Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. In the technical solution provided in the present application, a UE receives indication information from an SMF entity, the indication information being used for indicating to transmit a first service data stream in a first network slice; on the basis of the indication information, the UE establishes a first PDU session in the first network slice; and the UE transmits the first service data stream by means of the first PDU session. The UE transmits the first service data stream in the first PDU session newly created in the first network slice, and other service data streams which have not been indicated are not transmitted in the first PDU session, thus the UE can ensure the communication requirements of the first service data stream without affecting the communication requirements of the other service data streams.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on August 8, 2023, with application number 202310994594.1 and application name “Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication devices and communication apparatuses. Background Art

[0003] In a communication system, such as the 5th generation (5G) system, the network-side device can allocate allowed network slices to the UE and send a network slice selection policy (NSSP) to the UE. After the UE learns the NSSP, when it needs to send a service data stream, it selects the network slice to be used based on the NSSP and requests to establish a protocol data unit session (PDU Session) in the selected network slice, so that the UE can send and receive service data streams through the selected network slice. However, some UEs do not support NSSP, resulting in the PDU Session requested to be established not being in the appropriate network slice, which in turn results in one or more requirements such as performance and security being unable to be guaranteed when the UE transmits service data streams.

[0004] To address the technical problem that UEs that do not support NSSP cannot guarantee the service data flow requirements, a solution is as follows: the network-side device selects the network slice to be used for the UE and only establishes one PDU Session, and the UE transmits all service data flows in this network slice.

[0005] However, when using the above method, it is found that some service data streams of the UE may fail to be transmitted.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device for solving the problem in the prior art that when a network slice is selected for all services of a UE, the normal transmission of some services is affected and additional overhead is generated.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which includes: a UE receiving indication information from a session management function (SMF) entity, the indication information being used to indicate transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice; the UE establishing a first PDU session in the first network slice based on the indication information; and the UE transmitting the first service data flow through the first PDU session.

[0009] In this manner, the UE transmitting the first service data stream through the first PDU session may also include the following meaning: the UE's other service data streams are not transmitted through the first PDU session, or the UE transmits other first service data streams through other PDU sessions.

[0010] In this method, because a first PDU session is established in the first network slice and the first service data flow is transmitted through the first PDU session, the requirement for transmitting the first service data flow in the first network slice can be met, thereby helping to ensure the transmission requirement of the first service data flow. In addition, the first PDU session can be used only to transmit the first service data flow without transmitting other service data flows, thereby avoiding affecting the transmission requirements of other service data flows.

[0011] In this method, the indication information is used to indicate the transmission of the first business data flow in the first network slice, which can be understood as: the indication information indicates that the network slice selected for the first business data flow is the first network slice.

[0012] In the method, the UE receiving indication information from the SMF entity may include: the UE receiving indication information forwarded by the SMF entity through a series of other network side devices.

[0013] In this method, in some possible implementations, before the UE receives the indication information from the SMF entity, the UE can already transmit the first service data flow through other network slices. For example, before the UE receives the indication information from the SMF entity, the UE has already established a PDU session in the other network slice and can transmit the first service data flow and / or other service data flows through the PDU session.

[0014] In this possible implementation, the indication information can be understood as being used to instruct the UE to switch to the first network slice to transmit the first service data flow, or to instruct the UE to reselect the network slice for the first service data flow and the reselected network slice is the first network slice.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the indication information is carried in a PDU session modification command message. That is, the PDU session modification command message can be reused to instruct the UE to transmit the first service data flow in the first network slice. This possible implementation can save signaling overhead.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an indication of a new PDU session. The UE establishes a first PDU session in the first network slice based on the indication information, and the UE uses the identifier of the first network slice to request establishment of the first PDU session based on the indication of the new PDU session.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the UE transmits the first service data flow through the first PDU session, including: setting a packet filter set for the first service data flow for the first PDU session; or, setting a packet filter set corresponding to the service quality flow identifier of the first service data flow for the first PDU session.

[0018] In this possible implementation, it can be understood that the first PDU session can be used to transmit the service data flow indicated by the packet filter set set therefor. The setting in this implementation can also be understood as association.

[0019] Because the packet filter set of the first service data flow or the packet filter set corresponding to the quality of service flow identifier of the first service data flow is set for the first PDU session, the first service data flow can be transmitted through the first PDU session.

[0020] Since no packet filter set for other service data flows or a packet filter set corresponding to the quality of service flow identifier of other service data flows is set for the first PDU session, the other service data flows will not be transmitted through the first PDU session.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the indication of the new PDU session is the packet filter set. The indication of the new PDU session is the packet filter set, which can be understood as instructing the UE to create a new PDU session by carrying the packet filter set in the PDU session modification command message.

[0022] In this implementation, the packet filter set can not only be used to indicate the creation of a new PDU session, but also to associate the PDU session, so that the UE knows what kind of service data flow the new PDU session can be used to transmit, that is, one piece of information has multiple uses, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the indication of creating a new PDU session is a preset identifier. The indication of creating a new PDU session being a preset identifier can be understood as instructing the UE to create a new PDU session through a special mark.

[0024] This implementation method decouples the indication of a new PDU session from information such as the packet filter set, which not only reduces the implementation complexity, but also helps to avoid affecting the other party's current function when the packet filter set and / or the indication of the new PDU session are used for other purposes.

[0025] When the indication of the new PDU session is a preset identifier, in one possible implementation, the indication information further includes the packet filter set. In this case, the indication information may further include the packet filter set so that the UE can associate or set the packet filter set for the new PDU session, thereby enabling the UE to know what service data flow the new PDU session can be used to transmit.

[0026] When the indication of the new PDU session is a preset identifier, in some possible implementations, the method further includes: receiving a modification command message in the first PDU session, the modification command message including the packet filter set.

[0027] In this implementation, after receiving the packet filter set in the first PDU session, it can be considered that the packet filter set is associated with the first PDU session or should be set for the first PDU session, so that the UE knows what service data flow the newly created PDU session can be used to transmit.

[0028] When the indication of the newly created PDU session is a preset identifier, in some possible implementations, a data packet of the first business data flow is received in the first PDU session, the data packet carries a reflection service indication, and the packet filtering set is derived based on the reflection service indication.

[0029] In this implementation, when a data message of a data stream is received in the first PDU session and the data message carries a reflective service indication, a packet filter set of the service data stream in the sending direction can be derived based on the message characteristics of the service data stream in the receiving direction by swapping the source address and the destination address, so that a packet filter set can be associated or set for the newly created PDU session, thereby allowing the UE to know what service data stream the newly created PDU session can be used to transmit.

[0030] As an example, the UE in the method can be used to implement all or part of the steps performed by the UE in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which includes: an SMF entity receiving policy information, wherein the policy information is used to indicate the transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice; and the SMF entity sending indication information to a UE, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the transmission of a first service data flow in the first network slice.

[0032] In this method, the SMF instructs the UE to transmit the first service data flow in the first network slice based on the received information, thereby ensuring the transmission requirements of the first service data flow, while avoiding switching other service data flows to the first network slice, thereby ensuring the output requirements of the service data flow.

[0033] As an example, the SMF in the method can be used to implement some of the steps performed by the SMF in the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9.

[0034] For example, SMF can be used to implement all or part of the steps in S502, S503, S504, S505, S506, S507, S509 and S511 performed by SMF, or steps with similar functions to these steps.

[0035] For another example, SMF can be used to implement all or part of the steps in S602, S605, S606, S607, S609, S610 and S611 performed by SMF, or steps with similar functions to these steps.

[0036] For another example, SMF can be used to implement all or part of the steps in S801, S803, S804, S805, S806, S807, S809 and S810 performed by SMF, or steps with similar functions to these steps.

[0037] For another example, SMF can be used to implement all or part of the steps in S901, S902, S903, S904, S905, S906, S907, S908, S909, S911, S912, S913 and S916 performed by SMF, or steps with similar functions to these steps.

[0038] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, comprising: an SMF entity receiving policy information, wherein the policy information is used to indicate the transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice; and the SMF entity sending indication information to an access network device, wherein the indication information is used to indicate the transmission of the first service data flow in the first network slice.

[0039] In this method, the SMF instructs the access network device to transmit the first service data flow in the first network slice based on the received information, thereby ensuring the transmission requirements of the first service data flow, while avoiding switching other service data flows to the first network slice, thereby ensuring the output requirements of the service data flow.

[0040] It is understandable that the meanings of the same concepts in the second and third aspects as those in the first aspect can be referred to the relevant content of the first aspect and will not be repeated here. Some possible implementations of the second and third aspects are described below.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the SMF entity receives policy information, including: the SMF entity receives a session policy modification message and / or a session management policy association establishment response message from a policy control function (PCF) entity, and the session policy modification message and / or the session management policy association establishment response message carries the policy information.

[0042] That is to say, the SMF entity learns from the PCF entity that the first service data flow needs to be transmitted in the first network slice, or learns that the first service data flow needs to be transmitted in the first network slice.

[0043] In other words, the SMF entity instructs the UE or access network device to transmit the first service data flow in the first network slice only under the instruction of the PCF entity. This can improve the accuracy of the instruction information sent by the SMF entity.

[0044] Among them, the PCF entity sends policy information to the SMF entity through session policy modification messages and / or session management policy association establishment response messages. Reusing session policy modification messages and / or session management policy association establishment response messages can improve the utilization rate of signaling messages and save signaling overhead.

[0045] In some possible implementations, the SMF entity receives the policy information, including: the SMF entity receives session management subscription information from a unified data management (UDM) entity, and the session management subscription information carries the policy information.

[0046] That is, the SMF entity learns from the UDM entity that the first service data flow needs to be transmitted in the first network slice, or learns that the first service data flow needs to be transmitted in the first network slice. In this way, the first service data flow can be transmitted based on the user's subscription information, thereby improving the accuracy of the instruction information sent by the SMF entity and ensuring that the user's needs are met.

[0047] Among them, the UDM entity sends policy information to the SMF entity through session management contract information. Reusing session management contract information can improve the utilization rate of signaling messages and save signaling overhead.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the policy information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first business data flow. The identifier of the first network slice contained in the policy information includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first business data flow contained in the policy information includes a business data flow template of the first business data flow.

[0049] In this possible implementation, making full use of the single network slice selection auxiliary information of the network slice to identify the network slice can improve the utilization rate of the information and reduce the implementation complexity of the method.

[0050] In this possible implementation, making full use of business data flow templates to identify network slices can improve information utilization and reduce the implementation complexity of the method.

[0051] In some possible implementations, when the SMF entity sends the indication information to the UE, the indication information is carried in a protocol data unit PDU session modification command message.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an indication of a new PDU session.

[0053] In some possible implementations, the indication of the newly created PDU session is the packet filter set of the first business data flow or the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow; or, the indication of the newly created PDU session is a preset identifier, and the indication information also includes the packet filter set of the first business data flow or the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow.

[0054] In some possible implementations, the indication of the newly created PDU session is a preset identifier; wherein the method further includes: sending a modification command message in the first PDU session, the modification command message including the packet filter set of the first business data flow or the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow; or, sending a data message of the first business data flow in the first PDU session, the data message carrying a reflection service indication, the reflection service indication being used to instruct the UE to derive the packet filter set of the first business data flow or the packet filter set corresponding to the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow based on the data message.

[0055] In some possible implementations, when the SMF entity sends the indication information to the access network device, the indication information is carried in the N2 interface session management message.

[0056] In this possible implementation, the N2 interface session management message is fully utilized to send the indication information, which can improve the utilization rate of message signaling and save signaling overhead.

[0057] In some possible implementations, the indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and a quality of service flow identifier of the first business data flow.

[0058] In this possible implementation, the quality of service flow identifier is fully utilized to identify the first service data flow, which can improve information utilization and reduce the implementation complexity of the method.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: the SMF entity sending billing information to the CHF entity, where the billing information is used to indicate that the first service data flow is transmitted through the first network slice.

[0060] In this implementation, the SMF entity also sends charging information to a charging function (CHF) entity, so that the CHF entity can accurately charge for the first service data flow.

[0061] As an example, the SMF in the method can be used to implement all or part of the steps performed by the SMF in the embodiments shown in any of FIG. 6 , FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 .

[0062] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which includes: a policy control function PCF entity sends policy information to a session management function SMF entity, wherein the policy information is used to indicate the transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice.

[0063] In some possible implementations, the policy information is carried in a session policy modification message and / or a session management policy association establishment response message.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the PCF obtains guarantee information from a unified data repository (UDR), where the guarantee information is used to indicate the transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice.

[0065] In some possible implementations, the guarantee information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first business data flow. The identifier of the first network slice contained in the guarantee information includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first business data flow contained in the guarantee information includes an identifier of the application to which the first business data flow belongs.

[0066] In some possible implementations, the policy information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first business data flow. The identifier of the first network slice contained in the policy information includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first business data flow contained in the policy information includes a business data flow template of the first business data flow.

[0067] As an example, the PCF in the method can be used to implement all or part of the steps performed by the PCF in the embodiments shown in any of Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which includes: an access network device receives first indication information from an SMF entity, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate the transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice; the access network device uses a first data wireless bearer configured for the first network slice to transmit the first service data flow.

[0069] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is carried in an N2 interface session management message.

[0070] In some possible implementations, the first indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first business data flow, the identifier of the first network slice includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first business data flow includes a service quality identifier of the first business data flow.

[0071] In some possible implementations, the access network device receives second indication information from the SMF entity, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first service data flow is transmitted in a second network slice or that the network slice for transmitting the first service data flow is empty; the access network device uses a second data radio bearer configured for the second network slice to transmit the first service data flow.

[0072] As an example, the access network device in the method can be used to implement all or part of the steps performed by the gNB in ​​the embodiments shown in Figures 4, 6, 8 or 9.

[0073] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for implementing the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement the corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0074] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for implementing the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement the corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0075] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for implementing the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement the corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0076] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for implementing the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement the corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0077] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for implementing the method in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. It should be understood that each module or unit can implement the corresponding function by executing a computer program.

[0078] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the communication method described in any possible implementation of the first aspect of the first aspect. The communication device may be a UE or a chip or chip system applied to a UE.

[0079] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the communication method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. The communication device may be an SMF entity or a chip or chip system applied to an SMF entity.

[0080] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the communication method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect. The communication device may be an SMF entity or a chip or chip system applied to an SMF entity.

[0081] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, including a processor, configured to execute the communication method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. The communication device may be a PFC entity or a chip or chip system used in a PFC entity.

[0082] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, including a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the communication method described in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. The communication device may be an access network device or a chip or chip system used in an access network device.

[0083] In aspects 11 through 15, the apparatus may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the methods described in each of the above aspects may be implemented. The apparatus may further include a communication interface for communicating between the apparatus and other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0084] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for execution by a communication device, the program code including instructions for implementing the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0085] In a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for execution by a communication device, the program code including instructions for implementing the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0086] In an eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for execution by a communication device, wherein the program code includes instructions for implementing the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0087] In the nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for execution by a communication device, the program code including instructions for implementing the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0088] In the twentieth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for execution by a communication device, the program code including instructions for implementing the method in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0089] In a twenty-first aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to implement the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0090] In aspect 22, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to implement the method in aspect 2 and any possible implementation of aspect 2.

[0091] In the twenty-third aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to implement the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0092] In aspect 24, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to implement the method in aspect 4 and any possible implementation of aspect 4.

[0093] In aspect 25, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to implement the method in aspect 5 and any possible implementation of aspect 5.

[0094] In aspect twenty-six, the present application provides a communication system and a method executed by the communication system, wherein the communication system includes: the communication device in aspect six or aspect eleven, the communication device in aspect seven or aspect twelfth, and the communication device in aspect nine or aspect fourteenth.

[0095] In aspect twenty-seven, the present application provides a communication system and a method executed by the communication system, wherein the communication system includes: the communication device in aspect eight or aspect thirteen, the communication device in aspect ten or aspect fifteen, and the communication device in aspect nine or aspect fourteen.

[0096] It can be understood that the effects that can be obtained in the second to twenty-fifth aspects can be referred to the description in the first aspect and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] FIG2 is a flow chart of a method for controlling slice selection by a network-side device;

[0099] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a communication process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another communication process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a network slice switching method provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of RAN radio resource configuration;

[0104] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a network slice switching method provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG9 is a flowchart of a handover network slice charging method provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in yet another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0109] To facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0110] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0112] The communication method of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a cellular communication system network architecture, where the cellular communication system may include a fourth generation (4G) network system, a 5G system, and a future sixth generation (6G) network system. The present application will be described using the 5G system as an example.

[0113] To facilitate understanding of the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the system architecture and application scenarios of the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application are described below. It is understood that the system architecture and application scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0114] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the application architecture of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1 , the architecture includes an access and mobility management function (AMF), an SMF network element, a PCF network element, a user plane function (UPF), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), a charging function (CHF), a UDM, a UE, and a gNB. An example of this network system is a 5G communication system.

[0115] AMF is mainly used for terminal attachment, mobility management, and tracking area update processes in mobile networks. The access management network element terminates non-access stratum (NAS) messages, completes registration management, connection management, and reachability management, allocates tracking area lists (TA lists) and mobility management, and transparently routes session management (SM) messages to the session management network element.

[0116] SMF is mainly used for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. For example, it can allocate Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals and select user-plane network elements that provide message forwarding functions.

[0117] PCF mainly provides user subscription data management functions, policy control functions, billing policy control functions, and quality of service (QoS) control.

[0118] UPF is mainly responsible for processing user messages, such as forwarding, billing, and legal monitoring.

[0119] NWDAF provides intelligent analysis services, using artificial intelligence and big data analysis to output analysis results in a format defined by specifications. The output analysis results generally come in two forms: one is a statistical analysis of historical data, and the other is a prediction of future data. The service processing network element makes network adjustments based on the NWDAF output to optimize network operation. For example, when the service processing network element finds through the statistical analysis results output by NWDAF that the packet loss rate of the terminal's ongoing service message transmission exceeds the threshold, affecting the service experience, it will take corresponding measures, such as increasing the proportion of retransmitted packets, attempting to improve the service experience, etc.

[0120] CHF mainly collects billing events from various service processing network elements such as SMF, AMF or UPF, and charges users' services according to pre-negotiated rates.

[0121] In this embodiment, AMF, SMF, PCF, UPF, NWDAF, and CHF are the main network functions of the core network in the system, and all belong to the service-oriented control plane network function entities. Service-oriented development enables the core network to form a flat network architecture. Through the control plane signaling bus, the control plane network function entities of the same network slice can discover each other through the network storage function (NF repository function, NRF), obtain each other's access address information, and then communicate directly with each other through the control plane signaling bus.

[0122] In this application, any of the above functions may also be referred to as an entity, a network element or a functional entity. For example, AMF may also be referred to as an AMF entity, an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity. For example, SMF may also be referred to as an SMF entity, an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity, etc.

[0123] The UDM network element is used to store and manage user terminal network and service subscription data.

[0124] UE can also be called terminal, terminal equipment, mobile station (MS), remote station (RS), etc. It can be a device with wireless transceiver function on the user side, which can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water surface, such as ships; it can also be deployed in the air, such as on airplanes, balloons and satellites.

[0125] Exemplarily, the UE may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver functions, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, and the like.

[0126] The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios, and do not limit the specific technologies, device forms, and names adopted by the terminal devices.

[0127] The gNB in ​​this system represents access network equipment. The access network equipment in this system can include radio access network (RAN) equipment and access network (AN), which is responsible for wireless access to terminal devices. Its deployment forms include: separation scenarios of centralized units (CU) and distributed units (DU), as well as single-site scenarios. Among them, in the separation scenario, the CU supports protocols such as radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU mainly supports radio link control layer (RLC), media access control layer (MAC), and physical layer protocols. In a single-site scenario, a single site may include a new radio Node (gNB), an evolved Node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a Node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station, a base band unit (BBU), etc.

[0128] It is understood that the architecture of the communication system is only an example, and the communication system proposed in this application may also include more or fewer functions. For example, it may also include a network exposure function (NEF). NEF is mainly used to isolate third-party application functions from network functions or the core network.

[0129] It can be understood that the names of the functions in the communication system shown in Figure 1 are only examples, and the division of functional modules is also only examples. Any communication system that can implement the function set in the communication system shown in Figure 1 should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

[0130] In the field of communications, network slicing technology has been proposed in communication systems. Network slicing technology abstractly divides a physical network into multiple logical networks, namely multiple network slices. Each network slice constitutes an end-to-end logical network, which is logically isolated from each other and does not affect each other. The services of each network slice can be identified using S-NSSAI (single-network slice selection assistance information). The communication system can select a network slice based on the S-NSSAI (or service data flow) carried in the terminal service request and transmit the customer's service data within the selected network slice.

[0131] In some implementations of selecting a network slice for a service, the AMF may receive a network slice registration request message from the UE from the access network, where the registration request message may include a Requested NSSAI, which may include one or more S-NSSAIs.

[0132] The AMF can interact with network functions such as the UDM and NSSF to complete the UE's registration request processing and allocate an Allowed NSSAI to the UE, which includes the above-mentioned S-NSSAI. This means that the UE has successfully registered with this network slice. At the same time, the network side will issue the NSSP to the UE. Subsequently, the UE can request to establish a PDU Session within this network slice.

[0133] In some implementations of the communication system, only the terminal side is allowed to actively initiate a request to establish a PDU Session, and the network side is not allowed to actively establish a PDU Session. In this case, when the APP on the UE needs to send a message, the UE will use the APP identifier (i.e., APP ID) to query the NSSP, determine the S-NSSAI of the network slice to be used, and then initiate a PDU Session establishment request message, which carries the S-NSSAI.

[0134] After receiving the PDU Session Establishment Request message, the AMF selects the SMF within the network slice to handle the session establishment request based on the S-NSSAI carried in the message. If the session establishment request is accepted, the SMF selects the UPF within the network slice and controls the UPF to establish a user plane connection with the RAN. The RAN also allocates air interface resources for the network slice so that the UE can send and receive data packets through the network slice.

[0135] However, the above implementation method has the following technical problems: if the UE does not support NSSP, the PDU Session establishment request initiated by the UE will not carry S-NSSAI. At this time, the AMF will obtain the default S-NSSAI of the user's contract from the UE's contract information. In the subsequent process, the core network and RAN can only establish a PDU Session in the UE's default contract slice.

[0136] Using the default slice often fails to meet the performance or security isolation requirements of users when using specific services. To address this issue, the communications field has proposed a method in which network-side devices control network slice selection. In some implementations, when a user uses a specific service, the application server requests a network switch to replace the network slice used by the established PDU session.

[0137] For example, a flow chart of a method for controlling slice selection by a network-side device is shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the method may include S201, S202, S203, S204, and S205.

[0138] In step S201, based on the PDU Session established by the UE, the application client negotiates with the application server (application function, AF) through the PDU Session to request a switch to the network slice used to transmit the application service message. For example, when a game client is running on the UE and the user wishes to pay to enable game acceleration, if the UE has established a PDU Session in the default network slice to which the user has subscribed by default, the game client and the game server will negotiate, and the AF will determine to use a low-latency network slice for the service.

[0139] S202, AF sends a network slice replacement request to PCF through NEF. The network slice replacement request includes the UE identifier (UE ID) and the slice identifier of the low-latency network slice.

[0140] S203, PCF sends a slice replacement command to SMF, which includes the UE identifier, and sends the low-latency network slice identifier as an alternative network slice identifier (alternative S-NSSAI) parameter to SMF.

[0141] S204: The SMF sends a command to the UE via the AMF and the access network AN to modify the current PDU Session, which includes an instruction to terminate the current session and immediately re-establish the session, as well as the alternative S-NSSAI parameter.

[0142] In step S205, the UE releases the current PDU Session according to the SMF command and re-initiates a PDU Session establishment request using the alternative S-NSSAI. After the PDU Session is successfully established, messages between the game client and the game server can be transmitted in the low-latency network slice.

[0143] However, in this method, the UE only establishes one PDU Session, and the messages of other applications running on the UE will also be switched to the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI. For example, if an email client is running in the background of the UE at the same time, the messages it sends will be switched to the PDU Session using the low-latency network slice. If the low-latency network slice is not connected to the data network (DN) where the mail server is located, the sending and receiving of emails will be interrupted, which will affect normal use. On the other hand, even if the low-latency network slice is configured with the data network (DNN) where the mail server is located, receiving emails with attachments in the low-latency network slice will consume more traffic, which will incur higher rates than using the default contracted slice, and the economic benefits are poor.

[0144] In general, although the above method ensures the transmission performance of the service data flow in the application on the UE, it affects the transmission performance of other service data flows.

[0145] To this end, the present application provides a new technical solution that, while ensuring the transmission performance of some business data flows, reduces or even avoids the impact on the transmission performance of other business data flows.

[0146] The new technical solution proposed in this application can transmit different service data flows in different network slices to meet the different transmission requirements of different service data flows. For example, PDU sessions can be established in different network slices, and the PDU sessions established in different network slices can transmit different service data flows, so that the transmission performance of different service data flows will not affect each other.

[0147] In other words, a PDU Session can be established in the network slice associated with the business data flow, and the business data flow can be transmitted through the PDU Session.

[0148] In the technical solution proposed in this application, from the UE's perspective, in some implementation methods, the UE receives indication information of a new session, which carries message filter parameters and a network slice identifier. The UE uses the network slice identifier to newly establish a PDU Session based on the indication information. The UE sets a message filter based on the specified message filter parameters, associates the message filter with the newly established PDU Session, and messages in the UE that match the message filter are transmitted through the newly established PDU Session.

[0149] From the perspective of the access network device, in some implementations, the access network device receives indication information for switching network slices, which carries a service data flow identifier and a network slice identifier. The access network device allocates air interface resources for the service data in the wireless resource pool corresponding to the network slice identifier according to the indication information. The access network device sends a wireless resource control reconfiguration command to the UE, notifying the terminal to use the allocated air interface resources to transmit the service flow message specified by the service flow data flow identifier.

[0150] From the perspective of core network equipment, in some implementations, the core network equipment obtains a service assurance policy, which carries service flow parameters and the identifier of the switched network slice; the core network equipment receives a trigger event to determine whether to replace the message flow corresponding to the service flow parameters to the network slice; the core network equipment sends a service flow switching indication information to the access network equipment, which carries the message flow identifier and the network slice identifier, or the core network equipment sends a new session indication information to the terminal, which carries the message filter parameters and the network slice identifier; the core network equipment sends a billing event to the billing function, which carries the terminal identifier and the switched network slice identifier.

[0151] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the communication method may include S301 to S304.

[0152] S301: The PCF sends policy information to the SMF entity, where the policy information is used to instruct the transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice. Accordingly, the SMF receives the policy information.

[0153] In some possible implementations, the policy information is carried in a session policy modification message and / or a session management policy association establishment response message.

[0154] In some possible implementations, the PCF may obtain guarantee information from the UDR, where the guarantee information is used to indicate the transmission of the first service data flow in the first network slice, and send policy information based on the guarantee information.

[0155] In some possible implementations, the assurance information may include an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first service data flow.

[0156] Optionally, the identifier of the first network slice contained in the guarantee information may include single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice.

[0157] Optionally, the identifier of the first service data flow included in the assurance information may include an identifier of an application to which the first service data flow belongs.

[0158] Optionally, the identifier of the first service data flow included in the policy information may include a service data flow template of the first service data flow.

[0159] S302: The SMF sends an indication message to the UE, where the indication message is used to indicate that a first service data flow is to be transmitted in the first network slice. Accordingly, the UE receives the indication message from the SMF.

[0160] In some possible implementations, when the SMF sends the indication information to the UE, the indication information is carried in the PDU session modification command message.

[0161] In some possible implementations, the indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an indication of a new PDU session.

[0162] In some possible implementations, the indication of establishing a new PDU session is a packet filter set of the first service data flow or a quality of service flow identifier of the first service data flow.

[0163] In some possible implementations, the indication of the new PDU session is a preset identifier. In this case, the indication information may also include a packet filter set of the first service data flow or a quality of service flow identifier of the first service data flow.

[0164] In some possible implementations, the indication of a new PDU session is a preset identifier. In this case, the method may further include: sending a modification command message in the first PDU session, the modification command message including the packet filter set of the first business data flow or the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow.

[0165] In some possible implementations, the indication of a new PDU session is a preset identifier. In this case, the method may also include: sending a data packet of the first business data flow in the first PDU session, the data packet carrying a reflection service indication, and the reflection service indication is used to indicate the UE to derive a packet filter set of the first business data flow based on the data packet or a packet filter set corresponding to the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow.

[0166] In some possible implementations, the indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and a quality of service flow identifier of the first business data flow.

[0167] It can be understood that the SMF sending indication information to the UE may include: the SMF sending indication information to the UE through other network devices.

[0168] S303, the UE establishes a first PDU session in the first network slice based on the indication information.

[0169] As an example, when the indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an indication of a new PDU session, the UE uses the identifier of the first network slice to request establishment of the first PDU session based on the indication of the new PDU session.

[0170] S304: The UE transmits a first service data flow through a first PDU session.

[0171] In some possible implementations, the UE transmits the first service data flow through the first PDU session, including: setting a packet filter set for the first service data flow for the first PDU session; or, setting a packet filter set corresponding to the service quality flow identifier of the first service data flow for the first PDU session.

[0172] In some possible implementations, before the UE receives the indication information from the SMF entity, the UE can already transmit the first service data flow through other network slices. For example, before the UE receives the indication information from the SMF entity, the UE has already established a PDU session in the other network slice and can transmit the first service data flow and / or other service data flows through the PDU session. At this time, the UE can obtain the packet filtering set corresponding to the quality of service flow identifier of the first service data flow based on the quality of service flow identifier of the first service data flow.

[0173] In some possible implementations, the SMF may receive policy information from the UDM. For example, the SMF entity receives session management subscription information from the UDM, and the session management subscription information carries policy information.

[0174] In some possible implementations, the method may further include: the SMF entity sending billing information to the CHF entity, where the billing information is used to indicate that the first service data flow is transmitted through the first network slice.

[0175] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication method may include S401 to S404.

[0176] S401: The PCF sends policy information to the SMF entity, where the policy information is used to instruct the transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice. Accordingly, the SMF receives the policy information.

[0177] This step may refer to S301 in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0178] S402: The SMF sends first indication information to the access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first service data flow is to be transmitted in the first network slice. Accordingly, the access network device receives the first indication information from the SMF.

[0179] In some possible implementations, the first indication information is carried in an N2 interface session management message.

[0180] In some possible implementations, the first indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first business data flow, the identifier of the first network slice includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first business data flow includes a service quality identifier of the first business data flow.

[0181] S403, the first service data flow is transmitted between the access network device and the UE through the DRB configured for the first network slice.

[0182] In some possible implementations, the access network device configures air interface resources for the first network slice to establish a data radio bearer (DRB), and establishes an association between the DRB and the first service flow to facilitate the transmission of the first service data flow through the DRB, thereby realizing the transmission of the first service data flow in the first network slice.

[0183] The association relationship between the DRB and the first business data flow may be an association relationship between the identifier of the DRB and the QFI of the first business data flow.

[0184] In some possible implementations, the access network device sends a radio resource control (RRC) reconfiguration command "reconfiguration" to the UE, instructing the UE to transmit the first service data flow through the first data radio bearer configured for the first network slice, so that the UE can transmit the first service data flow through the first DRB.

[0185] Optionally, the RRC reconfiguration command may carry the identifier of the first DRB and the QFI of the first service data flow.

[0186] In some possible implementations, the access network device receives second indication information from the SMF entity, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first service data flow is transmitted in a second network slice or that the network slice for transmitting the first service data flow is empty. Accordingly, the access network device transmits the first service data flow using a second data radio bearer configured for the second network slice.

[0187] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the communication method may include steps S501 to S511.

[0188] S501: The UE establishes a PDU Session and uses the subscribed default S-NSSAI.

[0189] S502, SMF initiates a Session Management Policy Association (SMPA) establishment request to PCF, which is used to indicate the replacement of network slices.

[0190] S503: The PCF sends a session management policy association establishment response to the SMF. In other words, after establishing the session management policy association, the PCF sends a session policy modification message to the SMF. This message carries a service data flow template and an alternative network slice identifier (alternative S-NSSAI). The service data flow template is used to indicate the service that needs to change the network slice, and the alternative network slice identifier is used to indicate that the service data flow SDF matching the service data flow template is switched to the alternative network slice for transmission.

[0191] S504, the SMF sends a packet detection rule (PDR) to the UPF according to the session management policy, for detecting the above-mentioned SDF, wherein the UPF is providing services for the current PDU Session.

[0192] Exemplarily, the PCF instructs the SMF to switch the SDF of a specific application to an alternative network slice for transmission, and the SMF sends a PDR to the UPF, where the PDR may include the uniform resource locator (URL) of the server of the specific application, or may include the triplet of the server, i.e., the destination IP address, protocol, and port number. If the application identifier APP ID and the URL or triplet information of the corresponding application server have been pre-configured in the UPF, the PDR may also include the application identifier APP ID.

[0193] S505 , the user transmits the service messages received and sent by the application through the established PDU Session, that is, the user can transmit the service data flow matching the above template through the PDU Session.

[0194] S506, UPF sends an event of detecting that the specified SDF starts transmission to SMF.

[0195] In one possible implementation, based on the session management policy, the SMF instructs the UPF to bind the downlink service packets of the SDF (i.e., downlink service packets of a specific application) to a quality of service flow (QoS flow) and assign a QoS flow identifier (QFI). After successful binding, the downlink service packets of the specific application will carry the QFI during transmission from the UPF through the gNB to the UE. The SMF sends a message to the UE via the AMF and gNB. This message may carry a packet filter set (PFS) and the QFI, instructing the UE to bind uplink service packets matching the PFS (i.e., uplink service packets of the specific application) to the QoS flow identified by the QFI. After successful binding, the uplink service packets of the specific application will carry the QFI during transmission from the UE through the gNB to the UPF.

[0196] In another possible implementation, the SMF does not instruct the UPF and the UE to bind the SDF to the QoS flow. In this case, the specific application service message is transmitted through the default QoS flow of the established PDU Session.

[0197] S507: SMF sends a message to the UE through the AMF and gNB. The message may be a PDU Session modification command.

[0198] In one possible implementation, the message may carry a packet filter set (PFS) and an alternative network slice identifier (alternative S-NSSAI) to indicate that the QoS flow matching the PFS is switched to the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI for transmission, wherein the PFS is set according to the service data flow template to distinguish the messages of the above-mentioned specific applications. At this time, the PFS can be regarded as an implicit indication of the UE to create a new PDU Session in the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI for the QoS flow matching the PFS. Alternatively, the message may also carry an explicit indication element for creating a new PDU Session, as well as PFS and alternative S-NSSAI, to indicate that a new PDU Session is created in the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI for the QoS flow matching the PFS.

[0199] In another possible implementation, the message may carry QFI and alternative S-NSSAI, which are used to indicate that the QoS flow identified by QFI creates a new PDU Session in the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI. In this case, QFI can be regarded as an implicit indication by the UE to create a new PDU Session for the QoS flow identified by QFI in the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI. Alternatively, the message may also carry an explicit indication element for creating a new PDU Session, as well as QFI and alternative S-NSSAI, which are used to indicate that the QoS flow identified by QFI creates a new PDU Session in the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI.

[0200] In another possible implementation, application-specific service messages are transmitted through the default QoS flow. The message may carry an explicit new PDU Session indication element and an alternative S-NSSAI to instruct the UE to create a new PDU Session in the network slice specified by the alternative S-NSSAI. Subsequently, the SMF will instruct the application-specific service messages to no longer be transmitted through the default QoS flow of the original PDU Session, but through the newly created PDU Session. For details, see subsequent step S309.

[0201] S508: After the UE receives the PDU Session modification message, if the message carries PFS or QFI, the UE modifies the message filter of the original PDU Session according to the instruction of the new PDU Session and stops transmitting the message matching the PFS or QoS flow identified by QFI in the original PDU Session.

[0202] S509, the UE creates a new PDU Session in the alternative network slice according to the indication of the new PDU Session, where the alternative S-NSSAI is carried in the session establishment request message.

[0203] It can be understood that if the UE already has a successfully established PDU Session in the network slice indicated by the alternative S-NSSAI, the UE can also directly use this established session.

[0204] In one possible implementation, at S510, the UE sets a message filter for the PDU Session created or established in S309 and associates the specified PFS with the PDU Session. If the QFI is included in the S307 message, the UE first determines the message filter corresponding to the QoS flow based on the QFI and then associates the message filter with the PDU Session created or established in S309.

[0205] In another possible implementation, when application-specific service packets are transmitted over the default QoS flow in the original PDU Session, the SMF, based on the session management policy, instructs the UPF in a new PDU Session to bind the SDF's downlink service packets (i.e., application-specific downlink service packets) to the QoS flow and assign a QFI. Once successfully bound, the application-specific downlink service packets will carry the QFI during transmission from the UPF through the gNB to the UE. The SMF sends a new PDU Session modification message to the UE via the AMF and gNB. This message carries the PFS and QFI, instructing the UE to associate the PFS with the new PDU Session. Based on the instructions, the UE sets a packet filter for the new PDU Session. The UE binds uplink service packets matching the PFS (i.e., application-specific uplink service packets) to the QoS flow identified by the QFI. Once successfully bound, the application-specific uplink service packets will carry the QFI during transmission from the UE through the gNB to the UPF. In another possible implementation, the SMF may also instruct the gNB, via a new PDU Session modification message, to include a reflective QoS indication in the downlink QoS flow message identified by the QFI. This indication instructs the UE to derive a PFS that filters out uplink service packets of a specific application based on the address information in the downlink service packets of the specific application, and to associate the derived PFS with the new PDU Session. Based on the indication, the UE sets a message filter for the new PDU Session and binds uplink service packets matching the PFS (i.e., uplink service packets of the specific application) to the QoS flow identified by the QFI.

[0206] In step S511, the UE transmits the PFS-matched packets in the new PDU Session via the network slice indicated by the alternative S-NSSAI according to the packet filter settings. Other service packets on the UE are still transmitted in the PDU Session via the default network slice.

[0207] In this embodiment, the core network device sends a new session indication and an alternative network slice identifier to the terminal, wherein the new session indication may also carry a packet filter parameter or a quality of service flow identifier. The terminal receives the new session indication, and creates a new PDU Session according to the indication using the alternative network slice identifier. The UE sets a packet filter according to the specified packet filter parameters, or derives packet filter parameters and sets a packet filter according to the reflected QoS indication, and associates the packet filter with the newly created PDU Session. In this method, the terminal transmits packets that match the above-mentioned packet filter in the newly created PDU Session in the alternative network slice, and can change the network slice used by a specific service without affecting other services when the terminal does not support NSSP.

[0208] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for switching network slices according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the communication method may include S600 to S612.

[0209] S600: The gNB configures dedicated air interface resources or priority air interface resources for the network slice to ensure service experience.

[0210] Air interface resources are used to transmit messages between the gNB and the UE. Dedicated air interface resources are available only to PDU sessions within a specific network slice or group of network slices. Priority air interface resources give priority use to PDU sessions within a specific network slice or group of network slices when needed. If these resources are already allocated to other network slices, they can be reclaimed when necessary. In other words, only when a specific network slice or group of network slices is unused can other network slices use these air interface resources for message transmission. Furthermore, the gNB can allocate shared resources to a network slice or group of network slices, allowing them to be used equally with other network slices. However, the gNB typically does not configure dedicated or priority air interface resources for the default network slice, which transmits general service messages.

[0211] Specifically, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the wireless resource configuration of the RAN. The wireless access network supports resource isolation between slices, and resources can be divided into three resource categories, namely dedicated resources, priority resources, and shared resources. Among them, the three parameters of dedicated resource usage quota (rRMPolicyDedicatedRatio), minimum wireless resource quota (rRMPolicyMinRatio) and maximum wireless resource quota (rRMPolicyMaxRatio) respectively represent the percentage of air interface resources allocated to the network slice in the entire air interface resource pool, and these three parameters are represented by numbers from 0 to 100. For example, if rRMPolicyDedicatedRatio=10 is configured, it means that the dedicated resources of this network slice account for 10% of the overall air interface resources. If rRMPolicyMinRatio=30 is configured at the same time, it means that the priority resources of this network slice account for 20% of the overall air interface resources (i.e. 30% minus 10%).

[0212] S601: The terminal establishes a PDU Session in the default subscribed network slice.

[0213] Optionally, during the session establishment process, SMF can obtain the UE's session management subscription information from UDM, which may include a guarantee-specific service indication and a specified alternative network slice (alternative S-NSSAI), where the alternative S-NSSAI identifies the guarantee network slice in S600.

[0214] S602: The SMF obtains the UE's service assurance policy from the PCF. The service assurance policy may be included in a session management policy association establishment response message or a session policy modification message. The service assurance policy includes a service data flow template and an alternative S-NSSAI, which is used to instruct the SDF matching the service data flow template to switch to an alternative network slice for transmission.

[0215] S603, SMF sends PDR to UPF, which is used to detect the above-mentioned SDF.

[0216] For details of this step, please refer to S504 and will not be described again here.

[0217] S604, UE transmits the message matching the service data flow template through PDU Session. According to the session management policy, SMF and UPF will bind SDF to QoS flow and assign QoS flow identifier QFI.

[0218] S605, UPF reports to SMF the event of detecting that the specified SDF starts transmission.

[0219] S606, SMF determines to trigger service assurance according to the indication of guaranteeing specific services obtained in S601, or according to the service assurance policy obtained in S602.

[0220] S607: The SMF sends a message to the gNB through the AMF. The message may be an N2 interface session management message, which carries the UE ID, PDU session identifier (PDU Session ID), QFI, and alternative S-NSSAI. The alternative S-NSSAI identifies the guaranteed network slice and is used to instruct the gNB to switch the QoS flow identified by the QFI to the guaranteed network slice for transmission.

[0221] In step S608, based on the message received in step S607, the gNB configures air interface resources for the allocated secured network slice, thereby establishing a new data radio bearer (DRB) to carry the QoS flow identified by the QFI. The gNB sends an RRC reconfiguration command to the UE, instructing the UE to use the established DRB to carry the QoS flow identified by the QFI. Messages for the QoS flow are now transmitted using the DRB in the network slice indicated by the alternative S-NSSAI. Other service messages on the UE continue to be transmitted using the default network slice.

[0222] S609: When the UE stops using the application, the UPF reports to the SMF the event of detecting the service flow stopping.

[0223] S610, the SMF determines to stop the service guarantee according to the instruction of guaranteeing the specific service obtained in S601, or according to the service guarantee policy obtained in S602.

[0224] S611: SMF sends a message to gNB through AMF, which carries UE ID, PDU Session ID, QFI and alternative S-NSSAI, where alternative S-NSSAI identifies the default network slice or is empty.

[0225] In step S612, the gNB releases the DRB established for the air interface resources of the security slice based on the message received in step S611. The gNB remaps the QoS flow specified by the QFI to the DRB of the default network slice.

[0226] In this embodiment, the core network device obtains a service assurance subscription indication or a service assurance policy, and sends an indication message to the RAN to switch the QoS flow to the specified network slice, wherein the message carries a QoS flow identifier and an alternative network slice identifier. The radio access network receives the indication message to switch the specified QoS flow to the alternative network slice, allocates dedicated resources or priority resources of the alternative network slice to establish a DRB, associates the specified QoS flow to the DRB, and sends an RRC reconfiguration command to the terminal, instructing the terminal to use the DRB of the specified network slice resources to deliver the specified QoS flow. In this method, the core network instructs the radio access network to establish a new data radio bearer within the specified network slice, changing the network slice used by a specific service without affecting other services.

[0227] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a network slicing switching method provided by another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication method may include S800 to S811.

[0228] S800: gNB configures dedicated air interface resources or priority air interface resources to ensure network slicing.

[0229] S801: The UE establishes a PDU Session in the default subscribed network slice. During the session establishment process, the SMF and PCF establish a session management policy association.

[0230] S802, PCF obtains the UE's service assurance policy from UDR, which includes APP ID and alternative S-NSSAI. The policy indicates that the application message identified by APP ID is delivered using the assurance network slice indicated by alternative S-NSSAI.

[0231] S803, PCF sends an event subscription message to SMF, which carries the APP ID, instructing SMF to report the event to PCF when it detects that the application identified by the APP ID is transmitting a message.

[0232] S804, SMF sends PDR to UPF to detect the application message identified by the above APP ID.

[0233] S805: The UE transmits the service message matching the APP ID through the PDU Session. The SMF and UPF bind the application service data flow to the QoS flow and assign it a QFI.

[0234] S806, UPF reports to SMF the event of detecting that the specified application starts transmission.

[0235] S807, SMF reports the event to PCF, notifying PCF that a message carrying the application indicated by the APP ID is being transmitted and carries the QFI parameter.

[0236] S808, PCF determines to perform service guarantee on the QoS flow identified by QFI based on the service guarantee policy obtained in S602, and switches it to the transmission within the guaranteed network slice identified by alternative S-NSSAI.

[0237] S809, PCF sends a session management policy modification command to SMF, which carries UE ID, PDU Session ID, QFI and alternative S-NSSAI, where alternative S-NSSAI identifies the secured network slice and is used to instruct the QoS flow identified by QFI to be switched to the secured network slice for transmission.

[0238] S810: The SMF sends an N2 interface session management message to the gNB through the AMF, which carries the UE ID, PDU Session ID, QFI, and alternative S-NSSAI, to instruct the gNB to switch the QoS flow identified by the QFI to the guaranteed network slice for transmission.

[0239] S811: The gNB uses the air interface resources of the guaranteed slice to establish a DRB and sends an RRC reconfiguration command to the UE, instructing the UE to use the newly established DRB to deliver the QoS flow identified by the QFI.

[0240] In this embodiment, the PCF network element obtains a service assurance policy, which includes an application identifier and an identifier for the replacement network slice. Upon receiving an event indicating that a specified application is transmitting a message, the PCF sends a session management policy modification command to the SMF based on the assurance policy. The message carries the QoS flow identifier and the replacement network slice identifier. This method achieves the same technical effects as the above embodiment.

[0241] Figure 9 is a flow chart of a method for charging a switching network slice according to another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, the communication method may include S900 to S916.

[0242] In S900, gNB configures dedicated air interface resources or priority air interface resources for network slices to ensure service experience.

[0243] S901: The terminal establishes a PDU Session in the default subscribed network slice.

[0244] Optionally, during the session establishment process, SMF can obtain the UE's session management subscription information from UDM, which may include a guaranteed specific service indication and an alternative S-NSSAI, where the alternative S-NSSAI indicates the guaranteed network slice in step S900.

[0245] S902: The SMF obtains the UE's service assurance policy from the PCF. This service assurance policy may be included in a session management policy association establishment response message or a session policy modification message. The service assurance policy includes a service data flow template and an alternative S-NSSAI, which is used to instruct the SDF matching the service data flow template to switch to an alternative network slice for transmission.

[0246] S903, SMF sends PDR to UPF, which is used to detect SDF.

[0247] S904: The SMF sends an analysis subscription request to the NWDAF, which may include the terminal's UE ID, requesting service experience analysis for the specified terminal. The SMF may also request service experience analysis for all terminals in the cell. The SMF may also set analysis report filtering parameters in the analysis subscription request based on the SDF, specifying that only SDFs matching the template be analyzed for service experience analysis.

[0248] S905: The terminal transmits the message matching the service data flow template through the PDU Session. The SMF and UPF bind the SDF to the QoS flow according to the session management policy and allocate a QFI.

[0249] S906, UPF reports to SMF the event of detecting that the specified SDF starts transmission.

[0250] S907, NWDAF sends the result of service experience analysis to SMF.

[0251] S908, SMF triggers service assurance when it determines that the network quality has deteriorated based on the indication of guaranteeing specific services obtained in step S901, or based on the service assurance policy obtained in step S902, and the analysis result obtained in step S907.

[0252] S909: The SMF sends a message to the gNB through the AMF. The message may be an N2 interface session management message, which carries the UE ID, PDU Session ID, QFI, and alternative S-NSSAI. The alternative S-NSSAI identifies the guarantee network slice and is used to instruct the gNB to switch the QoS flow identified by the QFI to the guarantee network slice for transmission.

[0253] S910: The gNB uses the air interface resources of the guaranteed slice to establish a DRB and sends an RRC reconfiguration command to the UE, instructing the UE to use the established DRB to deliver the QoS flow identified by the QFI.

[0254] At step S911, the SMF sends a slice charging event to the CHF, which carries the UE ID, PDU Session ID, QFI, and alternative S-NSSAI, indicating that the QoS flow identified by the QFI has been switched to the guaranteed network slice for transmission. The CHF charges according to the rate for the guaranteed network slice.

[0255] S912: NWDAF periodically sends analysis results to SMF. If the network quality is restored, SMF receives the analysis result that the service experience of the default network slice meets the requirements.

[0256] S913: The SMF determines to stop service assurance based on the analysis result obtained in step S912.

[0257] S914: SMF sends a message to gNB through AMF, which carries UE ID, PDU Session ID, QFI and alternative S-NSSAI, where alternative S-NSSAI identifies the default network slice or empty.

[0258] In step S915, the gNB releases the DRB established for the air interface resources of the security slice based on the message received in step S914. The gNB remaps the QoS flow specified by the QFI to the DRB of the default network slice.

[0259] S916, SMF sends a slice billing event to CHF, which carries UE ID, PDU Session ID, QFI and alternative S-NSSAI, where alternative S-NSSAI can be the default slice, indicating that the QoS flow identified by QFI has been switched to the default network slice for transmission. CHF charges according to the rate pre-set for the default network slice. Or alternative S-NSSAI is empty, indicating that service assurance billing is stopped.

[0260] In this embodiment, the SMF network element obtains the service assurance policy and service experience analysis results, and based on the analysis results and the assurance policy, determines to send an instruction message to the RAN to switch the QoS flow to a specified network slice. This method can change the network slice used by a specific service, ensure the experience of the specific service, and perform guaranteed billing. In addition, in this method, when the network experience deteriorates, the core network instructs the radio access network to establish a new data radio bearer within the specified network slice, change the network slice used by the specific service, ensure the experience of the specific service, and perform guaranteed billing. When the network quality improves, it switches back to the default network slice and stops service assurance billing in a timely manner.

[0261] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG10 , the communication device 1000 may include a processing module 1001 and a sending module 1002 .

[0262] As a first example, the communication device 1000 can be used to implement the communication method of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. The processing module 1001 can be used to execute S501, S505, S508, S509, S510, and S511, and the sending module 1002 can be used to execute S502, S503, S504, S506, and S507.

[0263] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include an acquisition module 1003 and a receiving module 1004 .

[0264] As a second example, the communication device 1000 can be used to implement the communication method of the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The processing module 1001 can be used to execute S600, S601, S604, S605, S606, S608, and S609; the sending module 1002 can be used to execute S603, S607, and S611; the acquiring module 1003 can be used to execute S602 and S610; and the receiving module 1004 can be used to execute S612.

[0265] As a third example, the communication device 1000 can be used to implement the communication method of the embodiment shown in Figure 8. The processing module 1001 can be used to execute S800, S801, S805, S806, and S807, the sending module 1002 can be used to execute S803, S804, S809, S810, and S811, and the acquiring module 1003 can be used to execute S802 and S808.

[0266] As a fourth example, the communication device 1000 can be used to implement the communication method of the embodiment shown in Figure 9. The processing module 1001 can be used to execute S900, S901, S905, S906, and S915; the sending module 1002 can be used to execute S903, S904, S907, S909, S910, S911, S912, S914, and S916; and the acquiring module 1003 can be used to execute S902, S908, and S913.

[0267] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes a processor 1101 and an interface circuit 1102. The processor 1101 and the interface circuit 1102 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1102 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a memory 1103 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1101, or storing input data required by the processor 1101 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1101 executes instructions.

[0268] As an example, the processor 1101 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing module 1001 , and the interface circuit 1102 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned sending module 1002 , obtaining module 1003 and receiving module 1004 .

[0269] The communication apparatus 1100 may be a communication device or a chip used in a communication device.

[0270] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a network device or a terminal device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also be present in a network device or a terminal device as discrete components.

[0271] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive.

[0272] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0273] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The terminal device UE receives indication information from the session management function SMF entity, where the indication information is used to indicate that a first service data flow is transmitted in a first network slice; The UE establishes a first protocol data unit (PDU) session in the first network slice based on the indication information; The UE transmits the first service data flow through the first PDU session.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The indication information is carried in the PDU session modification command message.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an indication of a new PDU session; The UE establishing a first PDU session in the first network slice based on the indication information includes: Based on the indication of the new PDU session, the UE uses the identifier of the first network slice to request establishment of the first PDU session.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The UE transmitting the first service data flow through the first PDU session includes: Setting a packet filter set for the first service data flow for the first PDU session; or, A packet filtering set corresponding to the quality of service flow identifier of the first service data flow is set for the first PDU session.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The indication of the newly created PDU session is the packet filter set; or, The indication of the newly created PDU session is a preset identifier, and the indication information also includes the packet filtering set.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The indication of the newly created PDU session is a preset identifier; Wherein, the method further comprises: receiving a modification command message in the first PDU session, wherein the modification command message includes the packet filter set; or, A data message of a first service data flow is received in the first PDU session, the data message carrying a reflective service indication, and the packet filter set is derived based on the reflective service indication.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The session management function SMF entity receives policy information, where the policy information is used to indicate that a first service data flow is transmitted in a first network slice; The SMF entity sends indication information to the terminal device UE or the access network device, and the indication information is used to indicate the transmission of the first service data flow in the first network slice.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The SMF entity receives policy information, including: the SMF entity receives a session policy modification message and / or a session management policy association establishment response message from a policy control function PCF entity, and the session policy modification message and / or the session management policy association establishment response message carry the policy information.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The SMF entity receives the policy information, including: the SMF entity receives session management subscription information from a unified data management (UDM), wherein the session management subscription information carries the policy information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The policy information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first service data flow. The identifier of the first network slice contained in the policy information includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first service data flow contained in the policy information includes a service data flow template of the first service data flow.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that When the SMF entity sends the indication information to the UE, the indication information is carried in the protocol data unit PDU session modification command message.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an indication of a new PDU session.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The indication of the newly created PDU session is the packet filter set of the first business data flow or the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow; or, the indication of the newly created PDU session is a preset identifier, and the indication information also includes the packet filter set of the first business data flow or the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The indication of the newly created PDU session is a preset identifier; Wherein, the method further comprises: Sending a modification command message in the first PDU session, wherein the modification command message includes a packet of the first service data flow filter set or the quality of service flow identifier of the first service data flow; or, A data message of a first service data flow is sent in the first PDU session, wherein the data message carries a reflection service indication, and the reflection service indication is used to instruct the UE to derive a packet filter set of the first service data flow or a packet filter set corresponding to the service quality flow identifier of the first service data flow based on the data message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that When the SMF entity sends the indication information to the access network device, the indication information is carried in the N2 interface session management message.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The indication information includes the identifier of the first network slice and the service quality flow identifier of the first business data flow.

17. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The SMF entity sends billing information to the charging function CHF entity, and the billing information is used to indicate that the first service data flow is transmitted through the first network slice.

18. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The policy control function PCF entity sends policy information to the session management function SMF entity, where the policy information is used to indicate the transmission of the first service data flow in the first network slice.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The policy information is carried in a session policy modification message and / or a session management policy association establishment response message.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: The PCF obtains guarantee information from the unified data warehouse UDR, and the guarantee information is used to indicate the transmission of the first service data flow in the first network slice.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The security information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first business data flow. The identifier of the first network slice contained in the security information includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first business data flow contained in the security information includes an identifier of an application to which the first business data flow belongs.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that The policy information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first service data flow. The identifier of the first network slice contained in the policy information includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first service data flow contained in the policy information includes a service data flow template of the first service data flow.

23. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The access network device receives first indication information from a session management function SMF entity, where the first indication information is used to indicate transmission of a first service data flow in a first network slice; The access network device uses the first data radio bearer configured for the first network slice to transmit the first service data flow.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The first indication information is carried in an N2 interface session management message.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The first indication information includes an identifier of the first network slice and an identifier of the first service data flow. The identifier of the first network slice includes single network slice selection auxiliary information of the first network slice, and the identifier of the first service data flow includes a service quality identifier of the first service data flow.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that include: The access network device receives second indication information from the SMF entity, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first service data flow is transmitted in the second network slice or that the network slice for transmitting the first service data flow is empty; The access network device uses a second data radio bearer configured for the second network slice to transmit the first service data flow.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a functional module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: include: Memory and processor; The memory is used to store program instructions; The processor is configured to execute program instructions in the memory to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a program code for computer execution, wherein the program code includes instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions for implementing the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

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