Communication method, communication apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system. The method comprises: a policy network element dynamically acquiring a network identifier of a terminal device, and when a take-effect condition is met, sending the network identifier to a mobility management network element. In this way, the mobility management network element can send the network identifier to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identifier on a display screen. Therefore, the user experience is improved.

Description

Communication method, communication device and communication system

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on September 6, 2023, with application number 202311148424.8 and application name “Communication Method, Communication Device and Communication System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. Background Art

[0004] With the widespread development of communication technology and Internet applications, user needs are constantly changing, and the pursuit of user experience is becoming increasingly higher. For example, users require more personalized needs and better service quality.

[0005] How to continuously improve the user experience when using terminal devices remains to be solved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system to enhance user experience.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a policy network element or a chip applied to a policy network element. The policy network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element or a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. The method includes: obtaining a network identifier of a terminal device; and when a validation condition of the network identifier is met, sending the network identifier to a mobility management network element.

[0009] In the above scheme, the policy network element can dynamically obtain the network identifier of the terminal device and send the network identifier to the mobility management network element when the effectiveness conditions are met. The mobility management network element can then send the network identifier to the terminal device, and the terminal device can then display the network identifier on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0010] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element; before obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device, an indication information is received from the AMF network element, and the indication information indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identifier; obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device includes: obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0011] In the above scheme, if it is determined that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identifier, it means that the policy network element can send the network identifier to the terminal device through the AMF network element. Therefore, the policy network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device, which helps to avoid obtaining the network identifier when the AMF network element does not have the ability to forward the network identifier, thereby reducing the waste of resources of the terminal device.

[0012] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is a mobility management entity (MME); before obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device, indication information is received from a packet data network gateway (PGW), and the indication information indicates that the MME, the serving gateway (SGW), and the PGW all have the ability to forward the network identifier; obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device includes: obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0013] In the above scheme, if it is determined that MME, SGW and PGW have the ability to forward network identifiers, it means that the policy network element can send the network identifier to the terminal device through MME, SGW and PGW. Therefore, the policy network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device, which helps to avoid the policy network element obtaining the network identifier when the MME, SGW or PGW does not have the ability to forward the network identifier, thereby reducing the waste of resources of the policy network element.

[0014] In a possible implementation method, obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device includes: obtaining the network identifier from user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the network identifier from local configuration information.

[0015] In a possible implementation method, when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element, including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element.

[0016] In the above scheme, when the conditions for the network identifier to take effect are met, the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element, and the mobility management network element sends the network identifier to the terminal device, which can reduce the number of times the terminal device obtains the network identifier and help save the terminal device's overhead.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a mobility management network element or a chip applied to a mobility management network element, and the mobility management network element can be an AMF network element or an MME. The method includes: receiving a network identifier of a terminal device and a validation condition of the network identifier from a policy network element; and sending the network identifier to the terminal device when the validation condition of the network identifier is met.

[0018] In the above scheme, the policy network element can dynamically obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, and send the network identification to the mobility management network element. When the mobility management network element determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification are met, it can send the network identification to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identification on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0019] In a possible implementation method, before receiving the network identifier of the terminal device and the validity condition of the network identifier from the policy network element, indication information is sent to the policy network element, where the indication information indicates the ability to forward the network identifier.

[0020] In a possible implementation method, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met, including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device.

[0021] In the above solution, when the validity conditions of the network identifier are met, the mobility management network element sends the network identifier to the terminal device, which can reduce the number of times the terminal device obtains the network identifier and help save the terminal device's expenses.

[0022] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a policy network element or a chip applied to a policy network element, and the policy network element can be a PCF network element or a PCRF network element. The method includes: obtaining a network identifier of a terminal device and a validation condition of the network identifier; and sending the network identifier and the validation condition to a mobility management network element, where the validation condition is used to trigger the mobility management network element to send the network identifier to the terminal device when the validation condition of the network identifier is met.

[0023] In the above scheme, the policy network element can dynamically obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, and send the network identification to the mobility management network element. When the mobility management network element determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification are met, it can send the network identification to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identification on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0024] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is an AMF network element; before obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier, an indication information is received from the AMF network element, and the indication information indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identifier; obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier includes: obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier according to the indication information.

[0025] In the above scheme, if it is determined that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identifier, it means that the policy network element can send the network identifier to the terminal device through the AMF network element. Therefore, the policy network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device, which helps to avoid obtaining the network identifier when the AMF network element does not have the ability to forward the network identifier, thereby reducing the waste of resources of the terminal device.

[0026] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is an MME; before obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier, an indication information is received from the PGW, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and the PGW all have the ability to forward the network identifier; obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier includes: obtaining the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier according to the indication information.

[0027] In the above scheme, if it is determined that MME, SGW and PGW have the ability to forward network identifiers, it means that the policy network element can send the network identifier to the terminal device through MME, SGW and PGW. Therefore, the policy network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device, which helps to avoid obtaining the network identifier when MME, SGW or PGW does not have the ability to forward network identifiers, thereby reducing resource waste of the terminal device.

[0028] In one possible implementation method, obtaining the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification includes: obtaining the network identification and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the network identification and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification from local configuration information.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a PCRF network element or a chip applied to a PCRF network element. The method includes: obtaining resource scheduling information for a terminal device; and sending the resource scheduling information to an MME when a validation condition of the resource scheduling information is met.

[0030] In the above solution, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device and send the resource scheduling information to the MME when the effectiveness conditions are met, so that the MME can send the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The 5G access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, and realizes differentiated wireless resource allocation and scheduling for different terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0031] In one possible implementation method, before obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device, an indication information is received from the PGW, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and the PGW all have the ability to forward the resource scheduling information; obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device includes: obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0032] In a possible implementation method, obtaining resource scheduling information for a terminal device includes: obtaining the resource scheduling information from user subscription information of the terminal device; or obtaining the resource scheduling information from local configuration information.

[0033] In a possible implementation method, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME when the effectiveness condition of the resource scheduling information is met, including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME.

[0034] In the above scheme, when the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information are met, the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME, and the MME sends the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses. This can reduce the number of times the access network device obtains resource scheduling information, and help save the overhead of the access network device.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which can be executed by an MME or a chip applied to an MME. The method includes: receiving resource scheduling information for a terminal device and a validation condition of the resource scheduling information from a PCRF network element; and, if the validation condition of the resource scheduling information is met, sending the resource scheduling information to an access network device to which the terminal device is connected.

[0036] In the above scheme, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain the resource scheduling information of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, and send the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information to the MME. When the MME determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information are met, it sends the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, and realizes differentiated wireless resource allocation and scheduling for different terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0037] In a possible implementation method, before receiving resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information from the PCRF network element, indication information is sent to the PCRF network element, and the indication information indicates the ability to forward resource scheduling information.

[0038] In a possible implementation method, when the effectiveness condition of the resource scheduling information is met, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses, including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access position, and when the position of the terminal device is included in the effective access position, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device to which the terminal device accesses is included in the effective access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device.

[0039] In the above solution, when the conditions for the resource scheduling information to take effect are met, the MME sends the resource scheduling information to the terminal device, which can reduce the number of times the access network device obtains the resource scheduling information and help save the overhead of the access network device.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which can be performed by a PCRF network element or a chip applied to a PCRF network element. The method includes: obtaining resource scheduling information for a terminal device and a condition for the resource scheduling information to take effect; and sending the resource scheduling information and the condition for the resource scheduling information to an MME, wherein the condition for the resource scheduling information is used to trigger the MME to send the resource scheduling information to an access network device connected to the terminal device when the condition for the resource scheduling information to take effect is met.

[0041] In the above scheme, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain the resource scheduling information of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, and send the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information to the MME. When the MME determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information are met, it sends the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, and realizes differentiated wireless resource allocation and scheduling for different terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0042] In one possible implementation method, before obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, an indication message is received from the PGW, and the indication message indicates that the MME, SGW and the PGW all have the ability to forward the resource scheduling information; obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information includes: obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information according to the indication information.

[0043] In the above scheme, if it is determined that MME, SGW and PGW have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, it means that the PCRF network element can send resource scheduling information to the access network device through MME, SGW and PGW. Therefore, the PCRF network element obtains resource scheduling information for the terminal device, which helps to avoid the PCRF network element from obtaining resource scheduling information when the MME, SGW or PGW does not have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, thereby reducing resource waste of the PCRF network element.

[0044] In one possible implementation method, obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information includes: obtaining the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information from local configuration information.

[0045] Based on any implementation method of the fourth to sixth aspects above, in one possible implementation method, the resource scheduling information is a radio access technology (RAT) spectrum selection priority (RAT / frequency selection priority, RFSP) or a service profile identifier (SPID).

[0046] Based on any implementation method of the first to sixth aspects above, in a possible implementation method, the effectiveness condition includes at least one of the following: an effective time range, an effective access location, or an effective access standard.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communications device, which may be a policy network element or a chip for a policy network element. The device has the function of implementing any of the implementation methods of the first or third aspects described above. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0048] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communications device, which may be a mobility management network element or a chip for a mobility management network element. The device has the function of implementing any of the implementation methods of the second aspect described above. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0049] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communications device, which may be a PCRF network element or a chip for a PCRF network element. The device has the function of implementing any of the implementation methods of the fourth or sixth aspects described above. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communications device, which may be an MME or a chip for an MME. The device has the function of implementing any of the implementation methods of the fifth aspect described above. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0051] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a unit or means for executing each step of any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute any of the implementation methods described in aspects 1 to 6 above. The processor comprises one or more.

[0053] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being configured to call a program to execute any implementation method in the first to sixth aspects above. The processor may be one or more.

[0054] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory, which is coupled to the processor and may be located inside or outside the device.

[0055] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor; when the device is running, the processor executes computer instructions to enable the device to execute any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects.

[0056] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory for storing the computer instructions.

[0057] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run by a communication device, any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects is executed.

[0058] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, which, when run on a communication device, enables any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects to be executed.

[0059] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system, including: a processor, used to execute any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects.

[0060] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, comprising: a policy network element, configured to obtain a network identifier of a terminal device; and, when a validation condition of the network identifier is met, sending the network identifier to a mobility management network element. The mobility management network element is configured to receive the network identifier and send the network identifier to the terminal device.

[0061] In the nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including: a policy network element, used to send the network identifier of a terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier to a mobility management network element; the mobility management network element, used to receive the network identifier and the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier; and when the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier are met, sending the network identifier to the terminal device.

[0062] In the twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including: a PCRF network element, used to obtain resource scheduling information for a terminal device; when the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information are met, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; the MME is used to receive the resource scheduling information and send the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses.

[0063] In the twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including: a PCRF network element, used to send resource scheduling information for a terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information to an MME; and an MME, used to send the resource scheduling information to an access network device to which the terminal device accesses when the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information are met.

[0064] In aspect 22, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method, including: a policy network element obtains a network identifier of a terminal device; when the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier are met, the policy network element sends the network identifier to a mobility management network element; the mobility management network element receives the network identifier; and the mobility management network element sends the network identifier to the terminal device.

[0065] In the twenty-third aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method, including: a policy network element sends a network identifier of a terminal device and an effectiveness condition of the network identifier to a mobility management network element; the mobility management network element receives the network identifier and the effectiveness condition of the network identifier; when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met, the mobility management network element sends the network identifier to the terminal device.

[0066] In aspect 24, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method, including: a PCRF network element obtains resource scheduling information for a terminal device; when the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information are met, the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME; the MME receives the resource scheduling information; and the MME sends the resource scheduling information to an access network device to which the terminal device accesses.

[0067] In aspect 25, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method, including: a PCRF network element sends resource scheduling information for a terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information to an MME; when the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information are met, the MME sends the resource scheduling information to an access network device to which the terminal device accesses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram of the 4G EPC architecture;

[0070] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram of the 5G NR architecture;

[0071] Figure 2(c) is a schematic diagram of the NSA architecture;

[0072] 3 to 12 are flow charts of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] In order to improve user experience, the present application provides a communication system. Referring to FIG1 , the system includes a mobility management network element and a policy network element.

[0076] The system shown in Figure 1 can be used in the network architecture shown in Figure 2(a), Figure 2(b) or Figure 2(c). Of course, it can also be used in future network architectures, such as the sixth generation (6G) network architecture, etc. This application does not limit it.

[0077] In one implementation method, the mobility management network element and the policy network element in FIG1 are the MME and the PCRF network element in FIG2(a) respectively.

[0078] In another implementation method, the mobility management network element and the policy network element in Figure 1 are the AMF network element and the PCF network element in Figure 2(b) respectively.

[0079] In another implementation method, the mobility management network element and the policy network element in FIG1 are the MME and the PCRF network element in FIG2(c) respectively.

[0080] In another implementation method, the mobility management network element in Figure 1 is a network element with the functions of AMF network element / MME in future communications such as 6G communications, and the policy network element is a network element with the functions of PCF network element / PCRF network element in future communications such as 6G communications.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the policy network element is configured to obtain a network identifier of a terminal device and, if a validation condition of the network identifier is met, send the network identifier to a mobility management network element. The mobility management network element is configured to receive the network identifier and send the network identifier to the terminal device.

[0082] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is an AMF network element; the policy network element is also used to receive indication information from the AMF network element before obtaining the network identification of the terminal device, and the indication information indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identification; the policy network element is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device, specifically including: being used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0083] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is MME; the policy network element is also used to receive indication information from PGW before obtaining the network identification of the terminal device, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward the network identification; the policy network element is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device, specifically including: being used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0084] In a possible implementation method, the policy network element is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device, specifically including: obtaining the network identification from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the network identification from local configuration information.

[0085] In one possible implementation method, the policy network element is used to send the network identifier to the mobility management network element when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met, specifically including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element.

[0086] In the second embodiment: the policy network element is used to send the network identifier of the terminal device and the validity condition of the network identifier to the mobility management network element; the mobility management network element is used to receive the network identifier and the validity condition of the network identifier; and when the validity condition of the network identifier is met, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device.

[0087] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is used to send the network identifier to the terminal device when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met, specifically including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device.

[0088] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is an AMF network element; the policy network element is also used to receive indication information from the AMF network element, and the indication information indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identifier; according to the indication information, the network identifier of the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier are obtained.

[0089] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is MME; the policy network element is also used to receive indication information from PGW, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward network identifiers; according to the indication information, the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier are obtained.

[0090] In one possible implementation method, the policy network element is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, specifically including: obtaining the network identification and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the network identification and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification from local configuration information.

[0091] In a third embodiment, the policy network element is a PCRF network element, and the mobility management network element is an MME. The PCRF network element is configured to obtain resource scheduling information for a terminal device; if the resource scheduling information is effective under certain conditions, the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME; and the MME receives the resource scheduling information and sends it to an access network device connected to the terminal device.

[0092] In one possible implementation method, the PCRF network element is also used to receive indication information from the PGW before obtaining resource scheduling information for the terminal device, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and the PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information; the PCRF network element is used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device, specifically including: being used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0093] In one possible implementation method, the PCRF network element is used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device, specifically including: obtaining the resource scheduling information from the user subscription information of the terminal device; or obtaining the resource scheduling information from local configuration information.

[0094] In one possible implementation method, the PCRF network element is used to send the resource scheduling information to the MME when the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information are met, specifically including: the effectiveness conditions include an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, the effectiveness conditions include an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, the effectiveness conditions include an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME.

[0095] In a fourth embodiment, the policy network element is a PCRF network element, and the mobility management network element is an MME. The PCRF network element is configured to send resource scheduling information for a terminal device and a validation condition for the resource scheduling information to the MME; and the MME is configured to send the resource scheduling information to an access network device connected to the terminal device if the validation condition for the resource scheduling information is met.

[0096] In one possible implementation method, the MME is used to send the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses when the effectiveness condition of the resource scheduling information is met, specifically including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device to which the terminal device accesses is included in the effective access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device.

[0097] In one possible implementation method, the PCRF network element is also used to receive indication information from the PGW, where the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and the PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information; and based on the indication information, obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information.

[0098] In one possible implementation method, the PCRF network element is used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, specifically including: obtaining the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information from local configuration information.

[0099] The interaction between the various network elements in the system and the specific execution can be referred to the following method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0100] Figure 2(a) shows the architecture of the fourth generation (4G) evolved packet core (EPC). The functions of the main nodes in this architecture are described as follows:

[0101] Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN): is a 4G radio access network. Access network equipment within E-UTRAN includes, for example, 4G base stations.

[0102] MME: Mainly responsible for access authentication and mobility management.

[0103] SGW: Mainly responsible for session management, roaming billing, and policy execution in roaming scenarios.

[0104] PGW: Mainly responsible for session management and policy and billing execution.

[0105] Home Subscriber Server (HSS): Mainly responsible for storing user subscription data information.

[0106] PCRF network element: Generates control policies based on request information from application function (AF) network elements, operator policies, user subscription information, etc., controls network behavior, and sends control policies to control plane network elements for policy execution.

[0107] A data network (DN) is a network located outside of a carrier network. A carrier network can connect to multiple DNs, and a variety of services can be deployed on the DN, providing data and / or voice services to terminal devices. For example, a DN is the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the factory workshop can be terminal devices. The DN contains a control server for the sensors, which can provide services to the sensors. The sensors can communicate with the control server, receive instructions from the control server, and transmit collected sensor data to the control server according to the instructions. Another example is a DN that is a company's internal office network. The company's employees' mobile phones or computers can be terminal devices, allowing them to access information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

[0108] Terminal devices can be user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, urban air vehicles (such as drones and helicopters), ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. Figure 2(a) illustrates the terminal device as a UE.

[0109] To meet the challenges of wireless broadband technology and maintain the leading edge of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, the 3GPP standards group has developed the next-generation mobile communication network system (NGS) architecture, known as the fifth-generation (5G) network architecture. This architecture not only supports 3GPP-defined radio access technologies (such as long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G radio access network (RAN)) for access to the 5G core network (CN), but also supports the use of non-3GPP access technologies through the non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) or the next-generation packet data gateway (ngPDG) for access to the core network.

[0110] Figure 2(b) is a schematic diagram of the 5G new radio (NR) architecture. The 5G architecture shown in Figure 2(a) may include access network equipment and core network equipment. The terminal device accesses the data network (DN) through the access network equipment and the core network equipment. Among them, the core network equipment includes but is not limited to some or all of the following network elements: authentication server function (AUSF) network element (not shown in the figure), unified data management (UDM) network element, unified data repository (UDR) network element, network storage function (NRF) network element (not shown in the figure), network exposure function (NEF) network element (not shown in the figure), AF network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, AMF network element, session management function (SMF) network element, user plane function (UPF) network element.

[0111] Access network equipment can be a radio access network equipment (RAN equipment) or a wired access network equipment. Among them, radio access network equipment includes 3GPP access network equipment, untrusted non-3GPP access network equipment and trusted non-3GPP access network equipment. 3GPP access network equipment includes but is not limited to: evolved NodeB (eNodeB) in LTE, next generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G mobile communication system, base station in future mobile communication system or module or unit that completes part of the functions of base station, such as centralized unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), etc. Untrusted non-3GPP access network equipment includes but is not limited to: untrusted non-3GPP access gateway or N3IWF equipment, untrusted wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP), switch, router. Trusted non-3GPP access network equipment includes but is not limited to: trusted non-3GPP access gateway, trusted WLAN AP, switch, router. Wired access network equipment includes but is not limited to: wireline access gateway, fixed telephone network equipment, switches, and routers.

[0112] Access network equipment and terminal devices can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of access network equipment and terminal devices.

[0113] The AMF network element performs functions such as mobility management and access authentication / authorization. It is also responsible for transferring user policies between terminal devices and PCF network elements.

[0114] The SMF network element includes functions such as performing session management, executing control policies issued by the PCF network element, selecting the UPF network element, or allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of terminal devices.

[0115] The UPF network element includes functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, or bandwidth limitation.

[0116] UDM network elements include functions such as executing and managing contract data or user access authorization.

[0117] UDR includes functions for accessing data such as contract data, policy data, or application data.

[0118] NEF network element is used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0119] The AF network element communicates application-side requirements to the network, such as QoS requirements or user status event subscriptions. The AF can be a third-party functional entity or an application service deployed by a carrier, such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice call service. AF network elements include those within the core network (i.e., the carrier's AF network element) and third-party AF network elements (such as an enterprise's application server).

[0120] The PCF network element includes policy control functions such as billing for sessions and service flow levels, QoS bandwidth guarantee and mobility management, or terminal device policy decision-making. PCF network elements include access and mobility management policy control function (AM PCF) network element and session management policy control function (SM PCF) network element. Among them, the AM PCF network element is used to formulate AM policies and user policies for terminal devices. The AM PCF network element can also be called a policy control network element that provides services for terminal devices (PCF for a UE). The SM PCF network element is used to formulate session management policies (SMpolicy) for sessions. The SM PCF network element can also be called a policy control network element that provides services for protocol data unit (PDU) sessions ((PCF for a PDU session))).

[0121] NRF network elements can be used to provide network element discovery functions, providing network element information corresponding to the network element type based on requests from other network elements. NRF network elements also provide network element management services, such as network element registration, update, deregistration, or network element status subscription and push.

[0122] The AUSF network element is responsible for authenticating users to determine whether users or devices are allowed to access the network.

[0123] For the introduction of DN in FIG2(b), please refer to the introduction of DN in the architecture of FIG2(a), which will not be repeated here.

[0124] For the introduction of the terminal device in FIG2(b), reference can be made to the introduction of the terminal device in the architecture of FIG2(a), and no further details are given. In FIG2(b), the terminal device is illustrated as a UE.

[0125] In Figure 2(b), Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf are the service-oriented interfaces provided by the PCF, UDR, UDM, AF, AMF, and SMF, respectively, for invoking corresponding service-oriented operations. N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface serial numbers, and their meanings are as follows:

[0126] 1) N1: The interface between the AMF network element and the terminal device, which can be used to transmit non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (such as QoS rules from the AMF network element) to the terminal device.

[0127] 2) N2: The interface between the AMF network element and the access network equipment, which can be used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the access network equipment.

[0128] 3) N3: The interface between the access network equipment and the UPF network element, mainly used to transmit uplink and downlink user plane data between the access network equipment and the UPF network element.

[0129] 4) N4: The interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, which can be used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including controlling the issuance of forwarding rules, QoS rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. for the user plane and reporting information on the user plane.

[0130] 5) N6: The interface between UPF network element and DN, used to transmit uplink and downlink user data flows between UPF network element and DN.

[0131] Figure 2(c) is a schematic diagram of the non-standalone (NSA) architecture. The current 3GPP standard also defines the NSA architecture for the 5G network evolution and deployment path. Compared to the 5G standalone (SA) model, in which terminal devices directly access the 5G core network through 5G access network devices (such as 5G base stations), in the NSA model, terminal devices access the 4G core network (i.e., EPC) through 4G access network devices (such as 4G base stations). In the deployment area of ​​the 5G access network devices, the 4G access network devices can decide whether to insert the 5G NR branch to enjoy the high-bandwidth, low-latency services supported by the 5G access network devices.

[0132] For the introduction of the terminal device in FIG2(c), reference can be made to the introduction of the terminal device in the architecture of FIG2(a), and no further details are given. In FIG2(c), the terminal device is illustrated as a UE.

[0133] It is understood that the above-mentioned network element or function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, or by multiple devices, or can be a functional module within a single device, and this is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0134] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a policy network element or a chip for a policy network element, and a mobility management network element or a chip for a mobility management network element. The following description uses the execution of the method by a policy network element and a mobility management network element as an example. In the 4G architecture, the policy network element is the PCRF network element, and the mobility management network element is the MME. In the 5G architecture, the policy network element is the PCF network element, and the mobility management network element is the AMF network element.

[0135] The method comprises the following steps:

[0136] Step 301: The policy network element obtains the network identity (NI) of the terminal device.

[0137] The network identifier can be the full name or abbreviation of the operator's network identifier, or the full name or abbreviation of the operator's network identifier + the package name.

[0138] In one implementation method, the network identity may be included in a network identity and time zone (NITZ). In addition to the network identity, the NITZ also includes the time zone. The time zone refers to the local time zone information or global time of the area where the terminal device is currently located.

[0139] In a possible implementation method, in a 4G system, before step 301, the policy network element (i.e., the PCRF network element) also receives indication information from the PGW, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW, and PGW all have the ability to forward the network identifier. Then, step 301 is specifically as follows: the PCRF network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device according to the indication information. That is, when the PCRF network element determines that the network identifier can be forwarded through the MME, SGW, and PGW, it obtains the network identifier, and subsequently forwards the network identifier to the terminal device through the MME, SGW, and PGW. Therefore, if the PCRF network element learns that at least one of the MME, SGW, or PGW does not have the ability to forward the network identifier, step 301 and subsequent steps may not be performed.

[0140] In another possible implementation method, in the 5G system, before step 301, the policy network element (i.e., PCF network element) also receives indication information from the AMF network element, which indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identifier. Then, step 301 is specifically as follows: the PCF network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device according to the indication information. That is, when the PCF network element determines that the network identifier can be forwarded through the AMF network element, it obtains the network identifier, and subsequently forwards the network identifier to the terminal device through the AMF network element. Therefore, if the PCF network element learns that the AMF does not have the ability to forward the network identifier, step 301 and subsequent steps may not be performed.

[0141] Exemplarily, the policy network element may obtain the network identifier from user subscription information or local configuration information of the terminal device.

[0142] Step 302: When the validity condition of the network identifier is met, the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element. Correspondingly, the mobility management network element receives the network identifier.

[0143] The validity condition includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a valid time range, a valid access location, or a valid access standard.

[0144] For example, if the validity condition includes a validity time range, the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element if the current time is included in the validity time range. For example, if the current time is August 8, 2023, and the validity time range is from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, the validity condition of the network identifier is met, so the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element.

[0145] For example, taking the example of an effective condition including an effective access location, if the terminal device's location is included in the effective access location, the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element. For example, if the terminal device is located at location A and the effective access location is area B, and if location A is included in area B, the effective condition for the network identifier is met, and therefore the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element.

[0146] For example, taking the example of an effective condition including an effective access standard, if the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element. For example, if the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is 5G and the effective access standard is 5G, the effective condition of the network identifier is met, and therefore the policy network element sends the network identifier to the mobility management network element.

[0147] After receiving the network identifier of the terminal device, the mobility management network element can send the network identifier to the terminal device through the access network device. The terminal device can display the network identifier on the display screen, so that the user can see the network identifier on the display screen.

[0148] In the above scheme, the policy network element can dynamically obtain the network identifier of the terminal device and send the network identifier to the mobility management network element when the effectiveness conditions are met. The mobility management network element can then send the network identifier to the terminal device, and the terminal device can then display the network identifier on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0149] The embodiment of Figure 3 is described below with reference to two specific examples in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an example under a 4G architecture, and Figure 5 is an example under a 5G architecture.

[0150] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0151] Step 400: The terminal device initiates network registration.

[0152] Step 401: MME sends a create session request to SGW. Correspondingly, SGW receives the create session request.

[0153] Optionally, if the MME has the capability of forwarding the network identifier, the session establishment request carries indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the MME has the capability of forwarding the network identifier.

[0154] Optionally, the session establishment request further includes the location of the terminal device and / or the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device.

[0155] Step 402: The SGW sends a credit control request (CCR) to the PGW. In response, the PGW receives the CCR.

[0156] Optionally, if the SGW has the capability to forward the network identifier and the SGW receives indication information indicating that the MME has the capability to forward the network identifier, the CCR carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME and the SGW have the capability to forward the network identifier.

[0157] Optionally, the CCR also includes the location of the terminal device and / or the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device.

[0158] Step 403: The PGW sends the CCR to the PCRF, and the PCRF receives the CCR.

[0159] Optionally, if the PGW has the capability to forward the network identifier and the PGW receives indication information indicating that the MME and SGW have the capability to forward the network identifier, the CCR carries indication information indicating that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the capability to forward the network identifier.

[0160] Optionally, the CCR also includes the location of the terminal device and / or the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device.

[0161] Step 404: PCRF obtains the network identifier of the terminal device.

[0162] In one implementation method, if the PCRF receives indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward the network identifier, the PCRF obtains the network identifier of the terminal device based on the indication information.

[0163] In another implementation method, the PCRF may independently decide whether to send the network identifier. If the PCRF decides that the network identifier needs to be sent, the network identifier is obtained.

[0164] Step 405: PCRF sends a credit control answer (CCA) to PGW. In response, PGW receives the CCA.

[0165] Specifically, when the validity condition of the network identifier is met, the network identifier is carried in the CCA. For the specific implementation method of determining whether the validity condition is met, reference can be made to the description of the embodiment in FIG3 .

[0166] Step 406: The PGW sends a CCA to the SGW, and the SGW receives the CCA accordingly.

[0167] Step 407: The SGW sends a create session response to the MME. Correspondingly, the MME receives the create session response.

[0168] If the CCA carries the network identifier, the session establishment response carries the network identifier.

[0169] Step 408: The terminal device completes registration.

[0170] Step 409: The MME sends the network identifier to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the network identifier accordingly.

[0171] Specifically, if the MME receives the network identifier, it sends the network identifier to the terminal device through the 4G base station.

[0172] Optionally, if the MME does not receive the network identifier, the MME may send a default network identifier to the terminal device.

[0173] Exemplarily, step 409 is specifically as follows: the MME sends general packet radio service (GPRS) mobility management information (GMMinformation) to the terminal device, where the GMMinformation carries NITZ, and the NITZ includes a network identifier and a time zone.

[0174] In the above solution, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain the network identifier of the terminal device and send the network identifier to the MME when the validity conditions are met, so that the MME can send the network identifier to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identifier on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0175] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0176] Step 500: The terminal device initiates network registration.

[0177] Step 501: The AMF sends an AM policy association create request to the PCF. Correspondingly, the PCF receives the AM policy association create request.

[0178] Optionally, if the AMF has the ability to forward the network identifier, the mobility management policy establishment request carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the AMF has the ability to forward the network identifier.

[0179] Optionally, the mobility management policy establishment request further includes the location of the terminal device and / or the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device.

[0180] Step 502: The PCF obtains the network identifier of the terminal device.

[0181] In one implementation method, if the PCF receives indication information, which is used to indicate that the AMF has the ability to forward the network identifier, the PCF obtains the network identifier of the terminal device based on the indication information.

[0182] In another implementation method, the PCF can independently decide whether to send the network identifier. If the PCF decides that the network identifier needs to be sent, the network identifier is obtained.

[0183] In step 503, the PCF sends an AM policy association create response to the AMF. In response, the AMF receives the AM policy association create response.

[0184] Specifically, when the validity condition of the network identifier is met, the mobility management policy establishment response carries the network identifier. For the specific implementation method of determining whether the validity condition is met, reference can be made to the description of the embodiment in FIG3 .

[0185] Step 504: The terminal device completes registration.

[0186] Step 505: The AMF sends the network identifier to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the network identifier.

[0187] Specifically, if the AMF receives the network identifier, it sends the network identifier to the terminal device through the 5G access network device.

[0188] Optionally, if the AMF does not receive the network identifier, the AMF may send a default network identifier to the terminal device.

[0189] Exemplarily, step 505 is specifically as follows: AMF sends a configuration update command to the terminal device, which carries NITZ, and the NITZ includes a network identifier and a time zone.

[0190] In the above solution, the PCF network element can dynamically obtain the network identifier of the terminal device and send the network identifier to the AMF when the effectiveness conditions are met, so that the AMF can send the network identifier to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identifier on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0191] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a policy network element or a chip for a policy network element, and a mobility management network element or a chip for a mobility management network element. The following description uses the execution of the method by a policy network element and a mobility management network element as an example. In the 4G architecture, the policy network element is a PCRF network element, and the mobility management network element is an MME. In the 5G architecture, the policy network element is a PCF network element, and the mobility management network element is an AMF network element.

[0192] The method comprises the following steps:

[0193] Step 601: The policy network element obtains the network identification of the terminal device and the validity condition of the network identification.

[0194] For the specific meanings of the network identifier and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier, please refer to the description of the embodiment in FIG3 .

[0195] In a possible implementation method, in a 4G system, before step 601, the policy network element (i.e., PCRF network element) also receives indication information from PGW, and the indication information indicates that MME, SGW, and PGW all have the ability to forward the network identifier. Then, step 601 is specifically as follows: the PCRF network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the network identifier to take effect based on the indication information. That is, when the PCRF network element determines that the network identifier can be forwarded through MME, SGW, and PGW, it obtains the network identifier and the conditions for the network identifier to take effect, and subsequently forwards the network identifier and the conditions for the network identifier to the terminal device through MME, SGW, and PGW. Therefore, if the PCRF network element learns that at least one of the MME, SGW, or PGW does not have the ability to forward the network identifier, step 601 and subsequent steps may not be performed.

[0196] In another possible implementation method, in the 5G system, before step 601, the policy network element (i.e., PCF network element) also receives indication information from the AMF network element, which indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identifier. Then, step 601 is specifically as follows: the PCF network element obtains the network identifier of the terminal device and the validity conditions of the network identifier according to the indication information. That is, when the PCF network element determines that the network identifier can be forwarded through the AMF network element, it obtains the network identifier and the validity conditions of the network identifier, and subsequently forwards the network identifier and the validity conditions of the network identifier to the terminal device through the AMF network element. Therefore, if the PCF network element learns that the AMF does not have the ability to forward the network identifier, step 601 and subsequent steps may not be performed.

[0197] Exemplarily, the policy network element may obtain the network identifier and the validation condition of the network identifier from user subscription information or local configuration information of the terminal device.

[0198] Step 602: The policy network element sends the network identifier and the validation condition of the network identifier to the mobility management network element. Correspondingly, the mobility management network element receives the network identifier and the validation condition of the network identifier.

[0199] Step 603: If the validity condition of the network identifier is met, the mobility management network element sends the network identifier to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the network identifier.

[0200] For a specific method of determining whether the validity condition of the network identifier is met, reference may be made to the description of the embodiment in FIG3 .

[0201] Specifically, after receiving the network identifier of the terminal device, if the mobility management network element determines that the network identifier validity conditions are met, the network identifier may be sent to the terminal device through the access network device. The terminal device may display the network identifier on the display screen so that the user can see the network identifier on the display screen. If the mobility management network element determines that the network identifier validity conditions are not met or the network identifier is not received, a default network identifier may be sent to the terminal device.

[0202] In the above scheme, the policy network element can dynamically obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, and send the network identification to the mobility management network element. When the mobility management network element determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification are met, it can send the network identification to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identification on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0203] The embodiment of Figure 6 is described below with reference to two specific examples in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is an example under a 4G architecture, and Figure 8 is an example under a 5G architecture.

[0204] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0205] Step 700: The terminal device initiates network registration.

[0206] Step 701: MME sends a session establishment request to SGW. Correspondingly, SGW receives the session establishment request.

[0207] Optionally, if the MME has the capability of forwarding the network identifier, the session establishment request carries indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the MME has the capability of forwarding the network identifier.

[0208] Step 702: The SGW sends the CCR to the PGW. Correspondingly, the PGW receives the CCR.

[0209] Optionally, if the SGW has the capability to forward the network identifier and the SGW receives indication information indicating that the MME has the capability to forward the network identifier, the CCR carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME and the SGW have the capability to forward the network identifier.

[0210] Step 703: The PGW sends the CCR to the PCRF, and the PCRF receives the CCR.

[0211] Optionally, if the PGW has the capability to forward the network identifier and the PGW receives indication information indicating that the MME and SGW have the capability to forward the network identifier, the CCR carries indication information indicating that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the capability to forward the network identifier.

[0212] Step 704: The PCRF obtains the network identification of the terminal device and the validity conditions of the network identification.

[0213] In one implementation method, if PCRF receives indication information indicating that MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward network identifiers, PCRF obtains the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the network identifier to take effect based on the indication information.

[0214] In another implementation method, the PCRF may independently decide whether to send the network identifier. If the PCRF decides that the network identifier needs to be sent, the network identifier and the validity condition of the network identifier are obtained.

[0215] Step 705: PCRF sends CCA to PGW. Correspondingly, PGW receives CCA.

[0216] The CCA carries the network identifier and the conditions for the network identifier to take effect.

[0217] Step 706: The PGW sends a CCA to the SGW, and the SGW receives the CCA.

[0218] The CCA carries the network identifier and the conditions for the network identifier to take effect.

[0219] Step 707: The SGW sends a session establishment response to the MME. Correspondingly, the MME receives the session establishment response.

[0220] The session establishment response carries the network identifier and the conditions for the network identifier to take effect.

[0221] Step 708: The terminal device completes registration.

[0222] Step 709: The MME sends the network identifier to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the network identifier accordingly.

[0223] Specifically, if the validation condition is met, the MME sends the network identifier to the terminal device. For a specific implementation method of determining whether the validation condition is met, reference may be made to the description of the embodiment in FIG3 .

[0224] Optionally, if the MME does not receive the network identifier, or receives the network identifier but the network identifier does not meet the validity conditions, the MME may send a default network identifier to the terminal device.

[0225] Exemplarily, step 709 is specifically as follows: the MME sends GMM information to the terminal device, which carries NITZ, and the NITZ includes a network identifier and a time zone.

[0226] In the above scheme, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, and send the network identification and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification to the MME. If the MME determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification are met, it will send the network identification to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identification on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0227] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0228] Step 800: The terminal device initiates network registration.

[0229] Step 801: The AMF sends a mobility management policy establishment request to the PCF. Accordingly, the PCF receives the mobility management policy establishment request.

[0230] Optionally, if the AMF has the ability to forward the network identifier, the mobility management policy establishment request carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the AMF has the ability to forward the network identifier.

[0231] Step 802: The PCF obtains the network identification of the terminal device and the validity conditions of the network identification.

[0232] In one implementation method, if the PCF receives indication information, which is used to indicate that the AMF has the ability to forward the network identifier, the PCF obtains the network identifier of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identifier based on the indication information.

[0233] In another implementation method, the PCF can independently decide whether to send the network identifier. If the PCF decides that the network identifier needs to be sent, the network identifier and the validity conditions of the network identifier are obtained.

[0234] In step 803, the PCF sends a mobility management policy establishment response to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the mobility management policy establishment response.

[0235] The mobility management policy establishment response carries the network identifier and the validity condition of the network identifier.

[0236] Step 804: The terminal device completes registration.

[0237] Step 805: The AMF sends the network identifier to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the network identifier.

[0238] Specifically, if the validation conditions are met, the AMF sends the network identifier to the terminal device. For the specific implementation method of determining whether the validation conditions are met, please refer to the description of the embodiment in Figure 3.

[0239] Optionally, if the AMF does not receive the network identifier, or receives the network identifier but the network identifier does not meet the validity conditions, the AMF can send a default network identifier to the terminal device.

[0240] Exemplarily, step 805 is specifically as follows: AMF sends a configuration update command to the terminal device, which carries NITZ, and the NITZ includes a network identifier and a time zone.

[0241] In the above solution, the PCF network element can dynamically obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, and send the network identification and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification to the AMF. If the AMF determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification are met, it will send the network identification to the terminal device, and then the terminal device can display the network identification on the display screen, thereby improving the user experience.

[0242] Figure 9 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a PCRF network element or a chip for a PCRF network element, and an MME or a chip for an MME. The following description uses the PCRF network element and MME as an example to illustrate the method. This embodiment is applicable to the NSA architecture shown in Figure 2(c).

[0243] The method comprises the following steps:

[0244] Step 901: The PCRF network element obtains resource scheduling information for the terminal device.

[0245] The resource scheduling information is used to indicate a resource scheduling or allocation method. The resource scheduling information is a radio access technology (RAT) spectrum selection priority (RFSP) or a service profile identifier (SPID).

[0246] In one possible implementation method, before step 901, the PCRF network element also receives indication information from the PGW, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW, and PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information. Then, step 901 is specifically as follows: the PCRF network element obtains resource scheduling information for the terminal device based on the indication information. That is, when the PCRF network element determines that the resource scheduling information can be forwarded through the MME, SGW, and PGW, it obtains the resource scheduling information, and subsequently forwards the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses through the MME, SGW, and PGW. Therefore, if the PCRF network element learns that at least one of the MME, SGW, or PGW does not have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, step 901 and subsequent steps may not be performed.

[0247] Exemplarily, the PCRF network element may obtain resource scheduling information from user subscription information or local configuration information of the terminal device.

[0248] Step 902: When the validity conditions of the resource scheduling information are met, the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME. Correspondingly, the MME receives the resource scheduling information.

[0249] If the validity condition of the resource scheduling information is not met, the PCRF network element does not send the resource scheduling information to the MME.

[0250] The validity condition includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a valid time range, a valid access location, or a valid access standard.

[0251] For example, if the validity condition includes the validity time range, the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME if the current time is included in the validity time range. For example, if the current time is August 8, 2023, and the validity time range is from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, the validity condition of the resource scheduling information is met, and therefore the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME.

[0252] Exemplarily, taking the case where the validation condition includes the valid access location as an example, if the terminal device's location is included in the valid access location, the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME. For example, if the terminal device is located at location A and the valid access location is area B, and if location A is included in area B, the validation condition of the resource scheduling information is met, and therefore the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME.

[0253] For example, taking the case where the validation condition includes the effective access standard, if the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME. For example, if the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is 5G and the effective access standard is 5G, the validation condition of the resource scheduling information is met, and therefore the PCRF network element sends the resource scheduling information to the MME.

[0254] After receiving the resource scheduling information for the terminal device, the MME sends the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device. The 5G access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information.

[0255] In the above solution, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device and send the resource scheduling information to the MME when the effectiveness conditions are met, so that the MME can send the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The 5G access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, and realizes differentiated wireless resource allocation and scheduling for different terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0256] The embodiment of FIG. 9 will be described below in conjunction with the specific example of FIG. 10 .

[0257] FIG10 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0258] Step 1000: The terminal device initiates network registration.

[0259] Step 1001: MME sends a session establishment request to SGW. Correspondingly, SGW receives the session establishment request.

[0260] Optionally, if the MME has the capability of forwarding resource scheduling information, the session establishment request carries indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the MME has the capability of forwarding resource scheduling information.

[0261] Optionally, the session establishment request further includes the location of the terminal device and / or the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device.

[0262] Step 1002: The SGW sends a CCR to the PGW, and the PGW receives the CCR.

[0263] Optionally, if the SGW has the capability to forward resource scheduling information and the SGW receives indication information indicating that the MME has the capability to forward resource scheduling information, the CCR carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME and the SGW have the capability to forward resource scheduling information.

[0264] Optionally, the CCR also includes the location of the terminal device and / or the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device.

[0265] Step 1003: The PGW sends the CCR to the PCRF, and the PCRF receives the CCR.

[0266] Optionally, if the PGW has the ability to forward resource scheduling information and the PGW receives indication information indicating that the MME and SGW have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, the CCR carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information.

[0267] Optionally, the CCR also includes the location of the terminal device and / or the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device.

[0268] Step 1004: PCRF obtains resource scheduling information for the terminal device.

[0269] In one implementation method, if the PCRF receives indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, the PCRF obtains the resource scheduling information of the terminal device based on the indication information.

[0270] In another implementation method, the PCRF can independently decide whether to send the resource scheduling information. If the PCRF decides that the resource scheduling information needs to be sent, the resource scheduling information is obtained.

[0271] Step 1005: PCRF sends a CCA to PGW. Correspondingly, PGW receives the CCA.

[0272] Specifically, when the validity condition of the resource scheduling information is met, the CCA carries the resource scheduling information. For a specific implementation method of determining whether the validity condition is met, reference may be made to the description of the embodiment in FIG9 .

[0273] Step 1006: The PGW sends a CCA to the SGW, and the SGW receives the CCA.

[0274] Step 1007: The SGW sends a session establishment response to the MME. Correspondingly, the MME receives the session establishment response.

[0275] If the CCA carries resource scheduling information, the session establishment response carries the resource scheduling information.

[0276] In step 1008, the MME sends resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device (such as a 5G base station) to which the terminal device accesses. Correspondingly, the 5G access network device receives the resource scheduling information.

[0277] Specifically, if the MME receives resource scheduling information, it can send the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device.

[0278] Optionally, if the MME does not receive the resource scheduling information, the MME may send default resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device.

[0279] Exemplarily, step 1008 is specifically as follows: MME sends an initialization context setup request (INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST) message, a downlink NAS transport (Downlink NAS Transport) message or a UE context modification request (UE Context Modification Request) message to the 5G access network device, which carries resource scheduling information.

[0280] In the above solution, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device and send the resource scheduling information to the MME when the effectiveness conditions are met, so that the MME can send the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The 5G access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, and realizes differentiated wireless resource allocation and scheduling for different terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0281] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a PCRF network element or a chip for a PCRF network element, and an MME or a chip for an MME. The following description uses the PCRF network element and the MME as an example to illustrate the method. The method includes the following steps:

[0282] Step 1101: The PCRF network element obtains resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the validity conditions of the resource scheduling information.

[0283] For the specific meanings of the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, please refer to the description of the embodiment in FIG. 9 .

[0284] In one possible implementation method, before step 1101, the PCRF network element also receives indication information from the PGW, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW, and PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information. Then, step 1101 is specifically as follows: the PCRF network element obtains the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information for the terminal device based on the indication information. That is, when the PCRF network element determines that the resource scheduling information can be forwarded through the MME, SGW, and PGW, it obtains the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information. Subsequently, the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information can be forwarded to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses through the MME, SGW, and PGW. Therefore, if the PCRF network element learns that at least one of the MME, SGW, or PGW does not have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, step 1101 and subsequent steps may not be performed.

[0285] Exemplarily, the PCRF network element may obtain the resource scheduling information and the validation conditions of the resource scheduling information from the user subscription information or local configuration information of the terminal device.

[0286] Step 1102: The PCRF network element sends resource scheduling information and the conditions for the resource scheduling information to the MME. Correspondingly, the MME receives the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the resource scheduling information.

[0287] Step 1103: If the resource scheduling information validity conditions are met, the MME sends the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device is connected. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the resource scheduling information.

[0288] For a specific method of determining whether the validity conditions of the resource scheduling information are met, please refer to the description of the embodiment in FIG. 9 .

[0289] Specifically, after receiving the resource scheduling information for the terminal device, if the MME determines that the conditions for the resource scheduling information to take effect are met, it can send the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The 5G access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, thereby improving the user experience.

[0290] In the above scheme, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain the resource scheduling information of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, and send the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information to the MME. When the MME determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information are met, it sends the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The 5G access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, and realizes differentiated wireless resource allocation and scheduling for different terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0291] The embodiment of FIG. 11 will be described below in conjunction with the specific example of FIG. 12 .

[0292] FIG12 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0293] Step 1200: The terminal device initiates network registration.

[0294] Step 1201: MME sends a session establishment request to SGW. Correspondingly, SGW receives the session establishment request.

[0295] Optionally, if the MME has the capability of forwarding resource scheduling information, the session establishment request carries indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the MME has the capability of forwarding resource scheduling information.

[0296] Step 1202: The SGW sends the CCR to the PGW, and the PGW receives the CCR.

[0297] Optionally, if the SGW has the capability to forward resource scheduling information and the SGW receives indication information indicating that the MME has the capability to forward resource scheduling information, the CCR carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME and the SGW have the capability to forward resource scheduling information.

[0298] Step 1203: The PGW sends the CCR to the PCRF, and the PCRF receives the CCR.

[0299] Optionally, if the PGW has the ability to forward resource scheduling information and the PGW receives indication information indicating that the MME and SGW have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, the CCR carries indication information, which is used to indicate that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information.

[0300] Step 1204: PCRF obtains resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the validity conditions of the resource scheduling information.

[0301] In one implementation method, if PCRF receives indication information indicating that MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information, PCRF obtains resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the resource scheduling information to take effect based on the indication information.

[0302] In another implementation method, the PCRF can independently decide whether to send the resource scheduling information. If the PCRF decides that the resource scheduling information needs to be sent, the resource scheduling information and the validity conditions of the resource scheduling information are obtained.

[0303] Step 1205: PCRF sends a CCA to PGW. Correspondingly, PGW receives the CCA.

[0304] The CCA carries resource scheduling information and the conditions under which the resource scheduling information takes effect.

[0305] Step 1206: The PGW sends a CCA to the SGW, and the SGW receives the CCA.

[0306] The CCA carries resource scheduling information and the conditions under which the resource scheduling information takes effect.

[0307] Step 1207: The SGW sends a session establishment response to the MME. Correspondingly, the MME receives the session establishment response.

[0308] The session establishment response carries resource scheduling information and the conditions for the resource scheduling information to take effect.

[0309] In step 1208, the MME sends resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device (such as a 5G base station) to which the terminal device accesses. Correspondingly, the 5G access network device receives the resource scheduling information.

[0310] Specifically, if the validation conditions are met, the MME sends resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device. For the specific implementation method of determining whether the validation conditions are met, please refer to the description of the embodiment of Figure 9.

[0311] Optionally, if the MME does not receive resource scheduling information, or receives resource scheduling information but the resource scheduling information does not meet the effectiveness conditions, the MME may send default resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device.

[0312] Exemplarily, step 1208 is specifically as follows: the MME sends an initialization context setting request message, a downlink NAS transmission message or a UE context modification request message to the 5G access network device, which carries resource scheduling information.

[0313] In the above scheme, the PCRF network element can dynamically obtain the resource scheduling information of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, and send the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information to the MME. When the MME determines that the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information are met, it sends the resource scheduling information to the 5G access network device to which the terminal device accesses. The 5G access network device dynamically schedules or allocates resources for the terminal device based on the resource scheduling information, and realizes differentiated wireless resource allocation and scheduling for different terminal devices, thereby improving the user experience.

[0314] It is understandable that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the policy network element (such as a PCF network element or a PCRF network element) or the mobility management network element (such as an AMF network element or an MME) includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0315] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the policy network element or mobility management network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be a policy network element or a mobility management network element, or a module (such as a chip) applied to the policy network element or the mobility management network element.

[0316] The communication device 1300 shown in Figure 13 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is used to implement the functions of the policy network element or the mobility management network element in the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 12 above.

[0317] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the policy network element (such as a PCF network element or a PCRF network element) in the above method embodiment, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identifier of the terminal device; the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the network identifier to the mobility management network element when the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier are met.

[0318] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is an AMF network element; the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to receive indication information from the AMF network element before obtaining the network identification of the terminal device, and the indication information indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identification; the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device, specifically including: obtaining the network identification of the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0319] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is MME; the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to receive indication information from PGW before obtaining the network identification of the terminal device, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward the network identification; the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device, specifically including: obtaining the network identification of the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0320] In a possible implementation method, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identifier of the terminal device, specifically including: obtaining the network identifier from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the network identifier from local configuration information.

[0321] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the network identifier to the mobility management network element when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met, specifically including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element.

[0322] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the mobility management network element (such as an AMF network element or MME) in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive the network identifier of the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier from the policy network element; when the effectiveness conditions of the network identifier are met, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device.

[0323] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is further used to send indication information to the policy network element before receiving the network identification of the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identification from the policy network element, wherein the indication information indicates the ability to forward the network identification.

[0324] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the network identifier to the terminal device when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met, specifically including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device to which the terminal device accesses is included in the effective access standard, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device.

[0325] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the policy network element (such as a PCF network element or a PCRF network element) in the above method embodiment, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identifier of the terminal device and the effectiveness condition of the network identifier; the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the network identifier and the effectiveness condition to the mobility management network element, and the effectiveness condition is used to trigger the mobility management network element to send the network identifier to the terminal device when the effectiveness condition of the network identifier is met.

[0326] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is an AMF network element; the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to receive indication information from the AMF network element before obtaining the network identification of the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identification, and the indication information indicates that the AMF network element has the ability to forward the network identification; the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identification, specifically including: obtaining the network identification of the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identification according to the indication information.

[0327] In one possible implementation method, the mobility management network element is MME; the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to receive indication information from PGW before obtaining the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and PGW all have the ability to forward the network identification; the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification, specifically including: obtaining the network identification of the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the network identification according to the indication information.

[0328] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the network identification of the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the network identification, specifically including: obtaining the network identification and the effectiveness conditions of the network identification from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the network identification and the effectiveness conditions of the network identification from local configuration information.

[0329] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the PCRF network element in the above method embodiment, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device; the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the resource scheduling information to the MME when the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information are met.

[0330] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to receive indication information from the PGW before obtaining resource scheduling information for the terminal device, and the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and the PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information; the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device, specifically including: obtaining resource scheduling information for the terminal device according to the indication information.

[0331] In a possible implementation method, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device, specifically including: obtaining the resource scheduling information from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the resource scheduling information from local configuration information.

[0332] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the resource scheduling information to the MME when the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information are met, specifically including: the effectiveness conditions include an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, the effectiveness conditions include an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, the effectiveness conditions include an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME.

[0333] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the MME in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information from the PCRF network element; when the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information are met, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses.

[0334] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is further used to send indication information to the PCRF network element before receiving resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information from the PCRF network element, wherein the indication information indicates the ability to forward resource scheduling information.

[0335] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses when the effectiveness condition of the resource scheduling information is met, specifically including: the effectiveness condition includes an effective time range, and when the current time is included in the effective time range, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the effective access location, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, the effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device to which the terminal device accesses is included in the effective access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device.

[0336] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the PCRF network element in the above method embodiment, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information; the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the resource scheduling information and the effectiveness conditions to the MME, and the effectiveness conditions are used to trigger the MME to send the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses when the effectiveness conditions of the resource scheduling information are met.

[0337] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to receive indication information from the PGW before obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, wherein the indication information indicates that the MME, SGW and the PGW all have the ability to forward resource scheduling information; the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, specifically including: obtaining the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information according to the indication information.

[0338] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to obtain resource scheduling information for a terminal device and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information, specifically including: obtaining the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information from the user contract information of the terminal device; or obtaining the resource scheduling information and the conditions for the effectiveness of the resource scheduling information from local configuration information.

[0339] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1310 and the transceiver unit 1320 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments of Figures 3 to 12, and will not be repeated here.

[0340] The communication device 1400 shown in Figure 14 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1420 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1430 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410, or storing input data required by the processor 1410 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1410 executes instructions.

[0341] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement the methods shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 12 , the processor 1410 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1310 , and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1320 .

[0342] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0343] 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, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disk, mobile hard disk, 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 storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in an access network device or a terminal device. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist in the access network device or the terminal device as discrete components.

[0344] 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, an access network device, a terminal 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. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0345] 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.

[0346] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next related objects are in an "or" relationship; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates that the previous and next related objects are in a "division" relationship.

[0347] 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: include: Obtain the network identification of the terminal device; When the validity condition of the network identifier is met, the network identifier is sent to a mobility management network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The mobility management network element is an access and mobility management function AMF network element; The method further comprises: Receiving indication information from the AMF network element, the indication information indicating that the AMF network element has the capability of forwarding a network identifier; The obtaining of the network identification of the terminal device includes: According to the indication information, a network identifier of the terminal device is obtained.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The mobility management network element is a mobility management entity MME; The method further comprises: Receiving indication information from a packet data network gateway PGW, the indication information indicating that the MME, the serving gateway SGW and the PGW all have the capability of forwarding a network identifier; The obtaining of the network identification of the terminal device includes: According to the indication information, the network identification of the terminal device is obtained.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The obtaining of the network identification of the terminal device includes: Acquire the network identifier from the user contract information of the terminal device; or, The network identifier is obtained from local configuration information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The validity condition includes at least one of the following: The effective time range, effective access location or effective access mode.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The sending of the network identifier to a mobility management network element when a validity condition of the network identifier is met includes: The validity condition includes a time range for validity, and when the current time is included in the time range for validity, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, The validation condition includes a valid access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the valid access location, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element; or, The validation condition includes a valid access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the valid access standard, the network identifier is sent to the mobility management network element.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receiving a network identification of a terminal device and a validation condition of the network identification from a policy network element; When a validity condition of the network identifier is met, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Before receiving the network identification of the terminal device from the policy network element and the validity condition of the network identification, the method further includes: Sending indication information to the policy network element, wherein the indication information indicates the capability of forwarding the network identifier.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The sending the network identifier to the terminal device when the validity condition of the network identifier is met includes: The validity condition includes a time range for validity, and when the current time is included in the time range for validity, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, The validation condition includes a valid access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the valid access location, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device; or, The validation condition includes a valid access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the valid access standard, the network identifier is sent to the terminal device.

10. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Obtain resource scheduling information for terminal devices; When the validity condition of the resource scheduling information is met, the resource scheduling information is sent to a mobility management entity MME.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving indication information from a packet data network gateway PGW, wherein the indication information indicates that the MME, the serving gateway SGW and the PGW are all capable of forwarding resource scheduling information; The obtaining of resource scheduling information for the terminal device includes: According to the indication information, resource scheduling information for the terminal device is obtained.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The obtaining of resource scheduling information for the terminal device includes: Acquire the resource scheduling information from the user subscription information of the terminal device; or, The resource scheduling information is obtained from local configuration information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The sending the resource scheduling information to the MME when the validity condition of the resource scheduling information is met includes: The validity condition includes a validity time range, and when the current time is included in the validity time range, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, The validation condition includes a valid access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the valid access location, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME; or, The validation condition includes a valid access standard, and when the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the valid access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the MME.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receiving resource scheduling information for a terminal device and a validation condition of the resource scheduling information from a policy and charging rules function PCRF network element; When the effectiveness condition of the resource scheduling information is met, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that Before receiving the resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the validity condition of the resource scheduling information from the PCRF network element, the method further includes: Sending indication information to the PCRF network element, where the indication information indicates the ability to forward resource scheduling information.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The sending of the resource scheduling information to the access network device accessed by the terminal device when the validity condition of the resource scheduling information is met includes: The validity condition includes a time range for validity, and when the current time is included in the time range for validity, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, The validation condition includes a valid access location, and when the location of the terminal device is included in the valid access location, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device; or, The effectiveness condition includes an effective access standard. When the communication standard of the access network device accessed by the terminal device is included in the effective access standard, the resource scheduling information is sent to the access network device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that The resource scheduling information is a radio access technology spectrum selection priority RFSP or a service profile identifier SPID.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising a module for executing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method of any one of claims 7 to 9, or the method of any one of claims 10 to 13, or the method of any one of claims 14 to 17.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method described in any one of claims 7 to 9, or the method described in any one of claims 10 to 13, or the method described in any one of claims 14 to 17.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by the communication device, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method described in any one of claims 7 to 9, or the method described in any one of claims 10 to 13, or the method described in any one of claims 14 to 17 is implemented.

21. A communication system, characterized in that: include: A policy network element, used to send a network identifier of a terminal device and a validation condition of the network identifier to a mobility management network element; The mobility management network element is used to receive the network identifier and the validity condition of the network identifier; when the validity condition of the network identifier is met, send the network identifier to the terminal device.

22. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) network element, used to send resource scheduling information for terminal devices to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and the conditions under which the resource scheduling information takes effect; The MME is used to send the resource scheduling information to the access network device to which the terminal device accesses when the effectiveness condition of the resource scheduling information is met.

23. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The policy network element sends the network identification of the terminal device and the validity condition of the network identification to the mobility management network element; The mobility management network element receives the network identifier and the validity condition of the network identifier; and sends the network identifier to the terminal device when the validity condition of the network identifier is met.

24. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The policy and charging rules function network element sends resource scheduling information for the terminal device and the validity conditions of the resource scheduling information to the mobility management entity; The mobility management entity sends the resource scheduling information to the access network device accessed by the terminal device when the validity condition of the resource scheduling information is met.

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