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: receiving a subscription data query request from a network function network element, wherein the subscription data query request is used for querying subscription data of a terminal device; on the basis of a subscription data rule of the terminal device, determining subscription data used by the terminal device to access a first network, wherein the subscription data rule is used for indicating corresponding subscription data used by the terminal device to access different networks; and sending a subscription data query response to the network function network element, wherein the subscription data query response comprises the subscription data used by the terminal device to access the first network. In the solution, by means of a subscription data rule of a terminal device, corresponding subscription data used by the terminal device to access different networks is indicated, such that the terminal device accesses a network by using corresponding subscription data, and the terminal device can support access to different networks, and thus the user experience can be 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 the People's Republic of China on January 5, 2024, with application number 202410023531.6 and invention 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] In traditional communication technologies, a terminal device can only access one network. For example, a terminal device in a campus network (such as a computer) can only access the campus network and cannot access other networks (such as the Internet). For another example, an ordinary user's terminal device (such as a mobile phone) can only access the Internet but cannot access the campus network.

[0005] To improve user experience, a single terminal device is currently required to support access to different networks. However, there is currently no solution to achieve this.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system to enable terminal devices to support access to different networks, thereby improving user experience.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a data management network element or a chip applied to a data management network element. The method includes: receiving a contract data query request from a network function network element, wherein the contract data query request is used to query the contract data of a terminal device; determining the contract data used by the terminal device to access a first network based on a contract data rule of the terminal device, wherein the contract data rule is used to indicate the corresponding contract data used by the terminal device to access different networks; and sending a contract data query response to the network function network element, wherein the contract data query response includes the contract data used by the terminal device to access the first network.

[0009] The above solution instructs the terminal device to access the corresponding contract data used for different networks through the contract data rules of the terminal device, so that the terminal device uses the corresponding contract data to access the network, which can enable the terminal device to support access to different networks and improve the user experience.

[0010] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes identification information of the terminal device and identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; the method also includes: determining the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device based on the contract data query request.

[0011] The above solution carries the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device in the contract data query request, so that the data management network element can quickly and accurately determine the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device, which helps the data management network element to accurately determine the contract data used by the terminal device to access the network.

[0012] In a possible implementation method, the method further includes: receiving a registration request, the registration request including identification information of the terminal device and identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; and saving the correspondence between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network.

[0013] In a possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes identification information of the terminal device; the method further includes: determining the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device and the corresponding relationship.

[0014] The above solution registers the correspondence between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device in advance to the data management network element, which helps the data management network element to accurately determine the contract data used by the terminal device to access the network based on the correspondence.

[0015] In a possible implementation method, the method further includes: receiving a contract signing request from an accounting system, wherein the contract signing request includes identification information of the terminal device and a contract signing data rule of the terminal device.

[0016] In this solution, the accounting system determines the terminal device's subscription data rules and signs them with the data management network element. The data management network element then uses these subscription data rules to determine the subscription data used by the terminal device to access different networks. This method eliminates the need for the terminal device to sign up for each network through the accounting system separately. Instead, the accounting system only needs to generate a single subscription data rule, thus reducing the complexity of the accounting system.

[0017] In a possible implementation method, the different networks include at least one of the following networks: a campus network, a domestic large network, or an overseas roaming network.

[0018] In one possible implementation method, the contract data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the contract data of the terminal device before replacement and the contract data of the terminal device after replacement corresponding to the at least one network.

[0019] In a possible implementation method, the method further includes: when the contract data of the terminal device before replacement is updated, receiving the updated contract data rules of the terminal device, the updated contract data rules including the identification information of the at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the updated contract data before replacement and the updated contract data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

[0020] In the above solution, when the contract data of the terminal device is updated, the accounting system generates updated contract data rules and resends them to the data management network element, so that the data management network element can obtain the correct contract data rules, which helps to accurately determine the contract data used by the terminal device to access different networks.

[0021] In one possible implementation method, the contract data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the replaced contract data of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network; or, the contract data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the contract data of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network.

[0022] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that can be executed by a tent system or a chip implemented in the tent system. The method includes: obtaining contract information of a terminal device, the contract information including at least one contract data; determining a contract data rule for the terminal device based on the contract information, the contract data rule indicating corresponding contract data for the terminal device to access different networks; and sending a contract request to a data management network element, the contract request including identification information of the terminal device and the contract data rule.

[0023] The above solution uses the terminal device's subscription data rules to instruct the terminal device on the corresponding subscription data for accessing different networks. Thus, the terminal device uses the corresponding subscription data to access the network, enabling the terminal device to access different networks and improving the user experience. Furthermore, this method eliminates the need for the terminal device to separately subscribe to different networks through the accounting system. Instead, the accounting system only needs to generate a single subscription data rule, thus reducing the complexity of the accounting system.

[0024] In one possible implementation method, obtaining the contract information of the terminal device includes: sending a query request to the data management network element, the query request including the identification information of the terminal device, and the query request is used to query the contract information of the terminal device; receiving a query response from the data management network element, the query response including the contract information.

[0025] In a possible implementation method, the different networks include at least one of the following networks: a campus network, a domestic large network, or an overseas roaming network.

[0026] In one possible implementation method, the contract data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the contract data of the terminal device before replacement and the contract data of the terminal device after replacement corresponding to the at least one network.

[0027] In one possible implementation method, the method further includes: when the contract data of the terminal device before replacement is updated, sending the updated contract data rules of the terminal device to the data management network element, the updated contract data rules including the identification information of the at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the updated contract data before replacement and the updated contract data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

[0028] In the above solution, when the contract data of the terminal device is updated, the accounting system generates updated contract data rules and resends them to the data management network element, so that the data management network element can obtain the correct contract data rules, which helps to accurately determine the contract data used by the terminal device to access different networks.

[0029] In one possible implementation method, the contract data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the replaced contract data of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network; or, the contract data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the contract data of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network.

[0030] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a data management network element or a chip applied to a data management network element. The method includes: receiving a contract data query request from a network function network element, wherein the contract data query request is used to query the contract data corresponding to the network function network element; determining the contract data corresponding to the network function network element according to the contract data rule corresponding to the network to which the network function network element belongs; wherein the contract data rule is used to indicate the contract data used by the terminal device accessing the network; and sending a contract data query response to the network function network element, wherein the contract data query response includes the contract data corresponding to the network function network element.

[0031] The above solution indicates the corresponding contract data used by the terminal device accessing each network through the contract data rules of each network, so that the terminal device uses the corresponding contract data to access the network, which can enable the terminal device to support access to different networks and improve the user experience.

[0032] In one possible implementation method, the subscription data query request includes identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs; the method also includes: obtaining identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs from the subscription data query request.

[0033] The above solution carries the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs in the contract data query request, so that the data management network element can quickly and accurately determine the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs, which helps the data management network element to accurately determine the contract data used by the terminal device accessing the network.

[0034] In a possible implementation method, the method also includes: receiving a registration request, the registration request including the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs; and saving the correspondence between the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0035] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes identification information of the network function network element; the method also includes: determining the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs based on the identification information of the network function network element and the corresponding relationship.

[0036] The above scheme registers the correspondence between the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs to the data management network element in advance, which helps the data management network element to accurately determine the contract data used by the terminal device accessing the network based on the correspondence.

[0037] In a possible implementation method, the method further includes: receiving a contract signing request from an accounting system, the contract signing request including contract signing data rules corresponding to at least one network, and the at least one network includes a network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0038] In the above solution, the accounting system determines the contract data rules corresponding to each network and signs the contract data rules to the data management network element, so that the data management network element can determine the contract data used by the terminal equipment accessing each network based on the contract data rules.

[0039] In a possible implementation method, the subscription data rule includes identification information of the at least one network and subscription data corresponding to the at least one network.

[0040] In a possible implementation method, the at least one network includes at least one of the following networks: a campus network, a domestic large network, or an overseas roaming network.

[0041] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method that can be executed by a business accounting system or a chip implemented in the business accounting system. The method includes: determining a subscription data rule corresponding to at least one network, the subscription data rule indicating the subscription data used by a terminal device accessing the network; and sending a subscription request to a data management network element, the subscription request including the subscription data rule corresponding to the at least one network.

[0042] The above solution indicates the corresponding contract data used by the terminal device accessing each network through the contract data rules of each network, so that the terminal device uses the corresponding contract data to access the network, which can enable the terminal device to support access to different networks and improve the user experience.

[0043] In a possible implementation method, the subscription data rule includes identification information of the at least one network and subscription data corresponding to the at least one network.

[0044] In a possible implementation method, the at least one network includes at least one of the following networks: a campus network, a domestic large network, or an overseas roaming network.

[0045] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communications device, which may be a data management network element or a chip for a data management 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-described functions.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communications device, which may be a tent system or a chip for a tent system. The device has the functionality to implement any of the implementation methods of the second or fourth aspects described above. This functionality may be implemented via hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functionality.

[0047] In a seventh 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 fourth aspects.

[0048] In an eighth 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 the first to fourth aspects. The processor comprises one or more.

[0049] In a ninth 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 of the implementation methods in the first to fourth aspects above. The processor may be one or more.

[0050] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory, which is coupled to the processor and may be located inside or outside the device.

[0051] In the tenth 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 fourth aspects.

[0052] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory for storing the computer instructions.

[0053] In the eleventh 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 fourth aspects is executed.

[0054] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which, when run on a communication device, enables any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to fourth aspects to be executed.

[0055] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system, comprising: a processor for executing any implementation method in the above-mentioned first to fourth aspects.

[0056] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including a data management network element, for receiving a contract data query request from a network function network element, wherein the contract data query request is used to query the contract data of a terminal device; determining the contract data used by the terminal device to access a first network according to the contract data rule of the terminal device, wherein the contract data rule is used to indicate the corresponding contract data used by the terminal device to access different networks; sending a contract data query response to the network function network element, wherein the contract data query response includes the contract data used by the terminal device to access the first network; the network function network element is used to send the contract data query request to the data management network element; and receiving the contract data query response from the data management network element.

[0057] In one possible implementation method, the communication system also includes an accounting system; the accounting system is used to obtain the contract information of the terminal device, and the contract information includes at least one contract data; based on the contract information, the contract data rule is determined; a contract request is sent to the data management network element, and the contract request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the contract data rule; the data management network element is also used to receive the contract request.

[0058] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including a data management network element, for receiving a contract data query request from a network function network element, wherein the contract data query request is used to query the contract data corresponding to the network function network element; determining the contract data corresponding to the network function network element according to the contract data rule corresponding to the network to which the network function network element belongs; wherein the contract data rule is used to indicate the contract data used by the terminal device accessing the network; sending a contract data query response to the network function network element, wherein the contract data query response includes the contract data corresponding to the network function network element; the network function network element is used to send the contract data query request to the data management network element; and receive the contract data query response from the data management network element.

[0059] In one possible implementation method, the communication system also includes an accounting system; the accounting system is used to determine the contract data rules corresponding to at least one network, and the contract data rules are used to indicate the contract data used by the terminal device accessing the network; a contract request is sent to the data management network element, and the contract request includes the contract data rules corresponding to the at least one network, and the at least one network includes the network to which the network function network element belongs; the data management network element is also used to receive the contract request. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture;

[0062] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG4 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The present application provides a communication system, referring to FIG1 , which includes a data management network element and a network function (NF) network element. Optionally, the system also includes a tent system.

[0067] The system shown in FIG1 can be used in the fifth generation (5G) network architecture shown in FIG2 . 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 this.

[0068] The data management network element in Figure 1 can be the unified data management (UDM) network element in Figure 2, or it can be a network element with the function of a UDM network element in future communications such as 6G communications. This application does not limit this.

[0069] The network function network element in Figure 1 can be the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, and policy control function (PCF) network element in Figure 2, or it can be a network element with the functions of AMF network element, SMF network element, and PCF network element in future communications such as 6G communications. This application does not limit this.

[0070] In a first embodiment, a data management network element is configured to receive a subscription data query request from a network function network element, the subscription data query request being used to query the subscription data of a terminal device; determine, based on a subscription data rule of the terminal device, the subscription data used by the terminal device to access a first network, the subscription data rule being used to instruct the terminal device to use corresponding subscription data for accessing different networks; and send a subscription data query response to the network function network element, the subscription data query response including the subscription data used by the terminal device to access the first network. The network function network element is configured to send the subscription data query request to the data management network element; and receive the subscription data query response from the data management network element.

[0071] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; the data management network element is also used to determine the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device based on the contract data query request.

[0072] In one possible implementation method, the data management network element is also used to receive a registration request, which includes the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; and save the correspondence between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network.

[0073] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes the identification information of the terminal device; the data management network element is also used to determine the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device and the corresponding relationship.

[0074] In one possible implementation method, the accounting system is configured to obtain contract information of the terminal device, the contract information including at least one contract data; determine a contract data rule for the terminal device based on the contract information, the contract data rule indicating corresponding contract data used by the terminal device to access different networks; and send a contract request to a data management network element, the contract request including identification information of the terminal device and the contract data rule. The data management network element is further configured to receive the contract request.

[0075] In one possible implementation method, the accounting system is used to obtain the contract information of the terminal device, specifically including: sending a query request to the data management network element, the query request including the identification information of the terminal device, and the query request being used to query the contract information of the terminal device; receiving a query response from the data management network element, the query response including the contract information.

[0076] In one possible implementation method, the data management network element is also used to receive the updated contract data rules of the terminal device when the contract data of the terminal device before replacement is updated. The updated contract data rules include the identification information of the at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the updated contract data before replacement and the updated contract data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network.

[0077] In a second embodiment, a data management network element is configured to receive a contract data query request from a network function network element, the contract data query request being used to query the contract data corresponding to the network function network element; determine the contract data corresponding to the network function network element based on a contract data rule corresponding to the network to which the network function network element belongs; wherein the contract data rule is used to indicate the contract data used by a terminal device accessing the network; and send a contract data query response to the network function network element, the contract data query response including the contract data corresponding to the network function network element. The network function network element is configured to send the contract data query request to the data management network element; and receive the contract data query response from the data management network element.

[0078] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs; the data management network element is also used to obtain identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs from the contract data query request.

[0079] In one possible implementation method, the data management network element is also used to receive a registration request, which includes the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs; and save the correspondence between the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0080] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes the identification information of the network function network element; the data management network element is also used to determine the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs based on the identification information of the network function network element and the corresponding relationship.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the accounting system is configured to determine subscription data rules corresponding to at least one network, the subscription data rules indicating subscription data used by terminal devices accessing the network, the at least one network including the network to which the network function network element belongs; and send a subscription request to a data management network element, the subscription request including the subscription data rules corresponding to the at least one network. The data management network element is configured to receive the subscription request from the accounting system.

[0082] The interaction between the various network elements in the system, as well as the specific execution, can be referred to the following method embodiments, which will not be repeated here. In order to meet the challenges of wireless broadband technology and maintain the leading edge of the 3GPP network, the 3GPP standards group has developed the next generation mobile communication network system (Next Generation System) architecture, called the 5G network architecture. This architecture not only supports the wireless access technologies defined by the 3GPP standards group (such as long term evolution (LTE) access technology, 5G radio access network (RAN) access technology, etc.) to access the 5G core network (CN), but also supports the use of non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technology through the non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) or the next generation packet data gateway (ngPDG) to access the core network.

[0083] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture. The 5G network architecture shown in Figure 2 may include access network equipment and core network equipment. Terminal equipment accesses the data network (DN) through access network equipment and core network equipment. The core network equipment includes but is not limited to some or all of the following network elements: authentication server function (AUSF) network element, UDM network element, unified data repository (UDR) network element, network repository function (NRF) network element, network exposure function (NEF) network element, application function (AF) network element, PCF network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, user plane function (UPF) network element.

[0084] The terminal device can be user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a mobile terminal device, etc. The terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios, for example, 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 wearable, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, an urban air vehicle (such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, a helicopter, etc.), a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home device, etc. For the sake of convenience, this application uses UE as an example of a terminal device for illustration, and any UE appearing in any subsequent position can be replaced by a terminal device.

[0085] Access network equipment can be radio access network equipment (RAN equipment) or wired access network equipment. 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 NodeBs (eNodeBs) in LTE, next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or modules or units that perform some of the functions of base stations, such as centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). Untrusted non-3GPP access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, untrusted non-3GPP access gateways or N3IWFs, untrusted wireless local area network (WLAN) access points (APs), switches, and routers. Trusted non-3GPP access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, trusted non-3GPP access gateways, trusted WLAN APs, switches, and routers. Wired access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, wireline access gateways, fixed-line network equipment, switches, and routers. For ease of explanation, this application uses a base station as an example of an access network device, and any base station appearing at any subsequent location can be replaced by an access network device.

[0086] Base stations and UEs can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, 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 base stations and UEs.

[0087] The AMF network element performs functions such as mobility management and access authentication / authorization. It is also responsible for transferring user policies between the UE and the PCF.

[0088] 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 the UE's Internet Protocol (IP) address.

[0089] The UPF network element includes functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, or bandwidth limitation.

[0090] UDM network elements include functions such as executing and managing contract data or user access authorization.

[0091] UDR includes functions for accessing data such as contract data, policy data, or application data.

[0092] NEF network element is used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0093] The AF network element communicates application-side requirements to the network, such as Quality of Service (QoS) requirements or user status event subscriptions. The AF can be a third-party functional entity or an application service deployed by an operator, such as the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice call service. AF network elements include those within the core network (i.e., the operator's AF network element) and third-party AF network elements (such as an enterprise's application server).

[0094] The PCF network element includes policy control functions such as billing for sessions and service flow levels, QoS bandwidth guarantee and mobility management, or UE 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 UE. The AM PCF network element can also be called a policy control network element that provides services for UE (PCF for a UE). The SM PCF network element is used to formulate session management policy (SMpolicy) for the session. 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] The AUSF network element is responsible for authenticating users to determine whether users or devices are allowed to access the network.

[0097] A 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 UEs with data and / or voice services. For example, a DN is the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the workshop can be UEs. The DN houses a control server for these 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 based on the instructions. Another example is a DN that is a company's internal office network. An employee's mobile phone or computer can be a UE, allowing them to access information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

[0098] In Figure 2, Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, Nsmf, Nnrf, Nnef, and Nausf are service-oriented interfaces provided by the PCF, UDR, UDM, AF, AMF, SMF, NRF, NEF, and AUSF, respectively, for invoking corresponding service-oriented operations. N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface serial numbers, and their meanings are as follows:

[0099] 1) N1: The interface between the AMF network element and the UE, which can be used to deliver non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (such as QoS rules from the AMF network element) to the UE.

[0100] 2) N2: The interface between the AMF network element and the base station, which can be used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the base station.

[0101] 3) N3: The interface between the base station and the UPF network element, mainly used to transmit uplink and downlink user plane data between the base station and the UPF network element.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The data management network element in this application can be the UDM network element in Figure 2, or it can be a network element with the function of a UDM network element in future communications such as 6G networks, and this application is not limited to this. In the embodiments of this application, the UDM network element is used as an example of a data management network element for description.

[0106] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a network function element or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the network function element, and a UDM element or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the UDM element. Optionally, the method is also executed by a tent system or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the tent system. For ease of explanation, the following description uses the network function element, the UDM element, and the tent system as an example of executing the method.

[0107] The method comprises the following steps:

[0108] Step 301: The network function network element sends a registration request to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the registration request.

[0109] The network function network element can be an AMF network element, an SMF network element, a PCF network element or other network elements, etc. This application does not limit the specific type of the network function network element.

[0110] The registration request includes identification information of the UE and identification information of the first network accessed by the UE, wherein the first network accessed by the UE may also be understood as the network currently accessed or registered by the UE.

[0111] For example, when the first network accessed by the UE is a campus network, the identification information of the campus network may be the identification information of a network element deployed in the campus network, that is, the identification information of the network element is used to indicate the campus network. Exemplarily, the identification information of the campus network may be the identification information of the AMF network element in the campus. For example, the identification information of the AMF network element is {PLMN: 46001, AMFREGION: 111, AMFSET: 11, AMFPOINT: 1}. That is, the identification of the public land mobile network (PLMN) where the AMF network element is located is 46001, the identification of the AMF area where the AMF network element is located (i.e., AMFREGION) is 111, the identification of the AMF set where the AMF network element is located (i.e., AMFSET) is 11, and the identification of the AMF network element (i.e., AMFPOINT) is 1.

[0112] For another example, when the first network accessed by the UE is a domestic large network (i.e., the Internet), and the network function network element provides services for the UE, the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE carried in the registration request may be the identification information of the domestic large network. For example, the identification information of the domestic large network may be the identification of the PLMN. For example, when the identification of the PLMN is 46001, it indicates a domestic large network.

[0113] For another example, when the first network accessed by the UE is an overseas roaming network and the network function network element provides services for the UE, the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE carried in the registration request may be the identification information of the overseas roaming network. For example, the identification information of the overseas roaming network may be the identification of the PLMN. For example, when the identification of the PLMN is 56001, it indicates an overseas roaming network.

[0114] In the embodiment of the present application, the first network accessed by the UE may also be referred to as the first domain accessed by the UE, and the first domain may be a campus area, a domestic large network domain, or an overseas roaming domain. That is, different networks may also be understood as different domains.

[0115] Step 302: The UDM network element stores the correspondence between the identification information of the UE and the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE.

[0116] Step 303: The UDM network element sends a registration response to the network function network element. Correspondingly, the network function network element receives the registration response.

[0117] This registration response indicates a successful registration.

[0118] The above steps 301 to 303 are optional steps.

[0119] As an implementation method, other network elements may also register the correspondence between the identification information of the UE and the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE in the UDM network element.

[0120] It should be noted that if the network accessed by the UE changes, the network function network element or other network element may re-register the network identification information accessed by the UE with the UDM network element. For example, if the network accessed by the UE is updated from the first network element to the second network, the network function network element or other network element may resend a registration request to the UDM network element, where the registration request includes the identification information of the UE and the identification information of the second network element accessed by the UE. The UDM network element then saves the correspondence between the identification information of the UE and the identification information of the second network element accessed by the UE.

[0121] The above steps 301 to 303 may be performed for one or more UEs, that is, for each UE, the identification information of the network accessed by the UE may be stored on the UDM network element according to the above steps 301 to 303.

[0122] Step 304: The accounting system obtains the subscription information of the UE.

[0123] The accounting system, also known as the business and operation support system (BOSS), encompasses billing, settlement, sales, accounting, and customer service functions, centralizing and integrating various business functions. This is described here, and the subsequent embodiments will not be repeated.

[0124] The subscription information of the UE includes at least one subscription data, and information such as the session data of the UE in each subscription data. For example, each subscription data includes but is not limited to one or more of the following information: data network name (DNN), session and service continuity (SSC) mode, QoS characteristic parameters, DNN default identifier, default PDU session type, subscription evolved packet system (EPS) interoperability identifier (iwkEpsInd) or DNN online and offline rates, etc. Among them, iwkEpsInd is used to indicate whether the subscription session data supports interoperability.

[0125] As an implementation method, step 304 specifically includes: the accounting system sends a query request to the UDM network element, the query request including the UE's identification information, and the query request is used to query the UE's subscription information. The UDM network element sends a query response to the accounting system, the query response including the UE's subscription information.

[0126] Step 305: The accounting system determines the subscription data rule of the UE based on the subscription information of the UE.

[0127] The UE's subscription data rule is used to indicate the corresponding subscription data used by the UE to access different networks. The subscription data used by the UE when accessing different networks may be the same or different.

[0128] Three different specific implementation methods of the contract data rules are given below.

[0129] Implementation method 1: The UE's subscription data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the UE can access, and the UE's subscription data before replacement and the UE's subscription data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network.

[0130] For example, the following Table 1 provides the subscription data rules of a certain UE (taking UE#1 as an example).

[0131] Table 1

[0132] In the example of Table 1, the subscription information of UE#1 includes subscription data 1 and subscription data 2. The subscription data rule for UE#1 indicates the following information: if UE#1 is located in campus network #1, UE#1's subscription data 1 is replaced with subscription data a; if UE#1 is located in campus network #2, UE#1's subscription data 1 is replaced with subscription data b; if UE#1 is located in a domestic large network, UE#1's subscription data 2 is replaced with subscription data c; if UE#1 is located in an overseas roaming network, no subscription data replacement is performed.

[0133] For example, the following Table 2 provides the subscription data rules of a certain UE (taking UE#2 as an example).

[0134] Table 2

[0135] In the example of Table 2, the subscription information of UE#2 includes subscription data 3 and subscription data 4. The subscription data rule for UE#2 indicates the following information: if UE#2 is located in campus network #1, UE#2's subscription data 3 is replaced with subscription data d; if UE#2 is located in campus network #2, UE#2's subscription data 3 is replaced with subscription data e; if UE#2 is located in a domestic large network, UE#2's subscription data 4 is replaced with subscription data f; if UE#2 is located in an overseas roaming network, no subscription data replacement is performed.

[0136] Implementation method 2: The subscription data rule of the UE includes identification information of at least one network that the UE can access, and replaced subscription data of the UE corresponding to the at least one network.

[0137] For example, the following Table 3 provides the subscription data rules of a certain UE (taking UE#1 as an example).

[0138] Table 3

[0139] In the example of Table 3, the subscription information of UE#1 includes subscription data 1 and subscription data 2. The subscription data rule of UE#1 indicates the following information: if UE#1 is located in campus network #1, the subscription data of UE#1 after replacement is subscription data a; if UE#1 is located in campus network #2, the subscription data of UE#1 after replacement is subscription data b; if UE#1 is located in a domestic large network, the subscription data of UE#1 after replacement is subscription data c; if UE#1 is located in an overseas roaming network, subscription data replacement is not performed.

[0140] For example, the following Table 4 provides the subscription data rules of a certain UE (taking UE#2 as an example).

[0141] Table 4

[0142] In the example of Table 4, the subscription information of UE#2 includes subscription data 3 and subscription data 4. The subscription data rule for UE#2 indicates the following information: if UE#2 is located in campus network #1, the subscription data of UE#2 is replaced with subscription data d; if UE#2 is located in campus network #2, the subscription data of UE#2 is replaced with subscription data e; if UE#2 is located in a domestic large network, the subscription data of UE#2 is replaced with subscription data f; if UE#2 is located in an overseas roaming network, no subscription data replacement is performed.

[0143] The main difference between implementation method 2 and implementation method 1 is that in implementation method 1, the UE's contract data rules reflect both the UE's contract data before replacement and the contract data after replacement; in implementation method 2, the UE's contract data rules do not reflect the UE's contract data before replacement, but only the contract data after replacement.

[0144] Implementation method three: the UE's subscription data rule includes identification information of at least one network that the UE can access, and the UE's subscription data corresponding to the at least one network.

[0145] In this implementation method, the accounting system does not determine the subscription data rules of the UE based on the subscription information of the UE obtained from the UDM, but generates the subscription data rules for the UE when the UE signs up for the first time.

[0146] For example, the following Table 5 provides the subscription data rules of a certain UE (taking UE#1 as an example).

[0147] Table 5

[0148] In the example of Table 5, the contract data rule of UE#1 indicates the following information: if the UE#1 is located in campus network #1, the contract data of UE#1 is contract data a; if the UE#1 is located in campus network #2, the contract data of UE#1 is contract data b; if the UE#1 is located in the domestic large network, the contract data of UE#1 is contract data c; if the UE#1 is located in the overseas roaming network, the contract data of UE#1 is contract data x.

[0149] For example, the following Table 6 provides the subscription data rules of a certain UE (taking UE#2 as an example).

[0150] Table 6

[0151] In the example of Table 6, the contract data rule of UE#2 indicates the following information: if the UE#2 is located in campus network #1, the contract data of UE#2 is contract data d; if the UE#2 is located in campus network #2, the contract data of UE#2 is contract data e; if the UE#2 is located in the domestic large network, the contract data of UE#2 is contract data f; if the UE#2 is located in the overseas roaming network, the contract data of UE#2 is contract data y.

[0152] The main difference between this implementation method three and the above-mentioned implementation methods one and two is: in implementation methods one and two, the UE's contract information is already stored in the UDM network element, and then the accounting system obtains the UE's contract information from the UDM network element and determines the UE's contract data rules based on the UE's contract information; in implementation method three, when the UE signs a contract for the first time, the accounting system determines the contract data rules for the UE.

[0153] Step 306: The accounting system sends a contract signing request to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the contract signing request.

[0154] The subscription request includes the identification information of the UE and the subscription data rules of the UE.

[0155] Step 307: The UDM network element sends a contract signing response to the account system, and the account system receives the contract signing response accordingly.

[0156] The signing response is used to indicate that the signing is successful.

[0157] The above steps 304 to 307 may be performed for one or more UEs, that is, for each UE, the subscription data rules of the UE may be stored on the UDM network element according to the above steps 304 to 307.

[0158] As an implementation method, after the above step 307, if the subscription information of the UE stored on the UDM network element changes, for example, if the updated subscription information of the UE is stored on the UDM network element by another accounting system (for example, accounting system 1), the UDM network element can proactively send the updated subscription information of the UE to the accounting system (for example, accounting system 2) in the embodiment of Figure 3. Accounting system 2 then determines the updated subscription data rule of the UE based on the updated subscription information of the UE, and sends the updated subscription data rule of the UE to the UDM network element for storage. The updated subscription data rule includes the identification information of at least one network that the UE can access, and the updated subscription data before replacement and the updated subscription data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network. Alternatively, the updated subscription data rule includes the identification information of at least one network that the UE can access, and the updated subscription data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network. Alternatively, the updated subscription data rule includes the identification information of at least one network that the UE can access, and the updated subscription data corresponding to the at least one network.

[0159] The above steps 304 to 307 are optional steps.

[0160] Step 308: The network function network element sends a subscription data query request to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the subscription data query request.

[0161] The subscription data query request is used to query the subscription data of the UE.

[0162] As an implementation method, the subscription data query request carries the identification information of the UE and the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE. The UDM network element then determines the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE based on the subscription data query request. That is, the UDM network element obtains the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE from the subscription data query request, and then performs the following step 309 after obtaining the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE.

[0163] As another implementation method, the subscription data query request carries the UE's identification information, and the UDM network element determines the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE based on the UE's identification information and the correspondence between the UE's identification information and the identification information of the first network. After learning the identification information of the first network accessed by the UE, the UDM network element performs the following step 309. Exemplarily, the correspondence between the UE's identification information and the identification information of the first network stored on the UDM network element may be registered to the UDM through steps 301 to 303 above, or may be registered to the UDM by other network elements.

[0164] Step 309: The UDM network element determines the subscription data used by the UE to access the first network according to the subscription data rule of the UE.

[0165] The subscription data rules of the UE on the UDM network element may be subscribed to the UDM network element through steps 304 to 307 above, or may be pre-configured on the UDM network element through other means, such as by the network management system sending the subscription data rules of the UE to the UDM network element. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the method by which the UDM network element obtains the subscription data rules of the UE.

[0166] Taking the example of Table 1 or Table 3 as an example, if the first network accessed by UE#1 is campus network #1, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access campus network #1 includes contract data a; if the first network accessed by UE#1 is campus network #2, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access campus network #2 includes contract data b; if the first network accessed by UE#1 is a domestic large network, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access the domestic large network includes contract data c; if the first network accessed by UE#1 is an overseas roaming network, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access the overseas roaming network includes contract data 1 and contract data 2.

[0167] Taking the example of Table 5, if the first network accessed by UE#1 is campus network #1, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access campus network #1 includes contract data a; if the first network accessed by UE#1 is campus network #2, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access campus network #2 includes contract data b; if the first network accessed by UE#1 is a domestic large network, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access the domestic large network includes contract data c; if the first network accessed by UE#1 is an overseas roaming network, the UDM network element determines that the contract data used by UE#1 to access the overseas roaming network includes contract data x.

[0168] Step 310: The UDM network element sends a subscription data query response to the network function network element. Correspondingly, the network function network element receives the subscription data query response.

[0169] The subscription data query response includes subscription data used by the UE to access the first network.

[0170] The above solution instructs the UE to access the corresponding subscription data used for different networks through the UE's subscription data rules, so that the UE uses the corresponding subscription data to access the network, which can enable the UE to support access to different networks and improve the user experience. Among them, the subscription data in this embodiment is configured at the UE granularity, that is, the subscription data used by the UE to access different networks is configured through a UE subscription data rule.

[0171] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a network function element or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the network function element, and a UDM element or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the UDM element. Optionally, the method is also executed by a tent system or a module (e.g., a chip) applied to the tent system. For ease of explanation, the following description uses the network function element, the UDM element, and the tent system as an example of executing the method.

[0172] The method comprises the following steps:

[0173] Step 401: The network function network element sends a registration request to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the registration request.

[0174] The network function network element can be an AMF network element, an SMF network element, a PCF network element or other network elements, etc. This application does not limit the specific type of the network function network element.

[0175] The registration request includes identification information of the network function network element and identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0176] For example, when the network to which the network function network element belongs is a certain campus network, that is, the network function network element is deployed in the campus network, then the identification information of the campus network may be the identification information of a certain network element deployed in the campus network, that is, the identification information of the network element is used to indicate the campus network. Exemplarily, the identification information of the campus network may be the identification information of the AMF network element in the campus. For example, the identification information of the AMF network element is {PLMN: 46001, AMFREGION: 111, AMFSET: 11, AMFPOINT: 1}. That is, the identification of the PLMN where the AMF network element is located is 46001, the identification of the AMF area where the AMF network element is located (i.e., AMFREGION) is 111, the identification of the AMF set where the AMF network element is located (i.e., AMFSET) is 11, and the identification of the AMF network element (i.e., AMFPOINT) is 1.

[0177] For another example, when the network to which the network function network element belongs is a domestic large network (i.e., the Internet), that is, the network function network element is deployed in the domestic large network, then the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs carried in the registration request can be the identification information of the domestic large network. For example, the identification information of the domestic large network can be the identification of the PLMN. For example, when the identification of the PLMN is 46001, it represents a domestic large network.

[0178] For another example, when the network to which the network function network element belongs is an overseas roaming network, that is, the network function network element is deployed in an overseas roaming network, the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs carried in the registration request may be the identification information of the overseas roaming network. For example, the identification information of the overseas roaming network may be the identification of the PLMN. For example, when the identification of the PLMN is 56001, it indicates an overseas roaming network.

[0179] Step 402: The UDM network element stores the correspondence between the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0180] Step 403: The UDM network element sends a registration response to the network function network element. Correspondingly, the network function network element receives the registration response.

[0181] This registration response indicates a successful registration.

[0182] The above steps 401 to 403 are optional steps.

[0183] The above steps 401 to 403 may be performed for one or more network function network elements, that is, for each network function network element, the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs may be stored on the UDM network element according to the above steps 401 to 403.

[0184] In step 404, the accounting system determines the subscription data rules corresponding to at least one network.

[0185] The subscription data rule corresponding to each network is used to indicate the subscription data used by UEs accessing the network. Different UEs accessing the same network use the same subscription data, and the subscription data used to access different networks can be the same or different.

[0186] Exemplarily, the contract data indicated by the contract data rules corresponding to each network includes but is not limited to one or more of the following information: DNN, SSC mode, QoS characteristic parameters, DNN default identifier, default PDU session type, contract EPS interoperability identifier (iwkEpsInd) or DNN online and offline rates, etc.

[0187] For example, the following Table 7 gives the subscription data rules corresponding to a certain campus network (such as campus network #3).

[0188] Table 7

[0189] In the example of Table 7, the subscription data rule corresponding to campus network #3 indicates the following information: the subscription data used by any UE accessing campus network #3 is subscription data 1.

[0190] For example, the following Table 8 gives the subscription data rules corresponding to a certain campus network (such as campus network #4).

[0191] Table 8

[0192] In the example of Table 8, the subscription data rule corresponding to campus network #4 indicates the following information: the subscription data used by any UE accessing campus network #4 is subscription data 2.

[0193] For example, the following Table 9 provides the contract data rules corresponding to the domestic major network.

[0194] Table 9

[0195] In the example of Table 9, the subscription data rule corresponding to the domestic large network indicates the following information: the subscription data used by any UE accessing the domestic large network is subscription data 3.

[0196] For example, the following Table 10 provides the subscription data rules corresponding to overseas roaming networks.

[0197] Table 10

[0198] In the example of Table 10, the subscription data rule corresponding to the overseas roaming network indicates the following information: the subscription data used by any UE accessing the overseas roaming network is subscription data 4.

[0199] Step 405: The accounting system sends a contract signing request to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the contract signing request.

[0200] The subscription request includes identification information of at least one network and subscription data rules corresponding to at least one network.

[0201] Step 406: The UDM network element sends a contract signing response to the account system. Correspondingly, the account system receives the contract signing response.

[0202] The signing response is used to indicate that the signing is successful.

[0203] The above steps 404 to 406 are optional steps.

[0204] Step 407: The network function network element sends a subscription data query request to the UDM network element. Correspondingly, the UDM network element receives the subscription data query request.

[0205] The contract data query request is used to query the contract data corresponding to the network function network element.

[0206] As an implementation method, the subscription data query request carries the identification information of the network function NE and the identification information of the network to which the network function NE belongs. The UDM network element then determines the identification information of the network to which the network function NE belongs based on the subscription data query request. That is, the UDM network element obtains the identification information of the network to which the network function NE belongs from the subscription data query request, and then executes the following step 408 after obtaining the identification information of the network to which the network function NE belongs.

[0207] As another implementation method, the contract data query request carries the identification information of the network function network element, and the UDM network element determines the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs based on the identification information of the network function network element and the correspondence between the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs. After learning the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs, the UDM network element performs the following step 408. Exemplarily, the correspondence between the identification information of the network function network element stored on the UDM network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs can be registered to the UDM through the above steps 401 to 403, or can be registered to the UDM by other network elements.

[0208] Step 408: The UDM network element determines the subscription data corresponding to the network function network element according to the subscription data rule corresponding to the network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0209] The contract data rules corresponding to the network to which the network function network element on the UDM network element belongs may be signed to the UDM network element through the above steps 404 to 406, or may be pre-configured on the UDM network element through other means, such as the network management system sending the contract data rules corresponding to the network to which the network function network element belongs to the UDM network element. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the method for the UDM network element to obtain the contract data rules.

[0210] Taking the example in Table 7 as an example, if the network to which the network function NE belongs is campus network #3, the UDM NE determines that the subscription data corresponding to the network function NE includes subscription data 1. That is, the subscription data used by any UE accessing campus network #3 includes subscription data 1.

[0211] Taking the example in Table 8 as an example, if the network to which the network function NE belongs is campus network #4, the UDM NE determines that the subscription data corresponding to the network function NE includes subscription data 2. That is, the subscription data used by any UE accessing campus network #4 includes subscription data 2.

[0212] Taking the example in Table 9 as an example, if the network to which the network function NE belongs is a domestic large network, the UDM NE determines that the subscription data corresponding to the network function NE includes subscription data 3. That is, the subscription data used by any UE accessing the domestic large network includes subscription data 3.

[0213] Taking the example in Table 10 as an example, if the network to which the network function element belongs is an overseas roaming network, the UDM element determines that the subscription data corresponding to the network function element includes subscription data 4. That is, the subscription data used by any UE accessing the overseas roaming network includes subscription data 4.

[0214] Step 409: The UDM network element sends a subscription data query response to the network function network element. Correspondingly, the network function network element receives the subscription data query response.

[0215] The subscription data query response includes the subscription data corresponding to the network function network element, which is the subscription data determined in step 408 above.

[0216] Exemplarily, if a UE served by the network function network element requests the network function network element for the subscription data of the UE, triggering the network function network element to execute the above step 407, then after step 409, the network function network element sends the subscription data to the UE.

[0217] The above solution indicates the corresponding subscription data used by UEs accessing each network through the subscription data rules of each network, so that the UE uses the corresponding subscription data to access the network, which can enable the UE to support access to different networks and improve the user experience. Among them, the subscription data in this embodiment is configured at the network granularity, that is, the subscription data used by different UEs accessing the network is configured through the subscription data rules corresponding to a network, so different UEs use the same subscription data to access the same network.

[0218] It is understood that to implement the functions described in the above embodiments, the data management network element or accounting system includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that, in conjunction with the various exemplary units and method steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0219] Figures 5 and 6 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 data management network element or accounting system in the above-described method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above-described method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be a data management network element or accounting system, or a module (e.g., a chip) implemented in the data management network element or accounting system.

[0220] The communication device 500 shown in Figure 5 includes a processing unit 510 and a transceiver unit 520. The communication device 500 is used to implement the functions of the data management network element or the accounting system in the above method embodiment.

[0221] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the function of the data management network element in the method embodiment of Figure 3 above, the transceiver unit 520 is used to receive a contract data query request from the network function network element, and the contract data query request is used to query the contract data of the terminal device; the processing unit 510 is used to determine the contract data used by the terminal device to access the first network according to the contract data rule of the terminal device, and the contract data rule is used to indicate the corresponding contract data used by the terminal device to access different networks; the transceiver unit 520 is also used to send a contract data query response to the network function network element, and the contract data query response includes the contract data used by the terminal device to access the first network.

[0222] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes identification information of the terminal device and identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; the processing unit 510 is also used to determine the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device based on the contract data query request.

[0223] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 520 is also used to receive a registration request, which includes the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; the processing unit 510 is also used to save the correspondence between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network.

[0224] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes identification information of the terminal device; the processing unit 510 is further used to determine the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device based on the identification information of the terminal device and the corresponding relationship.

[0225] In a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 520 is further configured to receive a signing request from the accounting system, where the signing request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the signing data rule of the terminal device.

[0226] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 520 is also used to receive the updated contract data rules of the terminal device when the contract data of the terminal device before replacement is updated. The updated contract data rules include the identification information of the at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the updated contract data before replacement and the updated contract data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network.

[0227] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the functions of the accounting system in the method embodiment of Figure 3 above, the processing unit 510 is used to obtain the contract information of the terminal device, where the contract information includes at least one contract data; based on the contract information, the contract data rule of the terminal device is determined, where the contract data rule is used to indicate the corresponding contract data used by the terminal device to access different networks; the transceiver unit 520 is used to send a contract request to the data management network element, where the contract request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the contract data rule.

[0228] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit 510 is used to obtain the contract information of the terminal device, specifically including: sending a query request to the data management network element through the transceiver unit 520, the query request including the identification information of the terminal device, and the query request being used to query the contract information of the terminal device; and receiving a query response from the data management network element, the query response including the contract information.

[0229] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 520 is also used to send the updated contract data rules of the terminal device to the data management network element when the contract data of the terminal device before replacement is updated. The updated contract data rules include the identification information of the at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the updated contract data before replacement and the updated contract data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network.

[0230] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the function of the data management network element in the method embodiment of Figure 4 above, the transceiver unit 520 is used to receive a contract data query request from the network function network element, and the contract data query request is used to query the contract data corresponding to the network function network element; the processing unit 510 is used to determine the contract data corresponding to the network function network element according to the contract data rule corresponding to the network to which the network function network element belongs; wherein the contract data rule is used to indicate the contract data used by the terminal device accessing the network; the transceiver unit 520 is also used to send a contract data query response to the network function network element, and the contract data query response includes the contract data corresponding to the network function network element.

[0231] In one possible implementation method, the subscription data query request includes identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs; the processing unit 510 is further used to obtain identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs from the subscription data query request.

[0232] In one possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 520 is also used to receive a registration request, which includes the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs; the processing unit 510 is also used to save the correspondence between the identification information of the network function network element and the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0233] In one possible implementation method, the contract data query request includes the identification information of the network function network element; the processing unit 510 is also used to determine the identification information of the network to which the network function network element belongs based on the identification information of the network function network element and the corresponding relationship.

[0234] In a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit 520 is further configured to receive a contract signing request from the accounting system, wherein the contract signing request includes contract signing data rules corresponding to at least one network, and the at least one network includes the network to which the network function network element belongs.

[0235] When the communication device 500 is used to implement the functions of the accounting system in the method embodiment of Figure 4 above, the processing unit 510 is used to determine the contract data rules corresponding to at least one network, and the contract data rules are used to indicate the contract data used by the terminal device accessing the network; the transceiver unit 520 is used to send a contract request to the data management network element, and the contract request includes the contract data rules corresponding to the at least one network.

[0236] A more detailed description of the processing unit 510 and the transceiver unit 520 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0237] The communication device 600 shown in Figure 6 includes a processor 610 and an interface circuit 620. The processor 610 and the interface circuit 620 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 620 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 600 may also include a memory 630 for storing instructions executed by the processor 610, or storing input data required by the processor 610 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 610 executes instructions.

[0238] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the above method embodiment, the processor 610 is used to implement the functions of the above processing unit 510 , and the interface circuit 620 is used to implement the functions of the above transceiver unit 520 .

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving a subscription data query request from a network function network element, where the subscription data query request is used to query the subscription data of a terminal device; Determining, according to the subscription data rule of the terminal device, the subscription data used by the terminal device to access a first network, where the subscription data rule is used to indicate the corresponding subscription data used by the terminal device to access different networks; Sending a subscription data query response to the network function network element, where the subscription data query response includes the subscription data used by the terminal device to access the first network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The subscription data query request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; The method further includes: Determining, according to the subscription data query request, the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes: Receiving a registration request, where the registration request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device; Saving the corresponding relationship between the identification information of the terminal device and the identification information of the first network.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The subscription data query request includes the identification information of the terminal device; The method further includes: Determining, according to the identification information of the terminal device and the corresponding relationship, the identification information of the first network accessed by the terminal device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving a subscription request from a billing system, where the subscription request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the subscription data rule of the terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The different networks include at least one of the following networks: a campus network, a domestic large network, or an overseas roaming network.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The subscription data rule includes the identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the subscription data before replacement and the subscription data after replacement of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The method further includes: In the case where the subscription data before replacement of the terminal device is updated, receiving an updated subscription data rule of the terminal device, where the updated subscription data rule includes the identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the updated subscription data before replacement and the updated subscription data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The subscription data rule includes the identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the subscription data after replacement of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network respectively; or, The subscription data rule includes the identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the subscription data of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtaining the subscription information of a terminal device, where the subscription information includes at least one piece of subscription data; Determining, according to the subscription information, the subscription data rule of the terminal device, where the subscription data rule is used to indicate the corresponding subscription data used by the terminal device to access different networks. Send a subscription request to the data management network element, where the subscription request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the subscription data rules.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The obtaining of the subscription information of the terminal device includes: Send a query request to the data management network element, where the query request includes the identification information of the terminal device, and the query request is used to query the subscription information of the terminal device; Receive a query response from the data management network element, where the query response includes the subscription information.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The different networks include at least one of the following networks: a campus network, a domestic large network, or an overseas roaming network.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The subscription data rules include the identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the subscription data before replacement and the subscription data after replacement of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes: In the case where the subscription data before replacement of the terminal device is updated, send the updated subscription data rules of the terminal device to the data management network element, where the updated subscription data rules include the identification information of the at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the updated subscription data before replacement and the updated subscription data after replacement corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The subscription data rules include the identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the subscription data after replacement of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network respectively; or, The subscription data rules include the identification information of at least one network that the terminal device can access, and the subscription data of the terminal device corresponding to the at least one network respectively.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or executing the method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when run on a processor, cause the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or execute the method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer program or instructions are stored in the storage medium, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 10 to 15 is implemented.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes: A data management network element for receiving a subscription data query request from a network function network element, where the subscription data query request is used to query the subscription data of the terminal device; Determine the subscription data used by the terminal device to access the first network according to the subscription data rules of the terminal device, where the subscription data rules are used to indicate the corresponding subscription data used by the terminal device to access different networks; Send a subscription data query response to the network function network element, where the subscription data query response includes the subscription data used by the terminal device to access the first network; The network function network element is used to send the subscription data query request to the data management network element; and receive the subscription data query response from the data management network element.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, The communication system further includes a billing system; The camping system is used to obtain the subscription information of the terminal device, where the subscription information includes at least one subscription data; and determine the subscription data rule according to the subscription information. Send a subscription request to the data management network element, where the subscription request includes the identification information of the terminal device and the subscription data rule. The data management network element is further configured to receive the subscription request.

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