further configured to determine or discover the first network function via a third network function; The third communication unit 33 is further configured to send a 16th message to the first network function, the 16th message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the 16th message including the third parameter.

[0186] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the third communication unit 33 is further configured to receive a 17th message sent by the first network function, the 17th message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, the 17th message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function, and to receive an 18th message sent by the second network function, the 18th message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, the 18th message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0187] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a seventh determining unit configured to determine or subscribe to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0188] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is applied to a fourth network function. The fifth determination unit 31, the sixth determination unit 32, and the seventh determination unit in the device may be realized by a CPU, a DSP, an MCU, or an FPGA in practical applications. The third communication unit 33 in the device may be realized by a communication module (including an infrastructure communication kit, an operating system, a communication module, a standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transmitting and receiving antenna in practical applications.

[0189] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a handover device. Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth configuration of the handover device of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the device includes an eighth determination unit 41 and a ninth determination unit 42.

[0190] The eighth determination unit 41 is configured to select or discover a second network capability corresponding to each UE based on location information of one or more UEs.

[0191] The ninth determining unit 42 is configured to determine to forward or transmit the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0192] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a fourth communication unit 43, wherein the fourth communication unit 43 is configured to send a 19th message to the third network function for selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each UE, the 19th message including a first parameter, the first parameter including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier, and to receive a 20th message sent by the third network function, the 20th message including a second parameter, the second parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier.

[0193] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the device further includes a fourth communication unit 43 configured to forward or transmit data subscriptions or requests of corresponding UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively.

[0194] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the fourth communication unit 43 is configured to send a fourteenth message to each second network function corresponding to each UE, and the fourteenth message is used to forward or transmit a data subscription or request for each UE of the fifth network function, and the fourteenth message includes related information of the data subscription or request of the UE corresponding to the fourteenth message.

[0195] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the eighth determination unit 41 is further configured to determine or discover a first network function via a third network function and send a fourth message to the first network function via the fourth communication unit 43, the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs, and the fourth message including the third parameters, the third parameters including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier.

[0196] In some optional embodiments of the present disclosure, the fourth communication unit 43 is further configured to receive a sixth message sent by the first network function, the sixth message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function, and to receive an eleventh message sent by the second network function, the eleventh message being used to notify the successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or request of the one or more UEs, the eleventh message including a second subscription identifier associated with the second network function.

[0197] In some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a tenth determining unit configured to determine or subscribe to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function.

[0198] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is applied to a fifth network function. The eighth determination unit 41, the ninth determination unit 42, and the tenth determination unit in the device may be realized by a CPU, a DSP, an MCU, or an FPGA in practical applications. The fourth communication unit 43 in the device may be realized by a communication module (including an infrastructure communication kit, an operating system, a communication module, a standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transmitting and receiving antenna in practical applications.

[0199] It should be noted that the handover device provided in the above embodiments is described by taking the division of each program module as an example when performing handover, and in actual application, the above processing can be completed by different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the above-described processing.In addition, the handover device and the handover method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation processes are to be referred to the method embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

[0200] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a network function. The network function may be the first network function, the second network function, the fourth network function, or the fifth network function in the aforementioned embodiments. FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the network function in the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, the network function includes a memory 52, a processor 51, and a computer program stored in the memory 52 and executable on the processor 51. When the processor 51 executes the program, the steps of the handover method applied to the first network function, the second network function, the fourth network function, or the fifth network function in the embodiments of the present disclosure are realized.

[0201] Optionally, the network function further includes one or more network interfaces 53. The components in the network function are coupled to each other by a bus system 54. It can be understood that the bus system 54 is used to realize connection communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 54 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity of explanation, the various buses are all labeled as the bus system 54 in FIG. 11.

[0202] It is understood that memory 52 may be volatile or nonvolatile memory, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Here, nonvolatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Magnetic surface memory may be magnetic disk memory or magnetic tape memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache.By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus random access memory (DRRAM). Memory 52 as described in embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0203] The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to or implemented by a processor 51. The processor 51 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method may be completed by instructions in the form of an integrated logic circuit in hardware or software in the processor 51. The processor 51 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc. The processor 51 may implement or execute each method, step, and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any other conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be directly embodied as being executed and completed by a hardware decoding processor or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium. The storage medium is located in a memory 52, and the processor 51 reads information in the memory 52 and completes the above method steps in combination with the hardware.

[0204] In an exemplary embodiment, the network functions may be implemented by one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), DSPs, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the methods described above.

[0205] In an exemplary embodiment, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory 52 containing a computer program, which can be executed by the processor 51 of the network function to complete the steps described in the aforementioned method. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or CD-ROM, or may be various devices including one or any combination of the above memories.

[0206] A computer-readable storage medium provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the handover method applied to the first network function, the second network function, the fourth network function, or the fifth network function of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0207] The methods disclosed in the several method embodiments provided herein may be combined in any manner, if not inconsistent, to obtain new method embodiments.

[0208] The features disclosed in the various product embodiments provided herein may be combined in any manner, where not inconsistent, to obtain new product embodiments.

[0209] The features disclosed in the several method or apparatus embodiments provided herein may be combined in any manner, where not inconsistent, to obtain new method or apparatus embodiments.

[0210] It should be understood that in some embodiments provided in the present application, the disclosed devices and methods can be realized in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical and functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are possible. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection of each component shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection via some interfaces, devices, or units, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other types.

[0211] The above units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objective of the solution of this embodiment.

[0212] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present disclosure may all be integrated into one processing unit, each unit may exist independently, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be realized in the form of hardware, or in the form of a hardware and software functional unit.

[0213] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of the steps for realizing the above method embodiments may be completed by instructing relevant hardware by a program, and the above program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed, performs the steps comprising the above method embodiments, and the above storage medium includes various media that can store program code, such as a mobile storage device, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0214] Alternatively, when the above-mentioned integrated units of the present disclosure are realized in the form of software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure may essentially, or the portions that contribute to the prior art, be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network function, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. The storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a mobile storage device, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0215] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by anyone skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A handover method, comprising: a first network function selecting or discovering a second network function corresponding to each of one or more user equipments (UEs) based on location information of the UEs; determining by the first network function to forward or transmit data subscriptions or data requests for the one or more UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively; The handover method further includes the first network function receiving a fifth message sent from a fifth network function via a fourth network function, the fifth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs; A handover method, wherein the first network function is a source data collection and coordination function (DCCF), the second network function is a target DCCF, the fourth network function is a central DCCF or a coordinating DCCF, and the fifth network function is a network consumer.

2. The first network function sends a first message to a third network function to select or discover a second network function corresponding to each UE, the first message including first parameters, the first parameters including at least one of location information of the one or more UEs, identifiers of the one or more UEs, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), a Network Function (NF) type, an NF Set identifier, a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier; the first network function receiving a second message sent by the third network function, the second message including a second parameter, the second parameter including at least one of an NF identifier, an NF set identifier; the third network function is a network storage function (NRF), a bootstrap service function (BSF), or a unified data management (UDM); The handover method according to claim 1 .

3. The first network function further includes forwarding or transmitting the data subscriptions or data requests of the corresponding UEs to a second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively. The handover method according to claim 1 .

4. The first network function forwarding or transmitting the data subscriptions or data requests of the corresponding UEs to the second network function corresponding to each UE, respectively, the first network function sending a third message to a second network function corresponding to each UE, the third message being used to forward or transmit a data subscription or a data request for each UE to a fifth network function, and the third message including related information of the data subscription or data request of the corresponding UE; The handover method according to claim 3 .

5. The handover method further includes: the first network function receiving a fourth message sent by a fifth network function, the fourth message being used to subscribe to or request data for the one or more UEs; and the fourth message including a third parameter, the third parameter including at least one of an identifier of the one or more UEs, an S-NSSAI, an NF type, an NF set identifier, an NWDAF identifier, an analysis identifier, and an NF instance identifier. Or, the fifth message includes at least the third parameter. The handover method according to claim 1 .

6. the first network function sending a sixth message to the fifth network function or the fourth network function, the sixth message being used to notify successful transfer or transmission of a data subscription or data request for the one or more UEs, the sixth message including a first subscription identifier associated with the first network function. The handover method according to claim 5 .

7. The handover method includes: the first network function further includes sending a seventh message for unsubscribing to a sixth network function, the sixth network function supporting providing data for the one or more UEs, and the sixth network function being a data source. The handover method according to claim 6.

8. The handover method includes: The method further includes the first network function determining or discovering a sixth network function via a third network function, and collecting or subscribing to data for the one or more UEs via the sixth network function, wherein the sixth network function supports providing data for the one or more UEs. The handover method according to claim 5 .

9. The first network function determining or discovering a sixth network function via the third network function the first network function sending an eighth message to the third network function for determining or discovering a sixth network function, the eighth message including the third parameter; the first network function receiving a ninth message sent by the third network function, the ninth message including at least a fourth parameter, the fourth parameter including at least one of an NF identifier and an NF set identifier. The handover method according to claim 8.

10. collecting or subscribing to data for the one or more UEs via the sixth network function includes: the first network function sending a tenth message to the sixth network function, the tenth message being used to collect or subscribe to data of the one or more UEs, and the tenth message including at least the third parameter. The handover method according to claim 8.

11. the first network function further comprising determining or subscribing to location information of the at least one UE via a seventh network function. The handover method according to claim 1 .

12. A network function comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the network function implementing the handover method of any one of claims 1 to 11 when the processor executes the computer program.

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