Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus, which are applied in the field of wireless communication. In the technical solution provided in the present application, when a user deploys a home gNB and the home gNB is in a closed mode, and there is a demand that a visitor terminal is allowed to access the home gNB, a management terminal of the home gNB can send first information to a first function network element, wherein the first information indicates a visitor terminal that is allowed to access the home gNB, so that, on the basis of the first information, the first function network element can trigger a process of updating subscription data of the visitor terminal, and closed access group information corresponding to the home gNB is saved in the subscription data of the visitor terminal, so that the visitor terminal can access a network by means of the home gNB to acquire a network service.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 4, 2024, with application number 202410028794.6 and application name “Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] Users can increase indoor signal coverage by deploying home gNBs (HgNBs) and introducing a closed access group mechanism in the HgNB. When the closed access group mechanism is introduced in the HgNB and the HgNB is in closed mode, guest UEs cannot access the HgNB.

[0004] However, when HgNB is deployed and in closed mode, there is a need to allow guest UEs to access the HgNB. Therefore, how to enable guest UEs to access the HgNB has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, so that a visitor terminal can access a home base station.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first functional network element, and the method includes: receiving first information from a first terminal, the first information indicating that a second terminal is allowed to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; sending second information, the second information indicating that indication information of a first closed access group is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0007] As an example, the method can be executed by the first functional network element, and can also be executed by a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the first functional network element.

[0008] As an example, the first function network element may be an application server (AS) or an application function (AF) network element of a third-party application that provides services for the first home gNB (HgNB). As an example, the first function network element may be provided by an operator corresponding to the first home base station or provided by a supplier corresponding to the first home base station, without limitation herein.

[0009] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0010] It should be noted that the closed access group can support the network to control access to the terminal, or the network can control access to the terminal through the closed access group. For example, the information of the closed access group allowed to be accessed is stored in the terminal subscription data, and the home base station will broadcast the identification information of the corresponding closed access group. When the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station, if the terminal accesses the network through the home base station, the network can allow the terminal to register for access. When the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal does not correspond to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station, the network will reject the terminal's registration request. Among them, the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station. It can be understood that the closed access group information allowed to be accessed by the terminal contains the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the home base station.

[0011] In this technical solution, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0012] It should be noted that, from the perspective of a terminal, the subscription data of a terminal may store information about one or more closed access groups to which access is permitted. From the perspective of a closed access group, a closed access group may include one or more terminals. From the perspective of a home base station, a home base station may broadcast identification information of one or more closed access groups, or a home base station may correspond to / associated with one or more closed access groups. From the perspective of a closed access group, a closed access group may correspond to / associated with one or more home base stations. In some embodiments, a home base station may have multiple cells under it. When a home base station broadcasts identification information of a closed access group, it can be understood that the cells under the home base station broadcast the identification information of the closed access group, which is not limited here.

[0013] Among them, the closed access group can be called a closed access group (CAG) in the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, and can be called a closed subscriber group (CSG) in the fourth generation (4G) mobile communication system. It may have other names in the future sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, which is not limited here.

[0014] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the network through the first home base station.

[0015] In this technical solution, when the first home base station is in closed mode, information about the closed access group allowed to be accessed is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal, and when the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the second terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, the second terminal is allowed to access the network through the first home base station. Therefore, in a scenario where a user deploys a first home base station and the first home base station is in closed mode, when there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can proactively send a first message to the first functional network element, where the first message indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, so that the first functional network element can trigger a process for updating the subscription data of the second terminal based on the first message, thereby saving the indication information of the first closed access group in the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby facilitating the second terminal to access the network through the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0016] With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

[0017] In this implementation, the first information may include indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal. It should be understood that the indication information of the first closed access group may be used to indicate the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first closed access group, and the indication information of the second terminal may be used to indicate the second terminal.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0019] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an identifier (ID) of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first home base station.

[0020] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes a universal public user identity (GPSI) and / or a global system for mobile communications (GSM) number of the second terminal.

[0022] In this implementation, the second terminal may be indicated by a generic public subscription identifier (GSPI) and / or a global system for mobile communications (GMS) number of the second terminal, and the GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the second terminal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second terminal can also be indicated by a user hidden identifier (SUCI) of the second terminal, a 5G globally unique temporary UE identity (5G-GUT), a permanent equipment identifier (PEI) or other identifier, without specific limitation here.

[0024] With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0025] In this implementation, the first information may further include a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station, so that the second terminal can only access the first home base station under the restriction condition.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0027] In this implementation, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration for which the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that can be used by the second terminal after accessing the first home base station. For example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 megahertz (MHz).

[0028] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first terminal, and the method includes: determining first information, where the first information indicates a second terminal that is allowed to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; and sending the first information to a first functional network element.

[0029] As an example, the method may be executed by the first terminal, or may be executed by a chip system, a hardware circuit and / or a software module applied to the first terminal.

[0030] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0031] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the network through the first home base station.

[0032] As an example, the first function network element may be an application server (AS) or an application function (AF) network element of a third-party application that provides services for the first home gNB (HgNB). As an example, the first function network element may be provided by an operator corresponding to the first home base station or provided by a supplier corresponding to the first home base station, without limitation herein.

[0033] In this technical solution, in a scenario where a user deploys a first home base station and the first home base station is in a closed mode, when there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can actively send a first message to the first functional network element, and the first information indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, so that the first functional network element can trigger the process of updating the contract data of the second terminal based on the first information, thereby saving the indication information of the first closed access group in the contract data of the second terminal, thereby helping the second terminal to access the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0034] With reference to the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0035] As an example, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, then the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0036] In this implementation, the first information may include indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal. The indication information of the first closed access group may be used to indicate the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first closed access group, and the indication information of the second terminal may be used to indicate the second terminal.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0038] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0039] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0041] In this implementation, the second terminal may be indicated by the GSPI and / or GSM number of the second terminal, and the GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the second terminal.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second terminal may also be indicated by the SUCI, 5G-GUT, PEI or other identifier of the second terminal, without specific limitation here.

[0043] With reference to the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0044] In this implementation, the first information may further include a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station, so that the second terminal can only access the first home base station under the restriction condition.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0046] In this implementation, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration for which the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that can be used by the second terminal after accessing the first home base station. For example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 MHz.

[0047] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first functional network element, and the method includes: receiving first information from a first terminal, the first information indicating restriction conditions for a visitor terminal to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; receiving third information from a second terminal, the third information including verification conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station, indication information of a first closed access group, and indication information of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station; when the verification condition meets the restriction condition, sending second information, the second information indicating that the indication information of the first closed access group is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0048] As an example, the method can be executed by the first functional network element, and can also be executed by a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the first functional network element.

[0049] As an example, the first function network element may be an AS or AF network element of a third-party application providing services for the first home base station. As an example, the first function network element may be provided by an operator corresponding to the first home base station or a supplier corresponding to the first home base station, which is not limited here.

[0050] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0051] It should be noted that the closed access group can support the network to control access to the terminal, or the network can control access to the terminal through the closed access group. For example, the information of the closed access group allowed to be accessed is stored in the terminal subscription data, and the home base station will broadcast the identification information of the corresponding closed access group. When the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station, if the terminal accesses the network through the home base station, the network can allow the terminal to register for access. When the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal does not correspond to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station, the network will reject the terminal's registration request. Among them, the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station. It can be understood that the closed access group information allowed to be accessed by the terminal contains the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the home base station.

[0052] In this technical solution, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0053] It should be noted that, from the perspective of a terminal, the subscription data of a terminal may store information about one or more closed access groups to which access is permitted. From the perspective of a closed access group, a closed access group may include one or more terminals. From the perspective of a home base station, a home base station may broadcast identification information of one or more closed access groups, or a home base station may correspond to / associated with one or more closed access groups. From the perspective of a closed access group, a closed access group may correspond to / associated with one or more home base stations. In some embodiments, a home base station may have multiple cells under it. When a home base station broadcasts identification information of a closed access group, it can be understood that the cells under the home base station broadcast the identification information of the closed access group, which is not limited here.

[0054] Among them, the closed access group can be called CAG in the 5G mobile communication system, and can be called CSG in the 4G mobile communication system. It may have other names in the future 6G mobile communication system, which is not limited here.

[0055] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the network through the first home base station.

[0056] In this technical solution, when the first home base station is in closed mode, information about the closed access group allowed to be accessed is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal, and when the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the second terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, the second terminal is allowed to access the network through the first home base station. Therefore, in a scenario where a user deploys a first home base station and the first home base station is in closed mode, when there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can send first information to the first functional network element, where the first information indicates a restriction condition for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station, so that the first functional network element can use the restriction condition to verify the verification condition when the second terminal provides the verification condition to the first functional network element. If the verification condition meets the restriction condition, the first functional network element can trigger a process to update the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby saving the indication information of the first closed access group in the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby facilitating the second terminal to access the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0057] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition.

[0058] In this implementation, the first information may include indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition. It should be understood that the indication information of the first closed access group may be used to indicate that the first home base station corresponds to a closed access group, such as the first closed access group, and the indication information of the restriction condition is used to indicate the restriction condition for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station.

[0059] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0060] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0061] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0062] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, usage key, usage password, or usage bandwidth.

[0063] As an example, the keys may include a public key and a private key.

[0064] As an example, when the restriction condition includes using a key, the second terminal can use a public key to generate encrypted data. If the first functional network element can decrypt the encrypted data using a private key, it is considered that the second terminal can access the first home base station.

[0065] As an example, when the restriction condition includes a usage password, when the second terminal enters correct password information, it can be considered that the second terminal can access the first home base station. The correct password information can be understood as the usage password in the restriction condition.

[0066] As an example, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration for which the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that can be used after the second terminal accesses the first home base station. For example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 MHz.

[0067] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: when the verification condition satisfies the restriction condition, sending fourth information to the second terminal, where the fourth information indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0068] In this implementation, when the first functional network element is an AS, if the verification condition satisfies the restriction condition, the AS may directly send fourth information to the second terminal to indicate that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0069] As an example, the fourth information may include the ID of the first closed access group.

[0070] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first terminal, and the method includes: determining first information, where the first information indicates restriction conditions for a visitor terminal to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; and sending the first information to a first functional network element.

[0071] As an example, the method may be executed by the first terminal, or may be executed by a chip system, a hardware circuit and / or a software module applied to the first terminal.

[0072] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0073] As an example, the first function network element may be an application server (AS) or an application function (AF) network element of a third-party application that provides services for the first home gNB (HgNB). As an example, the first function network element may be provided by an operator corresponding to the first home base station or provided by a supplier corresponding to the first home base station, without limitation herein.

[0074] In this technical solution, in a scenario where a user deploys a first home base station and the first home base station is in closed mode, when there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can send first information to the first functional network element. The first information indicates the restriction conditions for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station, so that the first functional network element can use the restriction conditions to verify the verification conditions when the second terminal provides the verification conditions to the first functional network element. If the verification conditions meet the restriction conditions, the first functional network element can trigger a process to update the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby saving the indication information of the first closed access group in the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby facilitating the second terminal to access the first home base station to obtain network services. In this technical solution, the first terminal does not need to send the first information to the first functional network element every time there is a need to allow the visitor terminal to access the first home base station, thereby saving power consumption.

[0075] With reference to the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0076] In this implementation, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0077] In this implementation, the first information may include indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition. It should be understood that the indication information of the first closed access group may be used to indicate the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first closed access group, and the indication information of the restriction condition is used to indicate the restriction condition for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station.

[0078] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0079] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0080] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0081] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, usage key, usage password, or usage bandwidth.

[0082] As an example, the keys may include a public key and a private key.

[0083] As an example, when the restriction condition includes using a key, the second terminal can use a public key to generate encrypted data. If the first functional network element can decrypt the encrypted data using a private key, it is considered that the second terminal can access the first home base station.

[0084] As an example, when the restriction condition includes a usage password, when the second terminal enters correct password information, it is considered that the second terminal can access the first home base station. The correct password information can be understood as the usage password in the restriction condition.

[0085] As an example, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration for which the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that can be used after the second terminal accesses the first home base station. For example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 MHz.

[0086] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a second terminal, and the method also includes: sending third information to a first functional network element, the third information including verification conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station, indication information of a first closed access group, and indication information of the second terminal, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station; receiving fourth information from the first functional network element, the fourth information indicating that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0087] As an example, the method may be executed by the second terminal, or may be executed by a chip system, a hardware circuit and / or a software module applied to the second terminal.

[0088] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the network through the first home base station.

[0089] As an example, the first function network element may be an AS or AF network element of a third-party application providing services for the first home base station. As an example, the first function network element may be provided by an operator corresponding to the first home base station or a supplier corresponding to the first home base station, which is not limited here.

[0090] In this technical solution, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0091] In this technical solution, if a second terminal needs to access the first home base station to obtain network services, the second terminal can send third information to the first functional network element. The third information indicates the verification conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station. If the verification conditions reported by the second terminal meet the restrictions set by the management terminal of the first home base station, the first functional network element can trigger a process to update the second terminal's subscription data, thereby saving the indication information of the first closed access group in the second terminal's subscription data, thereby facilitating the second terminal's access to the first home base station. In this technical solution, the second terminal can send the third information to the first functional network element to request access to the first home base station at any time when it needs to access the first home base station, thereby increasing the flexibility of the second terminal's access to the first home base station.

[0092] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0093] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0094] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0095] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0096] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0097] In this implementation, the second terminal may be indicated by the GSPI and / or GSM number of the second terminal, and the GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the second terminal.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second terminal may also be indicated by the SUCI, 5G-GUT, PEI or other identifier of the second terminal, without specific limitation here.

[0099] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to an access and mobility management function AMF network element, and the method includes: sending fifth information to a second function network element, the fifth information being used to request whether a second terminal is allowed to access a first home base station, and the fifth information including indication information of the second terminal; receiving sixth information from the second function network element, the sixth information indicating whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0100] As an example, the method can be performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, or by a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the AMF network element.

[0101] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the network through the first home base station.

[0102] As an example, the second functional network element can be understood as a functional network element newly added in the core network of this application. The second functional network element can be used to store the temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal. The second functional network element can also be called the closed access group management network element, which is not limited in this application. Among them, the temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal can be understood as the information of the closed access group that the visitor terminal is allowed to access. If the closed access group that the visitor terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, the visitor terminal accesses the network through the first home base station, and the network can allow the visitor terminal to register for access. The closed access group that the terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station. It can be understood that the closed access group information that the terminal is allowed to access contains the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station.

[0103] In this technical solution, when a second terminal requests access to the first home base station, the AMF network element may send fifth information to the second function network element to instruct the second function network element to determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station. After determining whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station, the second function network element may send sixth information to the AMF network element. In this technical solution, the AMF network element can directly determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the sixth information without triggering the process of updating the second terminal's subscription data, thereby saving power consumption.

[0104] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0105] In this implementation, the second terminal may be indicated by the GSPI and / or GSM number of the second terminal, and the GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the second terminal.

[0106] In some embodiments, the second terminal may also be indicated by the SUCI, 5G-GUT, PEI or other identifier of the second terminal, without specific limitation here.

[0107] With reference to the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the fifth information further includes indication information of a first closed access group, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first Home NodeB.

[0108] In this implementation, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0109] In this implementation, the AMF network element can also send indication information of the first closed access group to the second functional network element, so that the second functional network element can determine that the base station requested to be accessed by the second terminal is the first home base station based on the indication information of the first closed access group, and determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the stored temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal. Among them, the temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal can be understood as the information of the closed access group that the visitor terminal is allowed to access. In this implementation, the second functional network element can store the temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal without saving the information of the closed access group allowed to access in the subscription data of the visitor terminal, thereby eliminating the need to trigger the process of updating the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby saving power consumption.

[0110] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0111] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0112] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0113] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0114] With reference to the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the sixth information includes indication information of whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station and / or information of a closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access.

[0115] As an example, the sixth information may explicitly indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the sixth information may include indication information that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, or may include indication information that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the sixth information may be a 1-bit field. When the sixth information is "1," it indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, and when the sixth information is "0," it indicates that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. Alternatively, when the sixth information is "0," it indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, and when the sixth information is "1," it indicates that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. This is not limited here.

[0116] As an example, the sixth information may implicitly indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the temporary closed access group information of the guest terminal stored in the second function network element includes the temporary closed access group information of the second terminal, the sixth information may include information about the closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access, so that the AMF network element can autonomously determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the sixth information.

[0117] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, when the sixth information includes closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access, the method further includes: when the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access includes the closed access group information corresponding to the first home base station, allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0118] In this implementation, when the sixth information includes information about a closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access, the AMF network element may autonomously determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the sixth information. As an example, if the information about the closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access includes identification information of a closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, it is considered that the closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, and the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. If the information about the closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access does not include identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, it is considered that the closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access does not correspond to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, and the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station.

[0119] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, before sending the fifth information to the second functional network element, the method also includes: receiving seventh information from the second terminal, the seventh information indicating that the second terminal is a visitor terminal; and determining the fifth information based on the seventh information.

[0120] In this implementation, when the second terminal needs to access the first home base station to obtain network services, the second terminal can send a registration request message to the AMF network element. The registration request message can carry the seventh information to indicate that the second terminal is a visitor terminal. The AMF network element can send the fifth information to the second functional network element after determining that the second terminal is a visitor terminal, thereby saving power consumption.

[0121] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a second functional network element, and the method includes: receiving fifth information from an AMF network element, the fifth information being used to request whether a second terminal is allowed to access a first home base station, and the fifth information including indication information of the second terminal; and sending sixth information to the AMF network element, the sixth information indicating whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0122] As an example, the method can be executed by the second functional network element, and can also be executed by a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the second functional network element.

[0123] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the network through the first home base station.

[0124] As an example, the second functional network element can be a functional network element newly added in the core network of this application. The second functional network element can be used to store the temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal. The second functional network element can also be called the closed access group management network element, which is not limited in this application. Among them, the temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal can be understood as the information of the closed access group that the visitor terminal is allowed to access. If the closed access group that the visitor terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, the visitor terminal accesses the network through the first home base station, and the network can allow the visitor terminal to register for access. The closed access group that the terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station. It can be understood that the closed access group information that the terminal is allowed to access contains the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station.

[0125] In this technical solution, after receiving the fifth information sent from the AMF network element, the second functional network element can determine that the visitor terminal is the second terminal based on the indication information of the second terminal in the fifth information, and determine whether the temporary closed access group information of the second terminal exists in the stored temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal, and then determine whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, if the stored temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal does not contain the temporary closed access group information of the second terminal, the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. The second functional network element can also send sixth information to the AMF network element to indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. In this technical solution, there is no need to trigger the process of updating the subscription data of the second terminal, which saves power consumption.

[0126] With reference to the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the fifth information further includes indication information of a first closed access group, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first Home NodeB.

[0127] In this implementation, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0128] In this implementation, the second functional network element can determine, based on the indication information of the first closed access group, that the base station requested by the second terminal to access is the first home base station, and determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the stored temporary closed access group information of the guest terminal and the indication information of the first closed access group. In this implementation, the second functional network element can store the temporary closed access group information of the guest terminal, without having to save the information of the closed access group allowed to access in the subscription data of the guest terminal. This eliminates the need to trigger the process of updating the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby saving power consumption.

[0129] With reference to the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the sixth information includes indication information of whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station and / or information of a closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access.

[0130] As an example, the sixth information may explicitly indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the sixth information may include indication information that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, or may include indication information that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the sixth information may be a 1-bit field. When the sixth information is "1," it indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, and when the sixth information is "0," it indicates that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. Alternatively, when the sixth information is "0," it indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, and when the sixth information is "1," it indicates that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. This is not limited here.

[0131] As an example, the sixth information may implicitly indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the temporary closed access group information of the guest terminal stored in the second function network element includes the temporary closed access group information of the second terminal, the sixth information may include the temporary closed access group information of the second terminal, so that the AMF network element can autonomously determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the sixth information.

[0132] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, before sending the sixth information to the AMF network element, the method also includes: determining whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the fifth information and the closed access group information allowed to be accessed by the second terminal.

[0133] As an example, if the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access contains the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, it is considered that the closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, and the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. If the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access does not contain the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, it is considered that the closed access group that the second terminal is allowed to access does not correspond to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, and the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station.

[0134] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information from a first terminal, the first information indicating a second terminal that is allowed to access the first home base station, the first terminal being a management terminal of the first home base station; and determining, based on the first information, closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access.

[0135] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0136] In this implementation, in a scenario where a user deploys a first home base station and the first home base station is in a closed mode, when there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can actively send a first message to the second functional network element, where the first information indicates the second terminal that is allowed to access the first home base station, so that the second functional network element can determine and store the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access based on the first information for subsequent calls.

[0137] As an example, the first terminal can send first information to the second functional network element through the second AMF network element to instruct the second functional network element to determine the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access.

[0138] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

[0139] In this implementation, the first information may include indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal. The indication information of the first closed access group may be used to indicate the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first closed access group, and the indication information of the second terminal may be used to indicate the second terminal.

[0140] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0141] In this implementation, the second terminal may be indicated by the GSPI and / or GSM number of the second terminal, and the GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the second terminal.

[0142] In some embodiments, the second terminal may also be indicated by the SUCI, 5G-GUT, PEI or other identifier of the second terminal, without specific limitation here.

[0143] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0144] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0145] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the second functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0146] With reference to the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0147] In this implementation, the first information may further include restriction conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station, so that the second functional network element may store the restriction conditions in the closed access group information allowed to be accessed by the second terminal, thereby allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station only under the restriction conditions.

[0148] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0149] In this implementation, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration for which the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that can be used by the second terminal after accessing the first home base station. For example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 MHz.

[0150] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first AMF network element, and the method includes: receiving seventh information from a second terminal, the seventh information indicating that the second terminal is a visitor terminal; and determining whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the seventh information.

[0151] As an example, the method can be performed by the first AMF network element, or by a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied in the first AMF network element.

[0152] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal requesting to access the network through the first home base station.

[0153] In this implementation, the first AMF network element can be used to store temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal. The temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal can be understood as information about the closed access group that the visitor terminal is allowed to access. If the closed access group that the visitor terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, the visitor terminal accesses the network through the first home base station, and the network can allow the visitor terminal to register for access. The closed access group that the terminal is allowed to access corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station. This can be understood as the closed access group information that the terminal is allowed to access includes the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station.

[0154] In this technical solution, when a second terminal needs to access the first home base station to obtain network services, the second terminal can send a registration request message to the first AMF network element. The registration request message can carry seventh information indicating that the second terminal is a guest terminal. After determining that the second terminal is a guest terminal, the first AMF network element can determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the stored guest terminal's temporarily closed access group information. For example, if the stored guest terminal's temporarily closed access group information does not include the second terminal's temporarily closed access group information, the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. If the stored guest terminal's temporarily closed access group information includes the second terminal's temporarily closed access group information, and the second terminal's temporarily closed access group information includes the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. The first AMF network element can obtain the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station from the first home base station. In this technical solution, the first AMF network element can store the guest terminal's temporarily closed access group information, eliminating the need to trigger the process of updating the guest terminal's subscription data, thereby saving power.

[0155] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the method further includes: receiving first information from a first terminal, the first information indicating a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, the first terminal being a management terminal of the first home base station; and determining the closed access group information that the visitor terminal is allowed to access based on the first information.

[0156] As an example, the management terminal of the first home base station may be understood as a terminal of a user who purchases or owns the first home base station.

[0157] In this implementation, in a scenario where a user deploys a first home base station and the first home base station is in a closed mode, when there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can actively send a first message to the first AMF network element. The first information indicates the visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, so that the first AMF network element can determine and store the closed access group information allowed to be accessed by the visitor terminal based on the first information for subsequent calls.

[0158] In combination with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the visitor terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group of the first home base station.

[0159] In this implementation, the first information may include indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the visitor terminal. The indication information of the first closed access group may be used to indicate the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first closed access group cell, and the indication information of the visitor terminal may be used to indicate the visitor terminal.

[0160] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the indication information of the visitor terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the visitor terminal.

[0161] In this implementation, the visitor terminal may be indicated by the GSPI and / or GSM number of the visitor terminal, and the GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the visitor terminal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the visitor terminal may also be indicated by the SUCI, 5G-GUT, PEI or other identifiers of the visitor terminal, which is not specifically limited here.

[0163] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0164] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0165] In this implementation, since the first terminal is the management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first AMF network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and then determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0166] With reference to the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the first information further includes a restriction condition for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station.

[0167] In this implementation, the first information may also include restriction conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station, so that the first AMF network element can save the restriction conditions in the closed access group information allowed to access the second terminal, so that the second terminal can only access the first home base station under the restriction conditions.

[0168] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0169] In this implementation, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration for which the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that can be used by the second terminal after accessing the first home base station. For example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 MHz.

[0170] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a unified data management (UDM) network element, and the method includes: receiving second information, wherein the second information indicates that indication information of a first closed access group is saved in the subscription data of a second terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to a first home base station; based on the second information, the indication information of the first closed access group is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0171] As an example, the method may be executed by a unified data management (UDM) network element, or may be executed by a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the UDM network element.

[0172] It should be noted that the closed access group can support the network to control access to the terminal, or the network can control access to the terminal through the closed access group. For example, the information of the closed access group allowed to be accessed is stored in the terminal subscription data, and the home base station will broadcast the identification information of the corresponding closed access group. When the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station, if the terminal accesses the network through the home base station, the network can allow the terminal to register for access. When the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal does not correspond to the closed access group broadcast by the home base station, the network will reject the terminal's registration request. Among them, the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station. It can be understood that the closed access group information allowed to be accessed by the terminal contains the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station.

[0173] In this technical solution, the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station can broadcast the identification information of the first closed access group, or the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station can include the identification information of the first closed access group.

[0174] As an example, the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the network through the first home base station.

[0175] In this technical solution, when the first home base station is in closed mode, information about the closed access group allowed to be accessed is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal, and when the closed access group allowed to be accessed by the second terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the first home base station, the second terminal is allowed to access the network through the first home base station. Therefore, in a scenario where a user deploys a first home base station and the first home base station is in closed mode, when there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can proactively report to the first functional network element the restriction conditions for allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station or the visitor terminal to access the first home base station, so that the first functional network element can send second information to the UDM network element to trigger the process of updating the subscription data of the second terminal; accordingly, after receiving the second information, the UDM network element can update the subscription data of the second terminal based on the second information, that is, save the indication information of the first closed access group in the subscription data of the second terminal, so that the second terminal can access the network through the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0176] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the second information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

[0177] In this implementation, the first information may include indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal. It should be understood that the indication information of the first closed access group may be used to indicate the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first closed access group, and the indication information of the second terminal may be used to indicate the second terminal.

[0178] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0179] In this implementation, the second terminal may be indicated by the GSPI and / or GSM number of the second terminal, and the GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the second terminal.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second terminal may also be indicated by the SUCI, 5G-GUT, PEI or other identifier of the second terminal, without specific limitation here.

[0181] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0182] In this implementation, the indication information of the first closed access group may include an identifier of the first closed access group, such as an ID of the first closed access group, wherein the ID of the first closed access group may be a closed access group ID configured by the operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0183] In this implementation, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the closed access group information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first closed access group. Therefore, the ID of the first closed access group may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. As an example, the first functional network element may determine the closed access group that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0184] With reference to the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the second information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0185] In this implementation, the first information may also include restriction conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station, so that the UDM network element can save the restriction conditions in the closed access group information or subscription data allowed to access by the second terminal, thereby allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station only under the restriction conditions.

[0186] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0187] In this implementation, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration for which the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that can be used by the second terminal after accessing the first home base station. For example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 MHz.

[0188] In combination with the ninth aspect, in some implementations of the ninth aspect, the method further includes: sending eighth information, where the eighth information includes indication information of the first closed access group.

[0189] In this implementation, when the subscription data stored in the UDM network element changes, the UDM network element can trigger a terminal configuration update (UE configuration update, UCU) process to update the latest subscription data to the second terminal. For example, the UDM network element can send an eighth message to the second terminal to indicate the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access. The eighth information may include indication information of the first closed access group, such as an identifier (such as an ID) of the first closed access group. It should be understood that the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access may include information of the first closed access group, such as the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0190] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes modules for implementing the method in the first aspect or any one of the implementation methods, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0191] For example, the apparatus may include: a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to receive first information from a first terminal, the first information indicating that a second terminal is allowed to access a first home base station, where the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; and the sending module is configured to send second information, the second information indicating that indication information of a first closed access group is stored in subscription data of the second terminal, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0192] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

[0193] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0194] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0195] With reference to the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0196] In combination with the tenth aspect, in certain implementations of the tenth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0197] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes modules for implementing the method in the second aspect or any one of the implementation methods, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0198] For example, the apparatus may include: a processing module and a sending module. The processing module is configured to determine first information indicating that a second terminal is allowed to access a first home base station, where the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; and the sending module is configured to send the first information to a first functional network element.

[0199] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0200] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes the identifier of the first closed access group and / or the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0201] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0202] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0203] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0204] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes modules for implementing the method in the third aspect or any one of the implementation methods therein, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0205] For example, the apparatus may include: a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to receive first information from a first terminal, the first information indicating a restriction condition for a visitor terminal to access a first home base station, where the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; the receiving module is further configured to receive third information from a second terminal, the third information including a verification condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station, indication information of a first closed access group, and indication information of the second terminal, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station; and the sending module is configured to send second information when the verification condition satisfies the restriction condition, the second information indicating that the indication information of the first closed access group is to be stored in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0206] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition.

[0207] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes the identifier of the first closed access group and / or the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0208] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, usage key, usage password, or usage bandwidth.

[0209] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in some implementations of the twelfth aspect, the sending module is further configured to send fourth information to the second terminal when the verification condition satisfies the restriction condition, the fourth information indicating that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0210] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes modules for implementing the method in the fourth aspect or any one of the implementation methods, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0211] For example, the apparatus may include: a processing module and a sending module. The processing module is configured to determine first information indicating a restriction condition for a visitor terminal to access a first home base station, where the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; and the sending module is configured to send the first information to a first functional network element.

[0212] In combination with the thirteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the thirteenth aspect, the first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0213] In combination with the thirteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the thirteenth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes the identifier of the first closed access group and / or the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0214] In combination with the thirteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the thirteenth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, usage key, usage password, or usage bandwidth.

[0215] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes modules for implementing the method in the fifth aspect or any one of the implementation methods thereof, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0216] For example, the apparatus may include: a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is configured to send third information to the first functional network element, where the third information includes a verification condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station, indication information of a first closed access group, and indication information of the second terminal, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station; and the receiving module is configured to receive fourth information from the first functional network element, where the fourth information indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0217] In combination with the fourteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourteenth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0218] In combination with the fourteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourteenth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0219] In the fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes various modules for implementing the method in the sixth aspect or any one of the implementation methods therein, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0220] For example, the apparatus may include: a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is configured to send fifth information to a second functional network element, the fifth information being used to request whether to allow a second terminal to access a first home base station, the fifth information including indication information of the second terminal; and the receiving module is configured to receive sixth information from the second functional network element, the sixth information indicating whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0221] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifteenth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0222] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in some implementations of the fifteenth aspect, the fifth information further includes indication information of a first closed access group, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0223] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifteenth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0224] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in some implementations of the fifteenth aspect, the sixth information includes indication information of whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station and / or closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access.

[0225] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in some implementations of the fifteenth aspect, the apparatus may further include: a processing module. The processing module is configured to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station when the sixth information includes closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access, and when the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access includes closed access group information corresponding to the first home base station.

[0226] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifteenth aspect, the receiving module is further used to receive seventh information, where the seventh information indicates that the second terminal is a visitor terminal; the processing module is further used to determine the fifth information based on the seventh information.

[0227] In the sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes various modules for implementing the method in the seventh aspect or any one of the implementation methods therein, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0228] For example, the apparatus may include: a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to receive fifth information from a first AMF network element, the fifth information being used to request whether a second terminal is allowed to access a first home base station, the fifth information including indication information of the second terminal; and the sending module is configured to send sixth information to the first AMF network element, the sixth information indicating whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0229] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in some implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the fifth information further includes indication information of a first closed access group, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

[0230] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in some implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the sixth information includes indication information of whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station and / or closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access.

[0231] In conjunction with the sixteenth aspect, in some implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the apparatus may further include: a processing module. The processing module is configured to determine, before sending the sixth information to the first AMF network element, whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the fifth information and the closed access group information allowed to be accessed by the second terminal.

[0232] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the receiving module is further used to receive first information from the first terminal, where the first information indicates a second terminal that is allowed to access the first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; the processing module is further used to determine the closed access group information that the second terminal is allowed to access based on the first information.

[0233] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

[0234] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0235] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes the identifier of the first closed access group and / or the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0236] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0237] In combination with the sixteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixteenth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0238] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes various modules for implementing the method in the eighth aspect or any one of the implementation methods therein, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0239] For example, the apparatus may include: a receiving module and a processing module. The receiving module is configured to receive seventh information from a second terminal, the seventh information indicating that the second terminal is a visitor terminal; and the processing module is configured to determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the seventh information.

[0240] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in certain implementations of the seventeenth aspect, the receiving module is further used to receive first information from a first terminal, wherein the first information indicates a visitor terminal that is allowed to access the first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; the processing module is further used to determine the closed access group information that the visitor terminal is allowed to access based on the first information.

[0241] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in certain implementations of the seventeenth aspect, the first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the visitor terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group of the first home base station.

[0242] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in certain implementations of the seventeenth aspect, the indication information of the visitor terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the visitor terminal.

[0243] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in certain implementations of the seventeenth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes the identifier of the first closed access group and / or the identifier of the first terminal, and the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group.

[0244] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in some implementations of the seventeenth aspect, the first information further includes restriction conditions for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station.

[0245] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in certain implementations of the seventeenth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0246] In the eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which includes various modules for implementing the method in the ninth aspect or any one of the implementation methods therein, and each module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0247] For example, the apparatus may include: a receiving module and a processing module. The receiving module is configured to receive second information indicating that indication information of a first closed access group is stored in subscription data of a second terminal, where the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station; and the processing module is configured to store the indication information of the first closed access group in the subscription data of the second terminal based on the second information.

[0248] In combination with the eighteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighteenth aspect, the second information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

[0249] In combination with the eighteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighteenth aspect, the indication information of the second terminal includes the GPSI and / or GSM number of the second terminal.

[0250] In combination with the eighteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighteenth aspect, the indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of the first terminal, the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0251] In combination with the eighteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighteenth aspect, the second information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0252] In combination with the eighteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighteenth aspect, the restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0253] In conjunction with the eighteenth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighteenth aspect, the apparatus may further include: a sending module configured to send eighth information, where the eighth information includes indication information of the first closed access group.

[0254] In a nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0255] As an example, the device may be a first functional network element, or a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the first functional network element.

[0256] In a twentieth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0257] As an example, the device may be a first terminal, or a chip system, a hardware circuit and / or a software module applied to the first terminal.

[0258] In a twenty-first aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0259] As an example, the device may be a first functional network element, or a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the first functional network element.

[0260] In a twenty-second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0261] As an example, the device may be a first terminal, or a chip system, a hardware circuit and / or a software module applied to the first terminal.

[0262] In a twenty-third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0263] As an example, the device may be a second terminal, or a chip system, a hardware circuit and / or a software module applied to the second terminal.

[0264] In a twenty-fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0265] As an example, the device can be an AMF network element, or a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to an AMF network element.

[0266] In aspect 25, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in aspect 7 or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0267] As an example, the device may be a second functional network element, or a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the second functional network element.

[0268] In aspect 26, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method as described in aspect 8 or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0269] As an example, the device can be a first AMF network element, or a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the first AMF network element.

[0270] In aspect 27, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor, the processor being coupled to a memory and configured to call program code in the memory to execute the method described in aspect 9 or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0271] As an example, the device may be a UDM network element, or a chip system, hardware circuit and / or software module applied to the UDM network element.

[0272] In aspect 28, the present application provides a communication system, which includes the apparatus of aspect 10 or aspect 19, the apparatus of aspect 11 or aspect 20, the apparatus of aspect 12 or aspect 21, the apparatus of aspect 13 or aspect 22, the apparatus of aspect 14 or aspect 23, the apparatus of aspect 15 or aspect 24, the apparatus of aspect 16 or aspect 25, the apparatus of aspect 17 or aspect 26, and the apparatus of aspect 18 or aspect 27.

[0273] In aspect 29, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in any one of aspects 1 to 9 or any possible implementation of any one of aspects.

[0274] In aspect 30, the present application provides a computer-readable medium storing a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes a method for executing any one of aspects 1 to 9 or any possible implementation of any one of aspects therein.

[0275] For the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the above-mentioned aspects 10 to 30 and any possible design of any of them, please refer to the description of the technical effects that can be brought about by the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 9, and no further details will be given here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0276] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0277] FIG2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another communication system;

[0278] FIG3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0279] FIG4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0280] FIG5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0281] FIG6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0282] FIG7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0283] FIG8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0284] FIG9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0285] FIG10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0286] FIG11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0287] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0288] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0289] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0290] To facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily mean different.

[0291] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0292] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0293] The technical solution provided in the present application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA), time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), wireless fidelity (WIFI), third generation (3G) mobile communication system, long term evolution (LTE), advanced long term evolution (LTE-A), LTE frequency division duplex (FDD), LTE time division duplex (TDD), fourth generation (4G) mobile communication system, fifth generation (5G) The three major application scenarios of 5G (5th generation) mobile communication system and 5G new radio (NR) communication system are: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communication (mMTC), as well as the future sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, such as high frequency, terahertz, optical communication, etc. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0294] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, fifth generation mobile communication systems (5G) or new radio (NR), or other evolved communication systems. 5G systems generally include the following three application scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type of communication (mMTC).

[0295] Taking 5G as an example, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes terminal equipment, access network equipment, core network equipment and data network.

[0296] The terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), which refers to a device that provides voice / data connectivity to a user. At present, some examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0297] The access network device may be a (radio) access network (R)AN), which is used to implement functions related to wireless access and is located between the UE and the core network (CN). As an example, the (R)AN may be a base station, a relay station, or an access point. The base station may be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communication (GSM) or a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a node base station (NB) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), an evolutionary NB (eNB or eNodeB) in long term evolution (LTE), a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, a base station device in a future 5G network, an access network device in a future evolved PLMN network, or a wearable device or an in-vehicle device.

[0298] The core network equipment includes at least one of the following functional network elements: access and mobility management function network element (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, application function (AF) network element, network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, authentication server function (AUSF) network element, unified data management function (UDM) network element, and UPF network element.

[0299] As an example, the AMF network element, which can also be called access and mobility management function, access and mobility management equipment, access and mobility management network element, access management equipment, and mobile management equipment, is mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc. It can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) except session management, such as legal monitoring, or access authorization (or authentication), user equipment registration, mobility management, tracking area update process, reachability detection, selection of session management network element, mobile state transition management and other functions. For example, in 5G, the access and mobility management network element can be an AMF network element. In future communications, such as 6G, the access and mobility management network element can still be an AMF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the access and mobility management network element is an AMF network element, the AMF network element can provide Namf services.

[0300] The SMF network element, also known as the SMF entity, is mainly used for managing session-related services, such as session establishment and release. In future communication systems, the session management function network element may still be an SMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0301] The UDM network element, also known as the UDM entity, is responsible for processing terminal device identification, access authentication, registration, and mobility management. In 5G, the data management network element can be a UDM network element or a unified data management device. In future communication systems, the unified data management can still be a UDM network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0302] The PCF network element is a policy decision point that provides rules based on service data flow and application detection, gating, quality of service (QoS) and flow-based charging control.

[0303] The AF network element is mainly responsible for interacting with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) core network to provide services, influencing service flow routing, access network capability exposure, and policy control.

[0304] The NSSF network element mainly determines the network slice instance that the terminal is allowed to access based on the terminal's slice selection auxiliary information, contract information, etc.; the AUSF network element is mainly used to provide authentication services.

[0305] The UPF network element is mainly responsible for data packet routing and forwarding, mobility anchor point, uplink classifier to support routing service flows to the data network, branch point to support multi-homing protocol data unit (PDU) sessions, etc.

[0306] A data network (DN) refers to an operator network that provides data transmission services to users, such as the Internet Protocol Multimedia Service (IMS) and the Internet.

[0307] Among them, the UE can access the DN by establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session between the UE and the (R)AN and the UPF network element to the DN.

[0308] As shown in Figure 1, the UE and AMF network element can communicate through the N1 interface, the (R)AN and AMF network element can communicate through the N2 interface, the (R)AN and UPF network element can communicate through the N3 interface, the UPF network element and SMF network element can communicate through the N4 interface, the PCF network element and AF network element can communicate through the N5 interface, the UPF network element and DN can communicate through the N6 interface, the SMF network element and PCF network element can communicate through the N7 interface, and the AMF network element and UDM network element can communicate through the N8 interface. UPF network elements can communicate with each other through the N9 interface, UDM network elements and SMF network elements can communicate with each other through the N10 interface, AMF network elements and SMF network elements can communicate with each other through the N11 interface, AMF network elements and AUSF network elements can communicate with each other through the N12 interface, AUSF network elements and UDM network elements can communicate with each other through the N13 interface, AMF network elements can communicate with each other through the N14 interface, AMF network elements and PCF network elements can communicate with each other through the N15 interface, and AMF network elements and NSSF network elements can communicate with each other through the N22 interface.

[0309] In some embodiments, the core network device may further include a network exposure function (NEF) network element for providing external exposure of network function capabilities.

[0310] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the functions of the communication device can be the communication device itself, or it can be a device that can support the communication device to implement its functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the communication device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices, and the communication device can be a terminal device, an access network device, or a core network device.

[0311] For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another communication system. The technical problem solved by this application will be described below with reference to Figure 2 .

[0312] There are some areas with poor coverage in existing base station deployments, such as indoor areas. Users can deploy home gNBs (HgNBs) to increase the signal coverage in indoor areas. Among them, the architecture of HgNB in ​​the 5G communication system is the same as that of existing ordinary base stations. In addition, in order to avoid too many HgNBs connected to the AMF network element, an HgNB gateway (GW) can be deployed in the network, so that the HgNB GW can be used as a convergence point to manage the HgNB. As shown in Figure 2, the position of the HgNB GW can be between the HgNB and the AMF network element. From the perspective of the HgNB, the HgNB GW is equivalent to the AMF network element, and from the perspective of the AMF network element, the HgNB GW is equivalent to the HgNB.

[0313] After the user deploys an HgNB at home, a closed access group mechanism can be introduced in the HgNB and the HgNB can be set to closed (close) mode, thereby restricting visitor terminals (visitor UE) other than the management terminal (host UE) from accessing the network through the HgNB. The management terminal can be understood as the terminal of the user who purchases or owns the HgNB. Among them, the closed access group can support the network to control access to the terminal, or the network can control access to the terminal through the closed access group. For example, the terminal subscription data stores information about the closed access group allowed to access, and the HgNB broadcasts the identification information of the corresponding closed access group. When the closed access group allowed to access by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the HgNB, if the terminal accesses the network through the HgNB, the network can allow the terminal to register for access. When the closed access group allowed to access by the terminal does not correspond to the closed access group broadcast by the HgNB, the network will reject the terminal's registration request. Among them, the closed access group allowed to access by the terminal corresponds to the closed access group broadcast by the HgNB, which can be understood as the closed access group information allowed to access by the terminal contains the identification information of the closed access group broadcast by the HgNB.

[0314] In some embodiments, an HgNB may have multiple cells under it. When the HgNB is in closed mode, all cells under the HgNB support the closed access group function. In the embodiments of the present application, cells under the HgNB that support the closed access group function may be referred to as closed access group cells. The HgNB broadcasts the identification information of the closed access group, which can be understood as the closed access group cells under the HgNB broadcasting the identification information of the closed access group.

[0315] As an example, after a user purchases an HgNB and the HgNB introduces a closed access group mechanism, the operator that sells the HgNB can configure the HgNB with closed access group information, such as the closed access group identity (ID), and update the corresponding closed access group information in the subscription data of the management terminal, or save the information of the closed access group allowed to be accessed in the subscription data of the management terminal, such as the closed access group ID broadcast by the HgNB. The HgNB will broadcast the closed access group ID of the HgNB. After receiving the broadcast of the HgNB, the management terminal and the guest terminal can choose to access the network through the HgNB because the subscription data of the management terminal contains the closed access group ID broadcast by the HgNB, and the network allows the management terminal to register for access. Since the subscription data of the guest terminal does not contain the closed access group ID broadcast by the HgNB, the guest terminal cannot access the network through the HgNB.

[0316] However, when HgNB is deployed and in closed mode, there is a need to allow guest terminals to access the network through the HgNB. Therefore, how to enable guest terminals to access the network through the HgNB has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0317] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method and a communication device. In the technical solution provided in the present application, in the scenario where the visitor terminal is allowed to access the HgNB, the visitor terminal can obtain temporary closed access group information, so that the visitor terminal can access the HgNB to obtain network services. The temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal can also be referred to as the closed access group information that the visitor terminal is allowed to access. The visitor terminal can determine the home base station that can access the network based on the temporary closed access group information, and when the temporary closed access group information of the visitor terminal contains the closed access group ID broadcast by the HgNB, the visitor terminal is allowed to access or access the HgNB. It should be noted that the visitor terminal accessing the HgNB can also be referred to as the visitor terminal accessing the HgNB, or the visitor terminal accessing the network through the HgNB.

[0318] In the field of communications, a closed access group may be referred to as a closed access group (CAG) in a fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system, a closed subscriber group (CSG) in a fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication system, and may have other names in future sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication systems, which are not limited here. For ease of understanding and description, the present embodiment of the application is described using 5G CAG as an example.

[0319] In the embodiments of the present application, two schemes for dynamically providing temporary CAG information to a visitor terminal are provided. The first scheme is that the management terminal actively triggers the process of dynamically providing temporary CAG information to the visitor terminal. For example, the management terminal can indicate to the first functional network element that the visitor terminal is allowed to access the HgNB, so that the first functional network element can trigger the process of updating the visitor terminal's subscription data based on the indication information sent by the management terminal, thereby saving the temporary CAG information in the visitor terminal's subscription data; and after the visitor terminal's subscription data is updated, the terminal configuration update (UE configuration update, UCU) process is triggered so that the visitor terminal can obtain the temporary CAG information; the second scheme is that the visitor terminal actively requests to obtain temporary CAG information. For example, the management terminal can indicate to the first functional network element the restriction conditions for the visitor terminal to access the HgNB. If the visitor terminal needs to access the HgNB, the visitor terminal can send a verification condition to the first functional network element. If the verification condition meets the restriction condition, the visitor terminal can obtain the temporary CAG information and thus access the HgNB. Among them, the first functional network element can be understood as an application server (AS) or AF network element of a third-party application that provides services for the HgNB. As an example, the first functional network element can be provided by the operator corresponding to the HgNB or the supplier corresponding to the HgNB, and this application does not limit this.

[0320] Example 1: A management terminal proactively triggers a process for dynamically providing temporary CAG information to a guest terminal. Example 1 consists of two parts: the first part involves the management terminal instructing the first functional network element (FNE) to allow the guest terminal to access the HgNB; the second part involves the first functional network element triggering the UDM network element to update the guest terminal's subscription data, thereby enabling the guest terminal to obtain temporary CAG information.

[0321] The technical solution of the first embodiment is described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the first part of the first embodiment. In Figure 3, the management terminal indicates to the AS via the user interface that the guest terminal is permitted to access the HgNB. In Figure 4, the management terminal indicates to the AF network element via the control interface that the guest terminal is permitted to access the HgNB. Figure 5 illustrates the second part of the first embodiment.

[0322] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the method may include S301 and S302.

[0323] S301: A first terminal establishes a session with an AS.

[0324] As an example, the first terminal may be a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0325] In this embodiment, after obtaining the AS information, the first terminal can establish a session with the AS. As an example, the AS information can be pre-configured in the first terminal, or after the user purchases the first home base station, the user can obtain the AS information through the website information or application (APP) provided by the operator.

[0326] This embodiment does not impose any specific restrictions on the implementation of establishing a session between the first terminal and the AS. For example, the first terminal can connect to the AS through a downloaded APP.

[0327] S302: The first terminal sends first information to the AS, where the first information indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0328] In this embodiment, after the first terminal establishes a session with the AS, if there is a need to allow a visitor terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal can send a first message to the AS to indicate that a second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. The second terminal can also be called a visitor terminal, that is, the second terminal can be understood as a visitor terminal allowed to access the first home base station.

[0329] As an example, the first information may include indication information of a first CAG and indication information of a second terminal. The indication information of the first CAG may be used to indicate a CAG corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first CAG, and the indication information of the second terminal may be used to indicate the second terminal. The CAG corresponding to the first home base station may be understood as a CAG broadcast by the first home base station or a CAG cell of the first home base station.

[0330] As an example, the first Home NodeB may be explicitly indicated by an identity (ID) of a first CAG, and the ID of the first CAG may be understood as a CAG ID configured by an operator for the first Home NodeB.

[0331] As an example, since the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station, the CAG information stored in the subscription data of the first terminal may include the ID of the first CAG. Therefore, the ID of the first CAG may be implicitly indicated by the identifier of the first terminal. Accordingly, the AS may determine the CAG that the first terminal is allowed to access based on the identifier of the first terminal, and further determine the identifier of the first CAG.

[0332] As an example, the indication information of the first CAG may include an identifier of the first CAG and / or an identifier of the first terminal.

[0333] The first CAG is the CAG corresponding to the first home base station, and the first home base station may broadcast identification information of the first CAG, or in other words, the identification information of the CAG broadcast by the first home base station may include the identification of the first CAG.

[0334] As an example, the second terminal may be indicated by at least one of the following identifiers: a generic public subscription identifier (GSPI) of the second terminal, a global system for mobile communications (GSM) number, a user hidden identifier (SUCI), a 5G globally unique temporary UE identity (5G-GUT), or a permanent equipment identifier (PEI). The GSM number may be understood as the telephone number of the second terminal. Therefore, the indication information of the second terminal may include at least one identifier of the second terminal.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first information may also include restriction conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station, and the restriction conditions may include at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth. Among them, the usage time can be used to indicate the starting time and / or ending time of allowing the second terminal to access the first home base station. For example, when the starting time is 9 a.m., it can be considered that the second terminal can only access the first home base station after 9 a.m.; the usage duration can be used to indicate the duration of time the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, for example, the usage duration can be 120 minutes; the usage location can be used to indicate the location where the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, for example, when the location of the second terminal is within a preset area, the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; the usage bandwidth can be used to indicate the network bandwidth that the second terminal can use after accessing the first home base station, for example, the usage bandwidth can be 20 megahertz (MHz). In the embodiment of the present application, the second terminal accessing the first home base station can also be referred to as the second terminal accessing the first home base station.

[0336] Accordingly, the AS can receive the first information and transmit the first information to the AF network element, so that the AF network element can know the information of the first home base station and the information of the second terminal allowed to access the first home base station. This application does not limit the transmission method between the AS and the AF network element.

[0337] In this embodiment, the management terminal may transmit the information of the first home base station and the information of the second terminal allowed to access the first home base station to the AF network element through the user plane.

[0338] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 4 , the method may include S401, S402 and S403.

[0339] S401: A first terminal sends first information to an AMF network element, where the first information indicates that a second terminal is allowed to access a first home base station.

[0340] As an example, the first terminal may be a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0341] In this embodiment, if there is a need to allow a guest terminal to access the first home base station, the first terminal may send a non-access stratum (NAS) message to the AMF network element. The NAS message may include first information, where the first information indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. The first information can refer to the relevant description of the first information in S302 and is not repeated here. Accordingly, the AMF network element may receive the first information.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the first information to the AMF network element through an access network device, wherein the access network device may be a first home base station, and the access network device is used to forward the first information.

[0343] S402, the AMF network element sends an event notification message to the NEF network element, where the event notification message includes the first information.

[0344] As an example, before executing the method provided in this embodiment, or before executing S401 or S402, the NEF network element may send a first event subscription request to the AMF network element. For example, the NEF network element may send an event subscription (Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the AMF network element to subscribe to an event with the AMF. The event is, for example, that any terminal updates the information of the guest terminal to the network. The any terminal may include the first terminal. It should be understood that the first terminal updates the information of the guest terminal to the network for example and not for limitation. The information of the guest terminal may also be updated to the network by other terminals.

[0345] Therefore, after receiving the first information, the AMF network element can send an event notification (Namf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the NEF network element because the NEF network element has subscribed to the event. The message can include the first information. Accordingly, the NEF network element can receive the first information.

[0346] S403: The NEF network element sends an event notification message to the AF network element, where the event notification message includes first information.

[0347] As an example, before executing the method provided in this embodiment, or before executing S401, S402, or S403, the AF network element may send a second event subscription request to the NEF network element. For example, the AF network element may send an event subscription (Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the NEF network element to subscribe to an event with the NEF. The event may be, for example, that any terminal updates guest terminal information to the network. The any terminal may include the first terminal. It should be understood that the first terminal updating guest terminal information to the network is merely an example and not a limitation. Other terminals may also update guest terminal information to the network.

[0348] As an example, the NEF network element may send a first event subscription request to the AMF network element after receiving the second event subscription request sent by the AF network element, so the subscription event in the first event subscription request may be related to the subscription event in the second event subscription request.

[0349] Therefore, after receiving the first information, the NEF network element may send an event notification (Nnef_EventExposure_Notify) message to the AF network element because the AF network element subscribes to the event. The message may include the first information.

[0350] In this embodiment, the management terminal may transmit the information of the first home base station and the information of the second terminal allowed to access the first home base station to the AF network element through the control plane.

[0351] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 5 , the method may include S501 to S507.

[0352] S501: The AF network element sends second information to the NEF network element, where the second information indicates that indication information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0353] In this embodiment, after receiving the first information, the AF network element can trigger the external parameter provision / granting / issuance process. For example, the AF network element can send a request message to the NEF network element, such as an external parameter creation request (Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create request) message. The request message can include second information. The second information can be used to indicate that the indication information of the first CAG is saved in the contract data of the second terminal. The indication information of the first CAG is, for example, the identifier of the first CAG.

[0354] As an example, the second information may include indication information of the first CAG and indication information of the second terminal. The indication information of the first CAG may be used to indicate the CAG corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first CAG, and the indication information of the second terminal may be used to indicate the second terminal.

[0355] As an example, the second information may further include condition information for the second terminal to access the first home base station, such as one or more of usage time, usage duration, usage location, and usage bandwidth.

[0356] In this embodiment, the description of the indication information of the first CAG, the indication information of the second terminal and the restriction conditions can refer to the relevant description in S302 and will not be repeated here.

[0357] It should be noted that the number of second terminals indicated by the first information may be multiple, and each second terminal may belong to a different operator network. Therefore, after receiving the first information, the AF network element may determine the home operator network of each second terminal indicated by the first information and send a request message to the NEF network element in the determined home operator network. The request message may include the second information. It should be understood that the second terminals indicated by the second information may be some or all of the second terminals indicated by the first information, and the AF network element may execute S501 multiple times.

[0358] As an example, the AF network element may send second information to the NEF network element in the home operator network of each second terminal for each second terminal, and the second information may indicate only one second terminal; or the AF network element may send second information to the NEF network element in each home operator network for each home operator network, and the second information may indicate one or more second terminals belonging to each operator network.

[0359] S502: The NEF network element sends second information to the UDM network element, where the second information indicates that instruction information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0360] In this embodiment, after receiving the second information, the NEF network element may send a request message, such as a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Create request message, to the UDM network element. The request message may include the second information, where the second information indicates information indicating that the first CAG should be saved in the subscription data of the second terminal. Accordingly, the UDM network element may receive the second information.

[0361] S503: The UDM network element updates the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0362] In this embodiment, after receiving the second information, the UDM network element determines the second terminal whose subscription data needs to be updated based on the indication information of the second terminal in the second information, and updates the subscription data of the second terminal. As an example, the UDM network element can save temporary CAG information in the subscription data of the second terminal, thereby completing the update of the subscription data of the second terminal. The temporary CAG information of the second terminal can also be called the CAG information that the second terminal is allowed to access. The UDM network element can determine the temporary CAG information of the second terminal based on the second information. For example, the temporary CAG information can include the identifier of the first CAG and / or the restriction conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station. Among them, the identifier of the first CAG can be used to indicate the CAG that the second terminal is allowed to access, and the restriction conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station can include one or more of the usage time, usage duration, usage location and usage bandwidth.

[0363] S504, the UDM network element sends a subscription data management notification message to the AMF network element, where the message includes the indication information of the second terminal and the temporary CAG information of the second terminal.

[0364] In this embodiment, when the contract data stored in the UDM network element changes, the UDM network element can trigger the UCU process to update the latest contract data to the second terminal. As an example, the UDM network element can update the latest contract data to the second terminal through the AMF network element, and the latest contract data can include the temporary CAG information of the second terminal. For example, the UDM network element can send a contract data management notification (Nudm_SDM_Notification Notify) message to the AMF network element, and the notification message can include the indication information of the second terminal and the temporary CAG information of the second terminal. Accordingly, the AMF network element can receive the contract data management notification message.

[0365] S505, the AMF network element updates the latest subscription data to the second terminal.

[0366] In this embodiment, after receiving the subscription data management notification message, the AMF network element may trigger the UCU process to update the latest subscription data to the second terminal. The latest subscription data may include the temporary CAG information of the second terminal. For example, the AMF network element may determine the second terminal based on the indication information of the second terminal in the subscription data management notification message and send the temporary CAG information to the second terminal.

[0367] Correspondingly, the second terminal may receive the temporary CAG information and perform a registration process to access the network through the first home base station to obtain services.

[0368] S506: The UDM network element sends a response message to the NEF network element, where the response message indicates that the subscription data of the second terminal is updated completely.

[0369] In this embodiment, after the UDM network element completes updating the subscription data of the second terminal, it can send a response message (such as Nudm_ParameterProvision_Create response) to the NEF network element, thereby indicating to the NEF network element that the subscription data of the second terminal has been updated. Accordingly, the NEF network element can receive the response message.

[0370] S507 , the NEF network element sends a response message to the AF network element, where the response message indicates that the subscription data update of the second terminal is complete.

[0371] In this embodiment, after receiving the response message from the UDM network element, the NEF network element may send a response message (such as Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create response) to the AF network element, thereby indicating to the AF network element that the subscription data of the second terminal has been updated. Accordingly, the AF network element may receive the response message.

[0372] In the embodiment of the present application, the execution order of S504 and S506 is not limited. S504 may be executed first and then S506, or S506 may be executed first and then S504, or S504 and S506 may be executed simultaneously.

[0373] In this embodiment, after receiving the first information, the AF network element may trigger an external parameter granting process and send a second information to the UDM network element in the home operator network of the second terminal to instruct the UDM network element to determine the temporary CAG information of the second terminal and save the CAG information in the subscription data of the second terminal. Since the subscription data of the second terminal is updated, the UDM network element may trigger a UCU process so that the UDM network element can indicate the temporary CAG information of the second terminal to the second terminal, thereby enabling the second terminal to access the core network through the first home base station based on the obtained temporary CAG information to obtain services.

[0374] In this embodiment, by defining a process for the management terminal to actively report to the network the information of the visitor terminal that is allowed to access the first home base station, the first functional network element can update the information of the visitor terminal to the UDM network element, thereby enabling the UDM network element to update the contract data of the visitor terminal, and enabling the visitor terminal to obtain temporary CAG information, thereby enabling the visitor terminal to join the network through the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0375] 6 , a method for the second terminal to register and access the core network through the first home base station will be described in detail below.

[0376] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 6 , the method may include S601 to S608.

[0377] S601: A second terminal sends a registration request message to a first home base station.

[0378] In this embodiment, when the second terminal obtains temporary CAG information and the temporary CAG information is stored in the subscription data of the second terminal, the second terminal may send a registration request message to the first home base station to request access to the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0379] As an example, the registration request message may include a registration type and indication information of the second terminal.

[0380] S602: The first home base station selects an AMF network element.

[0381] S603: The first home base station sends a registration request message of the second terminal to the AMF network element.

[0382] In this embodiment, after selecting the AMF network element, the first home base station can send the received registration request message of the second terminal to the AMF network element.

[0383] As an example, the first home base station may also send the CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station to the AMF network element.

[0384] S604, the AMF network element selects the AUSF network element.

[0385] S605, the second terminal, AMF network element, AUSF network element and UDM network element interact to complete the authentication process.

[0386] S606, the AMF network element and the UDM network element interact to obtain the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0387] In this embodiment, after the second terminal successfully authenticates with core network elements such as the AMF network element, AUSF network element and UDM network element, the AMF network element can communicate with the UDM network element so that the AMF network element can obtain the contract data of the second terminal.

[0388] S607: The AMF network element sends an N2 message to the first home base station to indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0389] In this embodiment, after the AMF network element obtains the contract data of the second terminal, it can match the CAG information in the contract data with the CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station. If the CAG information in the contract data contains the CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station, it is considered that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. If the CAG information in the contract data does not contain the CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station, it is considered that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station.

[0390] As an example, if the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, the AMF network element can send an N2 message to the first home base station. The N2 message can include a registration acceptance message (NAS message) that needs to be forwarded by the first home base station. The registration acceptance message can be a Registration Accept message.

[0391] As an example, if the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station, the AMF network element can send an N2 message to the first home base station, and the N2 message can include a registration rejection message (NAS message) that needs to be forwarded by the first home base station.

[0392] S608: The first home base station sends a registration acceptance / rejection message to the second terminal.

[0393] In this embodiment, after receiving the registration acceptance message, the first home base station may forward the registration acceptance message to the second terminal, so that the second terminal can access the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0394] In this embodiment, after the second terminal obtains the temporary CAG information, it may request to access the network through the first home base station through a registration process to obtain network services.

[0395] Embodiment 2: In some implementations, a new functional network element may be added to the core network. This functional network element may be used to store temporary CAG information of a guest terminal. Therefore, when a guest terminal requests access to a first home base station, the second functional network element may determine whether to allow the guest terminal to access the first home base station based on the temporary CAG information of the guest terminal stored in the second functional network element. This solution is described in detail below with reference to FIG7 .

[0396] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Fig. 7 , the method may include S701 to S711.

[0397] S701: A second AMF network element receives first information from a first terminal, where the first information indicates a visitor terminal that is allowed to access a first home base station.

[0398] As an example, the first terminal may be a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0399] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of S701 can refer to S401 and will not be repeated here.

[0400] S702, the second AMF network element sends the seventh information to the second functional network element, where the seventh information is used to indicate the CAG information that determines that the visitor terminal is allowed to access.

[0401] As an example, the second functional network element can be understood as a functional network element newly added in the core network for storing visitor terminal information. The second functional network element can also be called a second functional entity, CAG management network element (CAG management function) and other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0402] In this embodiment, after receiving the first information, the second AMF network element may send the seventh information to the second functional network element to instruct the second functional network element to determine the CAG information or temporary CAG information allowed to access the visitor terminal. Accordingly, the second functional network element may receive the seventh information.

[0403] As an example, the seventh information may include the first information, for example, the seventh information may include indication information of the first CAG and indication information of the guest terminal; or the seventh information may also include restriction conditions for the guest terminal to access the first home base station.

[0404] S703: The second functional network element determines CAG information that the visitor terminal is allowed to access based on the seventh information.

[0405] In this embodiment, after receiving the seventh information, the second functional network element may determine the CAG information that the visitor terminal is allowed to access based on the seventh information, and save the determined CAG information that the visitor terminal is allowed to access for subsequent use.

[0406] As an example, the CAG information that the visitor terminal is allowed to access may include CAG information corresponding to the first home base station, such as an identifier of the first CAG.

[0407] S704: The first AMF network element receives a registration request message from the second terminal.

[0408] As an example, the second terminal may be an access terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be a guest terminal requesting to access the first home base station, or the second terminal may be a guest terminal requesting to access the network through the first home base station.

[0409] In this embodiment, after the user deploys the first home base station, if the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, the second terminal can obtain the ID of the first CAG or the CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station from the first terminal. The first CAG is the CAG corresponding to the first home base station, so that the second terminal can (manually) select the first home base station or the CAG cell under the first home base station based on the obtained CAG ID, and send a registration request message to the first AMF network element to request access to the network through the selected first home base station or the CAG cell under the first home base station. Accordingly, the first AMF network element can receive the registration request message.

[0410] As an example, the registration request message may include eighth information, and the eighth information may indicate that the second terminal is a visitor terminal.

[0411] As an example, the eighth information may be a specific field, which may be a terminal type identifier or a registration type identifier, and the field may be a field of N bits in length, where N is a positive integer. For example, when the field is a terminal type identifier and the bit length of the field is 1, when the value of the field is "0", it indicates that the terminal type of the second terminal is a visitor terminal, or when the value of the field is "1", it indicates that the terminal type of the second terminal is a visitor terminal. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this. For another example, when the field is a registration type identifier and the bit length of the field is 1, when the value of the field is "0", it indicates that the registration type is a temporary CAG registration, or when the value of the field is "1", it indicates that the registration type is a temporary CAG registration. This application does not impose specific restrictions on this. Among them, temporary CAG registration can be understood as a registration method for the second terminal to access the first home base station through temporary CAG information. Temporary CAG registration can also be other names, which are not specifically limited here.

[0412] S705: The first AMF network element sends fifth information to the second function network element, where the fifth information is used to request whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station, and the fifth information includes indication information of the second terminal.

[0413] In this embodiment, after receiving the eighth information, the first AMF network element determines that the second terminal is a visitor terminal. The first AMF network element may send the fifth information to the second function network element to request whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station. Accordingly, the second function network element may receive the fifth information.

[0414] As an example, the fifth information may include indication information of the second terminal. The indication information of the second terminal may refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0415] In some embodiments, the fifth information may further include indication information of the first CAG, where the first CAG is the CAG corresponding to the first home base station. The indication information of the first CAG may refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0416] In some embodiments, if the registration request message sent by the second terminal does not include the eighth information, the first AMF network element may obtain the subscription data of the second terminal from the UDM network element. If the CAG information allowed for access is not saved in the subscription data of the second terminal, or the CAG information allowed for access saved in the subscription data of the second terminal does not include the CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station, the second terminal is considered to be a visitor terminal of the first home base station. The method for the first AMF network element to obtain the subscription data of the second terminal from the UDM network element can refer to the description of S604 to S606, which will not be repeated here.

[0417] S706: The second function network element sends sixth information to the first AMF network element, where the sixth information indicates whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0418] In this embodiment, after receiving the fifth information, the second function network element may determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the fifth information, and indicate the determination result to the first AMF network element through the sixth information. Accordingly, the first AMF network element may receive the sixth information.

[0419] As an example, after receiving the fifth information, the second functional network element can determine that the visitor terminal is the second terminal based on the indication information of the second terminal in the fifth information, and call the CAG information of the visitor terminal allowed to access determined and stored by the second functional network element in S703. If the second functional network element does not save the CAG information of the second terminal allowed to access, it is considered that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station; if the second functional network element saves the CAG information of the second terminal allowed to access, and the CAG information of the second terminal allowed to access contains the indication information of the first CAG (such as the identifier of the first CAG), it is considered that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station; if the second functional network element saves the CAG information of the second terminal allowed to access, but the CAG information of the second terminal allowed to access does not contain the indication information of the first CAG, it is considered that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station.

[0420] As an example, the sixth information may explicitly indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the sixth information may include indication information that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, or may include indication information that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the sixth information may be a 1-bit field. For example, when the sixth information is "1," it indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, and when the sixth information is "0," it indicates that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station; or, when the sixth information is "0," it indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, and when the sixth information is "1," it indicates that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. This is not limited here.

[0421] As an example, the sixth information may implicitly indicate whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. For example, the sixth information may include CAG information that the second terminal is allowed to access, so that the first AMF network element can autonomously determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the sixth information.

[0422] S707: The first AMF network element determines whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the sixth information.

[0423] In this embodiment, when the sixth information includes indication information of whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, the first AMF can directly determine whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station through the sixth information. If the sixth information includes CAG information that the second terminal is allowed to access, the first AMF network element needs to independently determine whether the CAG information that the second terminal is allowed to access contains indication information of the first CAG (such as the identifier of the first CAG). If the CAG information that the second terminal is allowed to access contains indication information of the first CAG, it is considered that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station. If the CAG information that the second terminal is allowed to access does not contain indication information of the first CAG, it is considered that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station. Among them, the first AMF network element can directly obtain the indication information of the first CAG from the first home base station, and the indication information of the first CAG can be used to indicate the CAG corresponding to the first home base station.

[0424] In this embodiment, if the first AMF network element determines that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, S708 to S711 can be executed. If the first AMF network element determines that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station, S711 can be directly executed without executing S708 to S710.

[0425] S708, the first AMF network element selects the AUSF network element.

[0426] S709, the second terminal, the first AMF network element, the AUSF network element and the UDM network element interact to complete the authentication process.

[0427] S710, the first AMF network element and the UDM network element interact to obtain the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0428] In this embodiment, the subscription data of the second terminal obtained by the first AMF network element from the UDM network element may include information such as the traffic package subscribed by the second terminal and the services purchased by the second terminal. It should be understood that in this embodiment, the subscription data of the second terminal does not include the CAG information that the second terminal is allowed to access.

[0429] In this embodiment, the specific implementation methods of S708 to S710 can refer to S604 to S606 respectively, and will not be repeated here.

[0430] S711. The first AMF network element sends a registration acceptance message or a registration rejection message to the second terminal.

[0431] In this embodiment, if the first AMF network element determines that the second terminal is not allowed to access the first home base station, the first AMF network element may send a registration rejection message to the second terminal through a NAS message, or the first AMF network element may send a registration rejection message to the second terminal through the first home base station; if the first AMF network element determines that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, the first AMF network element may send a registration acceptance message to the second terminal through a NAS message, or the first AMF network element may send a registration acceptance message to the second terminal through the first home base station, so that the second terminal can access the first home base station to obtain network services.

[0432] In this embodiment, by defining a newly added second function network element in the core network, the management terminal can dynamically update the information of the guest terminal to the second function network element. The second function network element can serve as a storage space for the temporary CAG information of the guest terminal. Therefore, when the second terminal registers for access, it can be determined based on the stored temporary CAG information of the guest terminal whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station, thereby eliminating the need to update the subscription data of the second terminal and reducing power consumption. In this embodiment, the first AMF network element can determine whether the second terminal is a guest terminal based on the indication information carried in the registration request message of the second terminal, and when it is determined that the second terminal is a guest terminal, send fifth information to the second function network element to determine whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0433] In one possible implementation, the second function network element can be deployed independently in the core network or co-located with the AMF network element, or the second function network element can be deployed in the AMF network element as part of the function of the AMF network element. It should be understood that if the second function network element is co-located with the AMF network element, the second AMF network element and the first AMF network element can be the same device, and for the convenience of description, they are collectively referred to as the AMF network element.

[0434] As an example, if the AMF network element can implement the function of the second functional network element, the AMF network element can, after executing S701 to receive the first information from the first terminal, execute S702a to determine the CAG information allowed to access by the visitor terminal based on the first information. It should be understood that in this example, S702a can be used to replace S702 and S703. The specific implementation process of the AMF network element executing S702a can refer to the relevant description in S702 and S703, and will not be repeated here.

[0435] As an example, if the AMF network element can implement the function of the second function network element, the AMF network element can, after executing S704 to receive the registration request message from the second terminal, execute S705a to determine whether the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station based on the registration request message. It should be understood that in this example, S705a can be used to replace S705 to S707. Among them, the specific implementation process of the AMF network element executing S705a can refer to the relevant content in S705 to S707, which will not be repeated here. It should be understood that after executing S701, S702a, S704, and S705a, the AMF network element can continue to execute at least one of S708 to S711, which will not be repeated here.

[0436] Example three: The visitor terminal actively requests to obtain temporary CAG information. For example, the management terminal can indicate the restriction conditions for the visitor terminal to access the HgNB to the first functional network element. If the visitor terminal needs to access the HgNB, the visitor terminal can send a verification condition to the first functional network element. If the verification condition meets the restriction condition, the visitor terminal can obtain temporary CAG information, thereby accessing the HgNB to obtain services. Compared with the solution in Example one, the management terminal in Example three does not need to indicate to the first functional network element that the visitor terminal is allowed to access the HgNB every time there is a demand to allow the visitor terminal to access the HgNB, thereby saving power consumption. Example three includes two parts. The first part is that the management terminal indicates to the first functional network element the restriction conditions for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station; the second part is that the visitor terminal actively obtains CAG information.

[0437] The technical solution of Example 3 is described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the first portion of Example 3. In Figure 8, the management terminal indicates, via the user plane to the AS, the restrictive conditions for accessing the first home base station to the guest terminal. In Figure 9, the management terminal indicates, via the control plane to the AF network element, the restrictive conditions for accessing the first home base station to the guest terminal. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the second portion of Example 3. In Figure 10, the guest terminal obtains temporary CAG information via the user plane. In Figure 11, the guest terminal obtains temporary CAG information via the control plane.

[0438] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8 , the method may include S801 and S802.

[0439] S801: A first terminal establishes a session with an AS.

[0440] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of S801 can refer to S301 and will not be repeated here.

[0441] S802: The first terminal sends first information to the AS, where the first information indicates a restriction condition for a visitor terminal to access the first home base station.

[0442] In this embodiment, after the first terminal establishes a session with the AS, if there is a demand to allow the guest terminal to access the first home NodeB, the first terminal may send first information to the AS to indicate a restriction condition for the guest terminal to access the first home NodeB.

[0443] As an example, the first information may include indication information of a first CAG and indication information of a restriction condition. The indication information of the first CAG may be used to indicate a CAG corresponding to the first home base station, such as the first CAG. The indication information of the first CAG may refer to the relevant description in S302 and is not repeated here.

[0444] As an example, the restriction conditions for a guest terminal to access the first home base station may include the use of a key and / or the use of a password. The key may include a public key and a private key. When the restriction condition includes the use of a key, the guest terminal may use the public key to generate encrypted data. If the AS can decrypt the encrypted data using the private key, the guest terminal is deemed to have access to the first home base station. When the restriction condition includes the use of a password, the guest terminal is deemed to have access to the first home base station when the guest terminal enters the correct password information. The correct password information may be understood as the use of the password in the restriction condition.

[0445] As an example, the restriction condition may also include at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the restriction condition in S302, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] In this embodiment, the management terminal may transmit the information of the first home base station and the restriction condition for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station to the AF network element through the user plane.

[0447] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9 , the method may include S901, S902, and S903.

[0448] S901: A first terminal sends first information to an AMF network element, where the first information indicates restriction conditions for a visitor terminal to access a first home base station.

[0449] As an example, the first terminal may be a management terminal of the first home base station.

[0450] In this embodiment, the first terminal may send a NAS message to the AMF network element. The NAS message may include first information, where the first information indicates a restriction condition for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station. For the first information, reference may be made to the description of the first information in S802, which is not repeated here. Accordingly, the AMF network element may receive the first information.

[0451] In some embodiments, the first terminal may send the first information to the AMF network element through an access network device, wherein the access network device may be a first home base station, and the access network device is used to forward the first information.

[0452] S902, the AMF network element sends an event notification message to the NEF network element, and the event notification message includes the first information.

[0453] As an example, before executing the method provided in this embodiment, or before executing S901 or S902, the NEF network element may send a first event subscription request to the AMF network element. For example, the NEF network element may send an event subscription (Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the AMF network element to subscribe to an event with the AMF. The event is, for example, that any terminal updates the restriction conditions for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station to the network. The any terminal may include the first terminal. It should be understood that the first terminal updating the restriction conditions to the network is only an example and not a limitation, and other terminals may also update the restriction conditions to the network.

[0454] Therefore, after receiving the first information, the AMF network element can send an event notification (Namf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the NEF network element because the NEF network element has subscribed to the event. The message can include the first information. Accordingly, the NEF network element can receive the first information.

[0455] S903: The NEF network element sends an event notification message to the AF network element, where the event notification message includes first information.

[0456] As an example, before executing the method provided in this embodiment, or before executing S901, S902, or S903, the AF network element may send a second event subscription request to the NEF network element. For example, the AF network element may send an event subscription (Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the NEF network element to subscribe to an event with the NEF. The event may be, for example, any terminal updating the restriction conditions for visitor terminal access to the first home base station to the network. The any terminal may include the first terminal. It should be understood that the first terminal updating the restriction conditions to the network is merely an example and not a limitation, and other terminals may also update the restriction conditions to the network.

[0457] As an example, the NEF network element may send a first event subscription request to the AMF network element after receiving the second event subscription request sent by the AF network element, so the subscription event in the first event subscription request may be related to the subscription event in the second event subscription request.

[0458] Therefore, after receiving the first information, the NEF network element may send an event notification (Nnef_EventExposure_Notify) message to the AF network element because the AF network element subscribes to the event. The message may include the first information.

[0459] In this embodiment, the management terminal may transmit the information of the first home base station and the information of the second terminal allowed to access the first home base station to the AF network element through the control plane.

[0460] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 10, the method may include S1001 to S1008.

[0461] S1001: The second terminal establishes a session with the AS.

[0462] In this embodiment, when the second terminal needs to access the first home base station, the second terminal can establish a session with the AS to obtain temporary CAG information. The manner in which the second terminal establishes a session with the AS is similar to the manner in which the first terminal establishes a session with the AS. For details, refer to S301 and are not repeated here.

[0463] S1002: The second terminal sends third information to the AS, where the third information indicates a verification condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0464] In this embodiment, after the second terminal establishes a session with the AS, the second terminal may send third information to the AS to indicate the authentication condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station. Correspondingly, the AS may receive the third information.

[0465] As an example, the third information may include a verification condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station, indication information of a first CAG, and indication information of the second terminal, where the first CAG is the CAG corresponding to the first home base station. For the indication information of the first CAG and the indication information of the second terminal, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in the preceding embodiments and are not repeated here.

[0466] In this embodiment, the second terminal can obtain indication information of the first CAG from the management terminal of the first home base station, such as the ID of the first CAG or the CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station. It should be understood that when the verification condition reported by the second terminal corresponds to the restriction condition set by the first terminal, the second terminal may be allowed to access the network through the first home base station. As an example, when the restriction condition includes the use of a key, the verification condition may be encrypted data generated by the second terminal using a public key. For example, the second terminal may use the public key to encrypt the indication information of the first CAG and the indication information of the second terminal. If the AS can decrypt the encrypted data using the private key, the verification condition is considered to meet the restriction condition. If the AS cannot decrypt the verification condition using the private key, the verification condition is considered to fail to meet the restriction condition. As an example, when the restriction condition includes the use of a password, the verification condition may be the use of a password. If the use password in the verification condition is consistent with the use password in the restriction condition, the verification condition is considered to meet the restriction condition. If the use password in the verification condition is inconsistent with the use password in the restriction condition, the verification condition is considered to fail to meet the restriction condition.

[0467] S1003 : The second terminal receives fourth information sent by the AS, where the fourth information indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0468] In this embodiment, after receiving the third information, the AS may verify the verification condition indicated by the third information. If the verification condition meets the restriction condition, the AS sends fourth information to the second terminal to indicate that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

[0469] As an example, the fourth information may include temporary CAG information of the second terminal, and the temporary CAG information of the second terminal may include a CAG ID broadcast by the first home base station.

[0470] Accordingly, the second terminal may receive the fourth information, and after receiving the fourth information, may select the first home base station or a CAG cell under the first home base station to access the network according to the CAG ID in the fourth information.

[0471] S1004. The AF network element sends second information to the NEF network element. The second information indicates that indication information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0472] In this embodiment, if the AS determines that the verification condition of the second terminal meets the restriction condition, it can inform the AF network element. This application does not restrict the transmission method between the AS and the AF network element. After the AF network element knows that the verification condition of the second terminal meets the restriction condition, it can trigger the external parameter provision / granting / issuance process. For example, the AF network element can determine the home operator network of the second terminal based on the indication information of the second terminal in the third information, and send a request message to the NEF network element in the home operator network, such as an external parameter creation request (Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create request) message. The request message can include second information, and the second information indicates that the indication information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal. The indication information of the first CAG is, for example, the identifier of the first CAG.

[0473] As an example, the second information may include indication information of the first CAG and indication information of the second terminal.

[0474] As an example, the second information may further include condition information for the second terminal to access the first home base station, such as usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

[0475] In this embodiment, the description of the indication information of the first CAG, the indication information of the second terminal and the restriction conditions can refer to the relevant description in S302 and will not be repeated here.

[0476] S1005. The NEF network element sends second information to the UDM network element. The second information indicates that indication information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0477] S1006: The UDM network element updates the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0478] In this embodiment, the specific implementation methods of S1005 and S1006 can refer to S502 and S503 respectively, and will not be repeated here.

[0479] S1007 , the UDM network element sends a response message to the NEF network element, where the response message indicates that the subscription data update of the second terminal is complete.

[0480] S1008. The NEF network element sends a response message to the AF network element, where the response message indicates that the subscription data of the second terminal is updated completely.

[0481] In this embodiment, the specific implementation methods of S1007 and S1008 can refer to S506 and S507 respectively, and will not be repeated here.

[0482] In a possible implementation, when the subscription data stored in the UDM network element changes, the UDM network element may trigger a UCU process to update the latest subscription data to the second terminal, such as the method shown in S504 and S505.

[0483] In this implementation, S504 and S505 can be used to replace S1003, that is, after executing S1001 and S002, S1004 to S1008 can be directly executed, and then S504 and S505 can be executed, or after executing S1001 and S002, S1004 to S1006 can be directly executed, and after executing S504 and S505, S1007 and S1008 can be executed. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0484] In this embodiment, the second terminal can obtain the temporary CAG information through the user plane. After obtaining the temporary CAG information, the second terminal can register to access the core network where the first home base station is located based on the temporary CAG information. The registration process can be referred to the relevant description in Figure 6 and will not be repeated here.

[0485] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11 , the method may include S1101 to S1111.

[0486] S1101: The second terminal sends third information to the AMF network element, where the third information indicates a verification condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

[0487] In this embodiment, when the second terminal needs to access the first home base station, it may send an NAS message to the AMF network element. The NAS message may include third information indicating the verification conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station. The third information can refer to the relevant description in S1002 and is not repeated here.

[0488] In some embodiments, the first terminal may further send third information to the AMF network element through an access network device, where the access network device may be a first home base station, and the access network device is configured to forward the third information.

[0489] Correspondingly, the AMF network element can receive the third information.

[0490] S1102, the AMF network element sends an event notification message to the NEF network element, and the event notification message includes the third information.

[0491] As an example, before executing the method provided in this embodiment, or before executing S1101 or S1102, the NEF network element may send a first event subscription request to the AMF network element. For example, the NEF network element may send an event subscription (Namf_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the AMF network element to subscribe to an event with the AMF. The event may be that there is any terminal updating the verification condition for accessing the first home base station to the network. The any terminal may include a second terminal.

[0492] Therefore, after receiving the third information, the AMF network element can send an event notification (Namf_EventExposure_Notify) message to the NEF network element because the NEF network element has subscribed to the event. The message can include the third information. Accordingly, the NEF network element can receive the third information.

[0493] S1103: The NEF network element sends an event notification message to the AF network element. The event notification message includes third information.

[0494] As an example, before executing the method provided in this embodiment, or before executing S1101, S1102, or S1103, the AF network element may send a second event subscription request to the NEF network element. For example, the AF network element may send an event subscription (Nnef_EventExposure_Subscribe) message to the NEF network element to subscribe to an event with the NEF. The event is, for example, that any terminal updates the verification condition for accessing the first home base station to the network. The any terminal may include the second terminal.

[0495] As an example, the NEF network element may send a first event subscription request to the AMF network element after receiving the second event subscription request sent by the AF network element, so the subscription event in the first event subscription request may be related to the subscription event in the second event subscription request.

[0496] Therefore, after receiving the third information, the NEF network element can send an event notification (Nnef_EventExposure_Notify) message to the AF network element because the AF network element has subscribed to the event. The message can include the third information. Correspondingly, the AF network element can receive the third information.

[0497] S1104: The AF network element verifies the verification condition.

[0498] In this embodiment, after receiving the third information, the AF network element may verify the verification conditions in the third information to determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station. If the verification conditions reported by the second terminal match the restriction conditions set by the first terminal, the second terminal may be allowed to access the network through the first home base station. In this embodiment, the manner in which the AF network element verifies the verification conditions can be found in the relevant description of S1002 and will not be repeated here.

[0499] S1105. The AF network element sends second information to the NEF network element. The second information indicates that indication information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0500] In this embodiment, if the AF network element determines that the verification conditions of the second terminal meet the restriction conditions, it can trigger the external parameter provision / granting / issuance process and send a second message to the NEF network element. The second information indicates that the indication information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0501] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of S1105 can refer to S1004 and will not be repeated here.

[0502] S1106. The NEF network element sends second information to the UDM network element. The second information indicates that the indication information of the first CAG is saved in the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0503] S1107: The UDM network element updates the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0504] S1108, the UDM network element sends a subscription data management notification message to the AMF network element, which includes the indication information of the second terminal and the temporary CAG information of the second terminal.

[0505] S1109, the AMF network element updates the latest subscription data to the second terminal.

[0506] S1110 , the UDM network element sends a response message to the NEF network element, where the response message indicates that the subscription data of the second terminal is updated completely.

[0507] S1111. The NEF network element sends a response message to the AF network element, where the response message indicates that the subscription data of the second terminal is updated successfully.

[0508] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of S1106 to S1111 can refer to S502 to S507 and will not be repeated here.

[0509] In this embodiment, the second terminal can obtain the temporary CAG information through the control plane. After obtaining the temporary CAG information, the second terminal can register to access the core network where the first home base station is located based on the temporary CAG information. The registration process can be referred to the relevant description in Figure 6 and will not be repeated here.

[0510] In this embodiment, the management terminal can set a static restriction condition for the visitor terminal to access the first home base station in the first functional network element, so that the restriction condition can be used to verify the verification condition when the second terminal provides the verification condition to the first functional network element. If the verification condition meets the restriction condition, the AS can send temporary CAG information to the second terminal, so that the second terminal can obtain the temporary CAG information, or the AF network element triggers the external parameter provision process, so that the UDM network element can save the temporary CAG information in the subscription data of the second terminal and update the latest subscription data to the second terminal through the UCU process, so that the second terminal can obtain the temporary CAG information, so that the second terminal can access the first home base station to obtain network services. In this embodiment, the visitor terminal can actively trigger the process of obtaining temporary CAG information. As long as the visitor terminal meets the restriction condition set by the management terminal of the first home base station, the visitor terminal can trigger the process to obtain the temporary CAG information at any time when the temporary CAG information is needed, thereby improving the flexibility of the visitor terminal in obtaining temporary CAG information.

[0511] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the device 1200 may include: a receiving module 1210 , a sending module 1220 , and a processing module 1230 .

[0512] In one possible implementation, the apparatus 1200 may be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the first terminal or the AS in FIG. 3 .

[0513] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the first terminal in Figure 3, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operation performed by the first terminal in S301, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the first terminal in S302.

[0514] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AS in Figure 3, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AS in S301, and the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AS in S302.

[0515] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 can be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the first terminal, AMF network element, NEF network element or AF network element in Figure 4.

[0516] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the first terminal in FIG. 4 , the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the first terminal in S401 .

[0517] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AMF network element in Figure 4, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AMF network element in S401, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AMF network element in S402.

[0518] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the NEF network element in FIG4 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the NEF network element in S402 , and the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the NEF network element in S403 .

[0519] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AF network element in FIG. 4 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the AF network element in S403 .

[0520] Optionally, the apparatus 1200 may further implement various steps / operations performed by the first home base station in FIG. 4 .

[0521] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 can be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the AF network element, NEF network element, UDM network element, AMF network element or the second terminal in Figure 5.

[0522] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AF network element in FIG5 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the AF network element in S507 , and the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the AF network element in S501 .

[0523] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the NEF network element in Figure 5, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the NEF network element in S501 and S506, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the NEF network element in S502 and S507.

[0524] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the UDM network element in Figure 5, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S502, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S504 and S506, and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement S503.

[0525] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AMF network element in Figure 5, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operation performed by the AMF network element in S504, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the AMF network element in S505.

[0526] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the second terminal in FIG. 5 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S505 .

[0527] Optionally, the apparatus 1200 may further implement the steps / operations performed by the base station in FIG5 .

[0528] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 can be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the second terminal, the first home base station, the AMF network element, the AUSF network element or the UDM network element in Figure 6.

[0529] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the second terminal in Figure 6, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S608, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S601, and one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S605.

[0530] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the first home base station in FIG. 6 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operations performed by the first home base station in S601 and S607, the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operations performed by the first home base station in S603 and S608, and the processing module 1230 may be used to implement S602.

[0531] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AMF network element in Figure 6, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operation performed by the AMF network element in S603, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the AMF network element in S607, the processing module 1230 can be used to implement S604, and one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AMF network element in S605 and S606.

[0532] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AUSF network element in Figure 6, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operation performed by the AUSF network element in S605.

[0533] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the UDM network element in FIG6 , one or more modules among the receiving module 1210 , the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 may be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S605 and S606 .

[0534] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 can be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the first terminal, the second AMF network element, the second functional network element, the second terminal, the first AMF network element, the AUSF network element or the UDM network element in Figure 7.

[0535] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the first terminal in FIG. 7 , the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the first terminal in S701 .

[0536] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the second AMF network element in Figure 7, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second AMF network element in S701, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second AMF network element in S702.

[0537] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the second functional network element in Figure 7, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the second functional network element in S702 and S705, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the second functional network element in S706, and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the second functional network element in S703.

[0538] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the second terminal in Figure 7, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S711, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S704, and one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S709.

[0539] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the first AMF network element in Figure 7, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the first AMF network element in S704, S706 and S710, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the first AMF network element in S705 and S711, the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the first AMF network element in S707 and S708, and one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the first AMF network element in S709 and S710.

[0540] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AUSF network element in Figure 7, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operation performed by the AUSF network element in S709.

[0541] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the UDM network element in Figure 7, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AUSF network element in S709 and S710.

[0542] Optionally, the apparatus 1200 may further implement various steps / operations performed by the first home base station in FIG. 7 .

[0543] In one possible implementation, the apparatus 1200 may be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the first terminal or the AS in FIG8 .

[0544] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the first terminal in Figure 8, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operation performed by the first terminal in S801, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the first terminal in S802.

[0545] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AS in Figure 8, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AS in S801, and the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AS in S802.

[0546] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 can be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the first terminal, AMF network element, NEF network element or AF network element in Figure 9.

[0547] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the first terminal in FIG. 9 , the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the first terminal in S901 .

[0548] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AMF network element in Figure 9, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AMF network element in S901, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AMF network element in S902.

[0549] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the NEF network element in FIG9 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the NEF network element in S902 , and the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the NEF network element in S903 .

[0550] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AF network element in FIG. 9 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the AF network element in S903 .

[0551] Optionally, the apparatus 1200 may also implement various steps / operations performed by the first home base station in FIG. 9 .

[0552] In one possible implementation, the apparatus 1200 may be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the second terminal, AS, UDM network element, NEF network element, or AF network element in FIG10 .

[0553] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the second terminal in Figure 10, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S1001, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S1003, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S1002.

[0554] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AS in Figure 10, one or more modules among the receiving module 1210, the sending module 1220 and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AS in S1001, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AS in S1002, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AS in S1003.

[0555] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AF network element in FIG10 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the AF network element in S1008 , and the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the AF network element in S1004 .

[0556] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the NEF network element in Figure 10, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the NEF network element in S1004 and S1007, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the NEF network element in S1005 and S1008.

[0557] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the UDM network element in Figure 10, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S1005, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S1007, and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S1006.

[0558] Optionally, the device 1200 can also implement the various steps / operations performed by the base station or AMF in Figure 10.

[0559] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 can be used to implement the various steps / operations performed by the second terminal, AMF network element, UDM network element, NEF network element or AF network element in Figure 11.

[0560] As an example, when the apparatus 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the second terminal in FIG. 11 , the receiving module 1210 may be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S1109 , and the sending module 1220 may be used to implement the operation performed by the second terminal in S1101 .

[0561] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AMF network element in Figure 11, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AMF network element in S1101 and S1108, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AMF network element in S1102 and S1109.

[0562] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the UDM network element in Figure 11, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S1106, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S1108 and S1110, and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the UDM network element in S1107.

[0563] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the NEF network element in Figure 11, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the NEF network element in S1102, S1105 and S1110, and the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the NEF network element in S1103, S1106 and S1111.

[0564] As an example, when the device 1200 is used to implement the method implemented by the AF network element in Figure 11, the receiving module 1210 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AF network element in S1103 and S1111, the sending module 1220 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AF network element in S1105, and the processing module 1230 can be used to implement the operations performed by the AF network element in S1104.

[0565] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by another embodiment of the present application. The device 1300 shown in Figure 13 can be used to implement the method executed by the first terminal, the second terminal or each core network element in any of the above embodiments.

[0566] As shown in Figure 13 , the apparatus 1300 of this embodiment includes a memory 1310, a processor 1320, a communication interface 1330, and a bus 1340. The memory 1310, the processor 1320, and the communication interface 1330 are connected to each other via the bus 1340.

[0567] The memory 1310 may be a read-only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device, or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 1310 may store a program. When the program stored in the memory 1310 is executed by the processor 1320, the processor 1320 is configured to execute the steps / operations performed by the first terminal, the second terminal, or each core network element in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0568] The processor 1320 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits to execute relevant programs to implement the communication method shown in the method embodiment of the present application.

[0569] The processor 1320 may also be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the communication method shown in the embodiment of the present application may be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor 1320 or by instructions in the form of software.

[0570] The processor 1320 may also be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application may be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0571] The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 1310, and the processor 1320 reads the information in the memory 1310 and, in combination with its hardware, completes the functions required to be performed by the units included in the communication device of the present application. For example, the various steps / functions performed by the first terminal, the second terminal, or each core network element in the aforementioned embodiment can be executed.

[0572] Optionally, the memory 1310 and the processor 1320 may be integrated together.

[0573] The communication interface 1330 may use, but is not limited to, a transceiver or other transceiver device to implement communication between the apparatus 1300 and other devices or apparatuses.

[0574] The bus 1340 may include a path for transmitting information between the various components of the device 1300 (eg, the memory 1310 , the processor 1320 , and the communication interface 1330 ).

[0575] Some embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product that, when executed on a processor, can implement the methods described in the aforementioned embodiments. Some embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium that contains computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the methods described in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0576] It should be noted that the modules or components shown in the above embodiments may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For another example, when a module is implemented by a processing element calling a program code, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor that can call a program code, such as a controller. For another example, these modules may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0577] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, software modules or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function according to the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0578] It will be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are merely distinctions for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0579] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first functional network element, and the method includes: Receiving first information from a first terminal, where the first information indicates a second terminal permitted to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; Sending second information, where the second information indicates saving indication information of a first closed access group in subscription data of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first functional network element, and the method includes: Receiving first information from a first terminal, where the first information indicates a restriction condition for a visitor terminal to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; Receiving third information from a second terminal, where the third information includes a verification condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station, indication information of a first closed access group, and indication information of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station; When the verification condition meets the restriction condition, sending second information, where the second information indicates saving the indication information of the first closed access group in the subscription data of the second terminal.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, usage key, usage password, or usage bandwidth.

7. A communication method, characterized in that The method is applied to a first terminal, and the method includes: Determining first information, where the first information indicates a second terminal permitted to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; Sending the first information to a first functional network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first information further includes a restriction condition for the second terminal to access the first home base station.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first terminal, and the method includes: Determining first information, where the first information indicates a restriction condition for a visitor terminal to access a first home base station, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station; Sending the first information to a first functional network element.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The first information includes indication information of a first closed access group and indication information of the restriction condition, and the first closed access group is a closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The restriction condition includes at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, usage key, usage password, or usage bandwidth.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second terminal, and the method further includes: Send third information to a first functional network element, where the third information includes verification conditions for the second terminal to access a first home base station, indication information of a first closed access group, and indication information of the second terminal, and the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station; Receive fourth information from the first functional network element, where the fourth information indicates that the second terminal is allowed to access the first home base station.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The indication information of the first closed access group includes an identifier of the first closed access group and / or an identifier of a first terminal, where the identifier of the first terminal is used to determine the identifier of the first closed access group, and the first terminal is a management terminal of the first home base station.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, and the method includes: Send fifth information to a second functional network element, where the fifth information is used to request to determine whether to allow a second terminal to access a first home base station, and the fifth information includes indication information of the second terminal; Receive sixth information from the second functional network element, where the sixth information indicates whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The fifth information further includes indication information of a first closed access group, and the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The sixth information includes indication information on whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station and / or information on the closed access group to which the second terminal is allowed to access.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein When the sixth information includes information on the closed access group to which the second terminal is allowed to access, the method further includes: When the information on the closed access group to which the second terminal is allowed to access includes information on the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station, allow the second terminal to access the first home base station.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second functional network element, and the method includes: Receive fifth information from an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, where the fifth information is used to request to determine whether to allow a second terminal to access a first home base station, and the fifth information includes indication information of the second terminal; Send sixth information to the AMF network element, where the sixth information indicates whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The fifth information further includes indication information of a first closed access group, and the first closed access group is the closed access group corresponding to the first home base station.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The sixth information includes indication information on whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station and / or information on the closed access group to which the second terminal is allowed to access.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, Before sending the sixth information to the AMF network element, the method further includes: Determine whether to allow the second terminal to access the first home base station based on the fifth information and the information on the closed access group to which the second terminal is allowed to access.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The method further includes: Receive first information from a first terminal, where the first information indicates a second terminal allowed to access the first home base station; Determine the information on the closed access group to which the second terminal is allowed to access based on the first information.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The first information includes indication information of the first closed access group and indication information of the second terminal.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The first information further includes the restriction conditions for the second terminal to access the first home base station, and the restriction conditions include at least one of the following conditions: usage time, usage duration, usage location, or usage bandwidth.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, A communication device for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Each functional module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, the processor being coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, and when the processor calls the computer program, causing the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that, Comprising computer program code which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

30. A computer-readable medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable medium stores program code for execution by a computer, the program code including instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

Images