Access and location management method, apparatus and system based on slices

Abstract

Provided in the present application are an access and location management method, apparatus and system based on slices. The method comprises: in response to a slice terminal initiating a registration request to a slice network, acquiring a list of base stations supported by the slice terminal; the slice terminal independently initiating a cell re-selection request, and determining a re-selected target cell from the list of base stations; a current camped cell initiating a cell handover request, the camped cell issuing measurement control information of a neighboring cell to the slice terminal, and after the slice terminal completes the measurement of the neighboring cell, the current camped cell determining, from the list of base stations, a target cell for a handover; and in response to the slice terminal exchanging signaling with an AMF, managing the location of the slice terminal on the basis of the list of base stations.

Description

A method, apparatus and system for access and location management based on slicing

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410550409.4, filed in China on May 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a slice-based access and location management method, apparatus and system. Background Technology

[0004] The existing 5th generation (5 th In Generation 5G private network applications, network slicing is often limited to specific areas, and base stations in non-sliced ​​areas may not need to deploy slicing functionality. Because sliced ​​terminals cannot identify whether a base station supports the required slicing capabilities, and the base station the terminal connects to does not verify or identify the terminal's slicing capabilities, when a sliced ​​terminal moves to a non-sliced ​​area, the services of the terminal will be disrupted because the base station does not support the required slicing capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to at least partially address one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0006] Therefore, the first objective of this application is to propose a slice-based access and location management method that can detect in advance the network access of terminals with slice functions that are not supported by the network or terminals with illegal slice functions, thereby preventing slice terminals from residing on networks that do not support their slice functions and achieving fault avoidance for slice terminals accessing networks that do not support slice functions.

[0007] The second objective of this application is to propose a slice-based access and location management device.

[0008] The third objective of this application is to propose a slice-based access and location management system.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this application proposes a slice-based access and location management method, comprising:

[0010] In response to the slice terminal initiating a registration request to the slice network, the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal is obtained;

[0011] If the slice terminal is in an idle state, the slice terminal will initiate a cell reselection request autonomously, read the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determine the target cell for reselection in the base station list.

[0012] If the slice terminal is in an active state, the currently camped cell initiates a cell handover request. The camped cell sends neighbor cell measurement and control information to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list.

[0013] In response to the exchange of signaling between the sliced ​​terminal and the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the location of the sliced ​​terminal is managed according to the base station list.

[0014] Optionally, the step of responding to the slice terminal initiating a registration request to the slice network and obtaining a list of base stations supported by the slice terminal includes:

[0015] In response to the completion of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection by the slice terminal, the NSSAI slice information of the network slice selection assistance information to be accessed is indicated to the base station through the RRC connection completion message. The base station selects the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to initiate a registration request to the slice network based on the NSSAI slice information.

[0016] The AMF queries the Unified Data Management Function (UDM) for the NSSAI subscription of the slice terminal.

[0017] Based on the signed NSSAI and the request NSSAI carried in the registration request, determine whether the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal;

[0018] If the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal, the AMF queries the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) to find the AMF supported by the subscribed NSSAI, and determines whether the current AMF supports the subscribed NSSAI of the slice terminal.

[0019] If the current AMF supports the NSSAI subscription of the slice terminal, the current AMF sends a registration success signaling message to the slice terminal, and the registration success signaling message carries the list of base stations allowed by the slice network.

[0020] Optional, also includes:

[0021] If the slice terminal is not a valid slice terminal, the current AMF sends a registration failure instruction to the slice terminal, ending the registration process; and,

[0022] If the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal but the current AMF does not support the slice terminal's NSSAI subscription, the current AMF is redirected to the target AMF, which then sends a registration success signal to the slice terminal. The target AMF supports the slice terminal's NSSAI subscription.

[0023] Optionally, if the slice terminal is in an idle state, the slice terminal autonomously initiates a cell reselection request, reads the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determines the target cell for reselection in the base station list, including:

[0024] In response to the cell reselection request initiated autonomously by the slice terminal, the reselection frequency, reselection priority and reselection threshold of the neighboring cells are read according to the SIB message of the camped cell.

[0025] Read the NCGI information of the neighboring cell according to the reselected frequency point, and determine whether the neighboring cell is in the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal according to the NCGI information;

[0026] If the neighboring cell is in the base station list supported by the slice terminal, the neighboring cell is reselected according to the SIB message of the camped cell, and the cell quality of the neighboring cell is evaluated according to the reselection frequency, reselection priority and reselection threshold of the neighboring cell according to the reselection criteria.

[0027] If the cell quality of the neighboring cell meets the reselection criteria, the neighboring cell in the base station list will be used as the target cell for reselection.

[0028] Optional, also includes:

[0029] For neighboring cells in the base station list, if the cell quality of all neighboring cells fails to meet the reselection criteria, the neighboring cell with the strongest signal is selected as the target cell for reselection.

[0030] Optionally, if the slice terminal is in an active state, the currently camped cell initiates a cell handover request, the camped cell sends neighbor cell measurement and control information to the slice terminal, and after the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list, including:

[0031] The slice terminal requests access to the camped cell via Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0032] The currently residing cell checks whether it stores a list of base stations for the accessed slice terminals;

[0033] If the cell where the base station is located stores the list of base stations, determine whether the signal quality of the cell where the base station is located is lower than the handover initiation threshold;

[0034] If the signal quality of the stationed cell is lower than the handover initiation threshold, the neighboring cells belonging to the base station list are filtered according to the neighboring cell list configured by itself, and the neighboring cells are configured with slicing functions corresponding to the slicing terminal, and the corresponding measurement and control information is sent to the slicing terminal.

[0035] The slicing terminal measures the neighboring cells according to the measurement control information, generates a measurement report, and uploads the measurement report to the stationed cell;

[0036] The stationed cell determines the target cell for handover based on the measurement report and executes the handover procedure. It transmits the base station list to the target cell through the X2 interface. The target cell belongs to the neighboring cells of the base station list.

[0037] Optional, also includes:

[0038] If none of the neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list are configured with the slicing function corresponding to the slicing terminal, send all neighboring cell measurement and control information belonging to the base station list to the slicing terminal;

[0039] If none of the neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list belong to the base station list, send all neighboring cell measurement and control information with slicing function to the slicing terminal.

[0040] If a neighboring cell in the neighboring cell list is neither in the base station list nor configured with the corresponding slicing function of the slicing terminal, measurement and control information for all neighboring cells is sent to the slicing terminal.

[0041] Optionally, the step of managing the location of the slice terminal according to the base station list in response to the signaling exchange between the slice terminal and the AMF includes:

[0042] When the slice terminal exchanges signaling with the AMF, the AMF determines the cell where the slice terminal camps based on the signaling, and the signaling carries the real-time location information (ULI) of the slice terminal.

[0043] The AMF determines whether the cell where the sliced ​​terminal is camped is in the base station list;

[0044] If the cell where the slice terminal is camped is not in the base station list, the AMF sends a registration rejection result to the slice terminal and instructs the slice terminal to re-register;

[0045] The slice terminal, based on the base station list, re-camps to a cell in the base station list by reselection or switching, and resends a registration request to the slice network.

[0046] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of this application provides a slice-based access and location management device, comprising:

[0047] The mobility management module, in response to a registration request initiated by a slice terminal to the slice network, is used to obtain a list of base stations supported by the slice terminal;

[0048] The cell reselection module, if the slice terminal is in an idle state, is used to initiate a cell reselection request autonomously through the slice terminal, read the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determine the target cell for reselection in the base station list.

[0049] The handover module, if the slice terminal is in an active state, is used to initiate a cell handover request through the currently camped cell. The camped cell sends neighbor cell measurement and control information to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list.

[0050] The location management module, in response to the signaling exchanged between the slice terminal and the AMF, manages the location of the slice terminal according to the base station list.

[0051] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of this application proposes a slice-based access and location management system, comprising:

[0052] The slice-based access and location management device described in the second aspect above;

[0053] The terminal signaling interaction module is used to realize the air interface signaling interaction between the base station and the slice terminal;

[0054] The AMF selection module is used to select the AMF and interact with the air interface access signaling based on the air interface access signaling of the slice terminal.

[0055] A mobility module is used to control the reselection and handover of the sliced ​​terminals based on the access feedback from the AMF and the slicing function configuration of the base station;

[0056] The slice capability verification module is used to verify the subscribed slice capability of the slice terminal according to the access request of the slice terminal, and indicate the list of base stations that the slice terminal and the base station are allowed to camp on.

[0057] The location tracking module is used to determine whether the location of the slice terminal is within the slice area allowed by the network configuration based on the ULI information reported by the slice terminal, and instruct the slice terminal to start the re-registration process.

[0058] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application bring at least the following beneficial effects:

[0059] During the initial registration phase of a sliced ​​terminal, the network informs the terminal of the list of available base stations, restricting the sliced ​​terminal's camping, reselection, and handover target cells. After the terminal enters a non-slice cell, it is instructed to return to the sliced ​​network. This allows for early detection of network access by terminals with unsupported sliced ​​functions or those with illegal sliced ​​functions, preventing sliced ​​terminals from camping on networks that do not support their sliced ​​functions. This achieves fault avoidance for sliced ​​terminals accessing networks that do not support sliced ​​functions, ensuring the establishment of PDU sessions and the normal continuation of sliced ​​services. It also prevents service interruptions caused by sliced ​​terminals moving to base stations that do not support sliced ​​functions. Compared to existing technologies, this solution is more in line with existing protocol standards, has higher feasibility, and better performance. Furthermore, through 5GC's real-time terminal location tracking management, the network layer prevents sliced ​​terminals from moving outside the permitted area, further strengthening and enhancing the service continuity and security of sliced ​​terminals. This facilitates the flexibility and security of sliced ​​service promotion and deployment.

[0060] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0062] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a slice-based access and location management method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining a base station list according to an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a target cell for reselection according to an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a handover target cell according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a network location tracking method based on a slice terminal according to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a slice-based access and location management device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a slice-based access and location management system according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0070] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a slice-based access and location management method, apparatus, and system according to embodiments of this application.

[0071] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a slice-based access and location management method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the method includes the following steps:

[0072] Step 101: In response to the slice terminal initiating a registration request to the slice network, obtain the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal.

[0073] In this embodiment, network slicing is a novel concept introduced in 5G networks, capable of providing differentiated services based on varying customer requests. The network manages the slice types and services each terminal is eligible to use according to the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) indicates the network service capabilities the network provides to the terminal, including one or more Single-NSSAIs (S-NSSAI). Each network slice is uniquely identified by its S-NSSAI, and the network provides specific network slice services based on the NSSAI subscribed to by the terminal.

[0074] In this embodiment, after the slicing terminal initiates a registration request to the network, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and other 5G Core Network (5GC) elements verify the terminal's slicing capabilities, comparing the terminal's subscribed slicing capabilities with the requested slicing capabilities, and providing signaling feedback on registration success and slicing capability verification status. If the subscribed slicing capabilities and the requested slicing capabilities do not match, the corresponding slicing capability request is rejected via a registration failure instruction field in the signaling.

[0075] Through this step, the network side informs the terminal of the supported base station list during the registration phase, and the sliced ​​terminal only moves within the base station list indicated by the network; all base stations in the list are configured with the slicing functions required by the terminal. This restricts the terminal to always moving within the sliced ​​network coverage area, preventing the sliced ​​terminal from occupying base stations that do not support slicing.

[0076] Step 102: If the slice terminal is in an idle state, the slice terminal initiates a cell reselection request independently, reads the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determines the target cell for reselection in the base station list.

[0077] In this embodiment, the slicing terminal determines the target cell for reselection based on the list of allowed base stations in the service area list in the registration success signaling. Cell reselection in the idle state is performed autonomously by the slicing terminal. The slicing terminal determines the target cell for reselection based on the list of allowed base stations issued by the network during initial registration. Cells outside the list of allowed base stations are not reselected. The base station also saves the list of base stations supported by the slicing terminal and performs mobility management on the slicing terminal.

[0078] Furthermore, the terminal reads the System Information Block (SIB) of the base station it is camped on, obtains information such as the measurement frequency point, reselection priority, and reselection threshold of neighboring cells, and determines whether it belongs to the cell in the list of base stations allowed by the slice based on the neighboring cell (NCGI).

[0079] It should be noted that the slicing terminal only measures cells that belong to the base station list and performs cell reselection operations.

[0080] Step 103: If the slice terminal is in an active state, the currently camped cell initiates a cell handover request. The camped cell sends the neighbor cell measurement and control information to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list.

[0081] In this embodiment, the slicing terminal determines the handover target cell based on the list of allowed base stations in the service area list in the registration success signaling. The cell handover in the active state of the slicing terminal is jointly completed by the base station and the terminal. The handover target cell is a cell in the base station list supported by the slicing terminal. Cells outside the base station list are not considered as handover candidate cells.

[0082] Furthermore, since the cell where the slice terminal is camped may not retain the list of base stations allowed by the slice terminal, after the slice terminal enters the active state, the camped cell queries the AMF for the list of allowed base stations and sends the neighbor cell measurement control message belonging to the base station list to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the base station determines the handover target cell, which belongs to the base station list. After the handover is completed, the base station transmits the base station list to the target base station through the X2 interface.

[0083] Step 104: In response to the slice terminal exchanging signaling with the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the location of the slice terminal is managed according to the base station list.

[0084] In this embodiment of the application, by leveraging the real-time location management mechanism introduced by 5G, the allowed mobile location area of ​​the slice terminal is configured through the base station list in the 5GC network, and the AMF manages the location of the slice terminal.

[0085] Furthermore, when the slice terminal exchanges signaling with the AMF, the 5G terminal carries its real-time location (UE Location Information, ULI) through the signaling and sends it to the AMF via the base station. The AMF determines the real-time location of the terminal based on the ULI information reported by the slice terminal and determines whether it exceeds the allowed slice network coverage area. If it exceeds the allowed area, the terminal's registration is rejected, the slice terminal reconnects to the allowed base station, and re-initiates registration to access the network.

[0086] The slice-based access and location management method in this application embodiment, during the initial registration phase of the slice terminal, informs the terminal of the list of available base stations, restricts the slice terminal's camping, reselection, and handover target cells, and instructs the terminal to return to the slice network after entering a non-slice cell. This method can detect network access of terminals with slice functions not supported by the network or terminals with illegal slice functions in advance, preventing slice terminals from camping on networks that do not support their slice functions. This achieves fault avoidance for slice terminals accessing networks that do not support slice functions, ensures the establishment of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions and the normal continuation of slice services, and avoids service interruption caused by slice terminals moving to base stations that do not support slice functions. In addition, through the real-time location tracking management of the terminal by 5GC, the network layer avoids slice terminals moving outside the allowed area, further strengthening and improving the service continuity and security of slice terminals, and facilitating the flexibility and security of the promotion and deployment of slice services.

[0087] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining a base station list according to an embodiment of this application.

[0088] As shown in Figure 2, the method may include the following steps:

[0089] Step 201: The slice terminal initiates a registration request to the slice network.

[0090] In this embodiment, after the slice terminal completes the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection, it sends the network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) to the base station via the RRC connection completion message. The base station then selects the access and mobility management function (AMF) based on the NSSAI slice information and initiates a registration request to the slice network.

[0091] In this embodiment, the terminal can provide an NSSAI to assist the base station in selecting an AMF. If the provided NSSAI is available, the base station selects an AMF based on the NSSAI; if the provided NSSAI is unavailable or not provided, the base station selects the default AMF. Terminals that are not registering for the first time can also provide a Temp ID to assist the base station in selecting an AMF. The Temp ID is an identifier assigned to the terminal by the most recently registered AMF and can uniquely identify the AMF.

[0092] For either Temp ID or NSSAI, as long as one of the pieces of information is valid, the base station will select the AMF based on either of the provided pieces of information; if neither Temp ID nor NSSAI is valid, the base station will still accept the terminal and provide the default AMF selection. However, if the terminal accesses a base station that does not support slicing capabilities, the terminal slicing service will be unable to be carried out.

[0093] Step 202: AMF queries the Unified Data Management Function (UDM) for the NSSAI contract of the slice terminal.

[0094] Step 203: Determine whether the slicing terminal is a valid slicing terminal.

[0095] In this embodiment of the application, the validity of a slice terminal is determined by comparing the signed NSSAI of the slice terminal queried in step 202 with the request NSSAI carried in the registration request in step 201.

[0096] If the contracted slicing capabilities do not match the requested slicing capabilities, proceed to step 207.

[0097] Step 204: If the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal, determine whether the current AMF supports the slice terminal's NSSAI subscription.

[0098] In this embodiment of the application, the AMF queries the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) to find the AMFs supported by the NSSAI subscription, and determines whether the current AMF supports the NSSAI subscription of the slice terminal.

[0099] If the current AMF does not support the NSSAI subscription for the slice terminal, proceed to step 205; otherwise, proceed to step 206.

[0100] Step 205: Redirect from the current AMF to the target AMF that supports the NSSAI subscription of the slice terminal, and obtain the list of base stations supported by the terminal.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, when the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal but the current AMF does not support the slice terminal's NSSAI subscription, the current AMF is redirected to the target AMF that supports the slice terminal's NSSAI subscription, and the target AMF queries the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal.

[0102] Step 206: The AMF sends a registration success signal to the slice terminal, which carries a list of base stations allowed by the slice network.

[0103] In this embodiment, the AMF that supports NSSAI subscription for slice terminals sends a registration success signal to the slice terminal.

[0104] Step 207: If the slice terminal is not a valid slice terminal, the current AMF sends a registration failure instruction to the slice terminal to end the registration process.

[0105] In this embodiment of the application, when the slice capability signed by the queried slice terminal does not match the requested slice capability, the AMF issues a registration failure instruction to the slice terminal.

[0106] In this embodiment of the application, through the above-described initial registration process, the NSSAI subscription information of the slice terminal is stored in the Unified Data Management Function (UDM), the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal is stored in the supported AMF, and the list of base stations is informed to the slice terminal during the initial registration stage of the terminal.

[0107] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a target cell to be reselected according to an embodiment of this application.

[0108] As shown in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps:

[0109] Step 301: Read the reselection frequency, reselection priority and reselection threshold of neighboring cells based on the SIB message of the stationed cell.

[0110] In this embodiment of the application, if the slicing terminal is in an idle state, the slicing terminal initiates a cell reselection request independently and reads information such as the reselection frequency point, reselection priority, and reselection threshold of the neighboring cells according to the SIB message of the stationed cell.

[0111] It is understood that information such as reselection frequency, reselection priority, and reselection threshold is well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0112] Step 302: Read the NCGI information of the neighboring cell based on the reselected frequency point.

[0113] NCGI information is used to identify NR cells globally.

[0114] Step 303: Determine whether the neighboring cell is a cell in the base station list supported by the slice terminal.

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, the NCGI information obtained in step 302 is used to determine whether the neighboring cell is in the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal.

[0116] Among them, the neighboring cell is the list of base station cells supported by the slice terminal, and step 303 is performed; otherwise, no further measurement is performed on the neighboring cell.

[0117] Step 304: Perform reselection measurements on neighboring cells and evaluate the cell quality of neighboring cells according to the reselection criteria.

[0118] In this embodiment of the application, if the neighboring cell is in the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal, the neighboring cell is reselected according to the SIB message of the camped cell, and the cell quality of the neighboring cell is evaluated according to the reselection frequency, reselection priority and reselection threshold of the neighboring cell in accordance with the reselection criteria.

[0119] One possible approach is to measure the signal strength and quality of neighboring cell frequencies to obtain the cell quality of neighboring cells.

[0120] It is understandable that the reselection criteria may vary depending on the scenario, and this application does not impose any specific limitations on them.

[0121] Step 305: Determine whether the neighboring cells meet the reselection criteria.

[0122] If the quality of a neighboring cell meets the reselection criteria, the neighboring cell in the base station list will be used as the target cell for reselection.

[0123] Step 306: After determining the target cell, perform a reselection of the target cell.

[0124] It should also be noted that when the cell to be camped is not in the list of base stations allowed by the slice terminal, the above reselection process is executed.

[0125] Additionally, it should be noted that when the cell quality of all neighboring cells fails to meet the reselection criteria, the neighboring cell with the strongest signal and whose NCGI belongs to the list of allowed base stations is selected as the target cell for forced reselection and execution.

[0126] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a handover target cell according to an embodiment of this application.

[0127] As shown in Figure 4, the method includes the following steps:

[0128] Step 401: The slice terminal requests access to the cell it is camped on via Radio Resource Control (RRC).

[0129] Step 402: The currently residing cell checks whether it has stored a list of base stations for the connected slice terminals.

[0130] If the cell where the user resides stores a list of base stations, proceed to step 403; otherwise, proceed to step 408.

[0131] Step 403: Determine whether the signal quality of the cell to be used is lower than the handover initiation threshold.

[0132] If the threshold of the residential area is lower than the handover start threshold, the handover process is initiated and step 404 is performed.

[0133] Step 404: The stationed cell filters neighboring cells belonging to the base station list according to its own configured neighboring cell list and sends measurement and control information to the slicing terminal.

[0134] It should be noted that if the neighboring cell belongs to the base station list cell and is configured with the corresponding slicing function of the slicing terminal, the corresponding measurement and control information is sent to the slicing terminal.

[0135] If none of the neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list are configured with the corresponding slicing function for the slicing terminal, send all neighboring cell measurement and control information belonging to the base station list to the slicing terminal;

[0136] If none of the neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list belong to the base station list, send all neighboring cell measurement and control information with slicing function to the slicing terminal.

[0137] If a neighboring cell in the neighboring cell list is neither in the base station list nor configured with the corresponding slicing function for the slicing terminal, the measurement and control information of all neighboring cells is sent to the slicing terminal.

[0138] Step 405: The slicing terminal measures the neighboring cells according to the measurement control information, generates a measurement report, and uploads the measurement report to the stationed cell.

[0139] Step 406: The stationed cell determines the target cell for handover based on the measurement report and executes the handover procedure.

[0140] Step 407: The stationing cell transmits the base station list to the target cell via the X2 interface. The target cell is a neighboring cell of the base station list.

[0141] Step 408: The camping cell queries the AMF for the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal, and the corresponding AMF returns the list of base stations of the slice terminal to the camping cell.

[0142] It should also be noted that if the target cell to be switched to belongs to the base station list supported by the slice terminal, but the corresponding switching function is not actually configured, step 403 is skipped and the switching process is started directly, and the switch is made to the target cell that belongs to the base station list.

[0143] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a network location tracking method based on a slice terminal according to an embodiment of this application.

[0144] As shown in Figure 5, the method includes the following steps:

[0145] Step 501: When the slice terminal exchanges signaling with the AMF, it carries the terminal's real-time location information ULI.

[0146] In this embodiment of the application, when the slice terminal exchanges signaling with the AMF, the signaling carries the real-time location information (ULI) of the slice terminal.

[0147] Step 502: AMF tracks the cell where the slice terminal is camped.

[0148] In this embodiment of the application, the AMF determines the real-time location information (ULI) of the slice terminal carried in the signaling and tracks the cell where the slice terminal is stationed in real time.

[0149] Step 503: AMF determines whether the cell where the slice terminal is camped is in the base station list.

[0150] In this embodiment of the application, the AMF determines whether the cell to be camped is in the base station list. If it exceeds the allowed base station list, step 504 is performed; otherwise, the method flow ends.

[0151] Step 504: AMF sends a registration rejection result to the slice terminal and instructs the slice terminal to re-register.

[0152] In one possible embodiment, the registration rejection result gives the reason for rejection as "5GS forbidden tracking areas for regional provision of service".

[0153] Step 505: The sliced ​​terminal switches to a cell in the base station list and reconnects.

[0154] In this embodiment, the slicing terminal, based on the base station list, re-camps to a cell in the base station list by reselection or switching, and resends a registration request to the slicing network.

[0155] AMF determines the cell where the slice terminal camps based on signaling, and the signaling carries the slice terminal's real-time location information ULI.

[0156] The AMF determines whether the cell where the sliced ​​terminal is camped is in the base station list;

[0157] If the cell where the slice terminal is camped is not in the base station list, the AMF sends a registration rejection result to the slice terminal and instructs the slice terminal to re-register.

[0158] Based on the base station list, the sliced ​​terminal re-camps to a cell in the base station list through reselection or handover, and resends a registration request to the sliced ​​network.

[0159] In this embodiment, using ULI information, the AMF determines whether the slice terminal is in the configured slice area. If it exceeds the allowed camping location, the AMF instructs the base station to register through the registration rejection result. At the same time, the slice terminal initiates a handover process based on the limited area and switches to the target cell that supports the slice function included in the base station list according to the neighboring cells defined by the camping base station.

[0160] In summary, during the initial registration phase of the sliced ​​terminal, the network informs the terminal of the list of available base stations, restricts the sliced ​​terminal's camping, reselection, and target cell handover. After the terminal enters a non-slice cell, it instructs the terminal to return to the sliced ​​network. This allows for early detection of network access by terminals with unsupported sliced ​​functions or terminals with illegal sliced ​​functions, preventing sliced ​​terminals from camping on networks that do not support their sliced ​​functions. This achieves fault avoidance for sliced ​​terminals accessing networks that do not support sliced ​​functions, ensuring the establishment of PDU sessions and the normal continuation of sliced ​​services. It also prevents service interruptions caused by sliced ​​terminals moving to base stations that do not support sliced ​​functions. Compared to existing technologies, this solution is more in line with existing protocol standards, has higher feasibility, and better performance. In addition, through 5GC's real-time terminal location tracking management, the network layer prevents sliced ​​terminals from moving outside the allowed area, further strengthening and improving the service continuity and security of sliced ​​terminals, and facilitating the flexibility and security of sliced ​​service promotion and deployment.

[0161] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a slice-based access and location management device 10 according to an embodiment of this application, including:

[0162] The mobility management module 100 responds to the registration request initiated by the slice terminal to the slice network to obtain a list of base stations supported by the slice terminal;

[0163] The cell reselection module 200, if the slice terminal is in an idle state, is used to initiate a cell reselection request autonomously through the slice terminal, read the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determine the target cell for reselection in the base station list.

[0164] The handover module 300, if the slice terminal is in an active state, is used to initiate a cell handover request through the currently camped cell. The camped cell sends the measurement and control information of the neighboring cell to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighboring cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list.

[0165] The location management module 400 responds to the signaling exchanged between the slice terminal and the AMF and is used to manage the location of the slice terminal according to the base station list.

[0166] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0167] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a slice-based access and location management system according to an embodiment of this application, including:

[0168] The slice-based access and location management device shown in Figure 6 above;

[0169] The terminal signaling interaction module is used to realize the air interface signaling interaction between the base station and the slice terminal;

[0170] The AMF selection module is used to select the AMF and interact with the air interface access signaling based on the air interface access signaling of the slice terminal.

[0171] The mobility module is used to control the reselection and handover of sliced ​​terminals based on the access feedback from the AMF and the slicing function configuration of the base station.

[0172] The slice capability verification module is used to verify the subscribed slice capability of the slice terminal according to the access request of the slice terminal, and to indicate the list of base stations that the slice terminal and the base station are allowed to camp on.

[0173] The location tracking module is used to determine whether the location of the slice terminal is within the slice area allowed by the network configuration based on the ULI information reported by the slice terminal, and instruct the slice terminal to start the re-registration process.

[0174] In this embodiment of the application, an access and location management system based on slices is proposed. By utilizing a CPU or ASIC chip with specific computing power and corresponding software function modules, the system can realize the access network selection control, location tracking and mobility management of slice terminals, and assist terminals in selecting to reside in networks with corresponding slice capabilities to carry out slice services, thereby solving the common problem that slice terminals cannot effectively reside in networks with suitable slice capabilities.

[0175] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this application can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this application can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0176] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A slice-based access and location management method, comprising: In response to the slice terminal initiating a registration request to the slice network, the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal is obtained; If the slice terminal is in an idle state, the slice terminal will initiate a cell reselection request autonomously, read the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determine the target cell for reselection in the base station list. If the slice terminal is in an active state, the currently camped cell initiates a cell handover request. The camped cell sends neighbor cell measurement and control information to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list. In response to the exchange of signaling between the sliced ​​terminal and the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the location of the sliced ​​terminal is managed according to the base station list.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of responding to the slice terminal initiating a registration request to the slice network and obtaining a list of base stations supported by the slice terminal includes: In response to the completion of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection by the slice terminal, the NSSAI slice information of the network slice selection assistance information to be accessed is indicated to the base station through the RRC connection completion message. The base station selects the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to initiate a registration request to the slice network based on the NSSAI slice information. The AMF queries the Unified Data Management Function (UDM) for the NSSAI subscription of the slice terminal. Based on the signed NSSAI and the request NSSAI carried in the registration request, determine whether the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal; If the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal, the AMF queries the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) to find the AMF supported by the subscribed NSSAI, and determines whether the current AMF supports the subscribed NSSAI of the slice terminal. If the current AMF supports the NSSAI subscription of the slice terminal, the current AMF sends a registration success signaling message to the slice terminal, and the registration success signaling message carries the list of base stations allowed by the slice network.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: If the slice terminal is not a valid slice terminal, the current AMF will issue a registration failure instruction to the slice terminal to end the registration process. as well as, If the slice terminal is a legitimate slice terminal but the current AMF does not support the slice terminal's NSSAI subscription, the current AMF is redirected to the target AMF, which then sends a registration success signal to the slice terminal. The target AMF supports the slice terminal's NSSAI subscription.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, If the slice terminal is in an idle state, the slice terminal autonomously initiates a cell reselection request, reads the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determines the target cell for reselection from the base station list, including: In response to the cell reselection request initiated autonomously by the slice terminal, the reselection frequency, reselection priority and reselection threshold of the neighboring cells are read according to the SIB message of the camped cell. Read the NCGI information of the neighboring cell according to the reselected frequency point, and determine whether the neighboring cell is in the list of base stations supported by the slice terminal according to the NCGI information; If the neighboring cell is in the base station list supported by the slice terminal, the neighboring cell is reselected according to the SIB message of the camped cell, and the cell quality of the neighboring cell is evaluated according to the reselection frequency, reselection priority and reselection threshold of the neighboring cell according to the reselection criteria. If the cell quality of the neighboring cell meets the reselection criteria, the neighboring cell in the base station list will be used as the target cell for reselection.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: For neighboring cells in the base station list, if the cell quality of all neighboring cells fails to meet the reselection criteria, the neighboring cell with the strongest signal is selected as the target cell for reselection.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, If the slice terminal is in an active state, the currently camped cell initiates a cell handover request. The camped cell sends neighbor cell measurement control information to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list, including: The slice terminal requests access to the camped cell via Radio Resource Control (RRC). The currently residing cell checks whether it stores a list of base stations for the accessed slice terminals; If the cell where the base station is located stores the list of base stations, determine whether the signal quality of the cell where the base station is located is lower than the handover initiation threshold; If the signal quality of the stationed cell is lower than the handover initiation threshold, the neighboring cells belonging to the base station list are filtered according to the neighboring cell list configured by itself, and the neighboring cells are configured with slicing functions corresponding to the slicing terminal, and the corresponding measurement and control information is sent to the slicing terminal. The slicing terminal measures the neighboring cells according to the measurement control information, generates a measurement report, and uploads the measurement report to the stationed cell; The stationed cell determines the target cell for handover based on the measurement report and executes the handover procedure. It transmits the base station list to the target cell through the X2 interface. The target cell belongs to the neighboring cells of the base station list.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: If none of the neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list are configured with the slicing function corresponding to the slicing terminal, send all neighboring cell measurement and control information belonging to the base station list to the slicing terminal; If none of the neighboring cells in the neighboring cell list belong to the base station list, send all neighboring cell measurement and control information with slicing function to the slicing terminal. If a neighboring cell in the neighboring cell list is neither in the base station list nor configured with the corresponding slicing function of the slicing terminal, measurement and control information for all neighboring cells is sent to the slicing terminal.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of managing the location of the slice terminal according to the base station list in response to the signaling exchange between the slice terminal and the AMF includes: When the slice terminal exchanges signaling with the AMF, the AMF determines the cell where the slice terminal camps based on the signaling, and the signaling carries the real-time location information (ULI) of the slice terminal. The AMF determines whether the cell where the sliced ​​terminal is camped is in the base station list; If the cell where the slice terminal is camped is not in the base station list, the AMF sends a registration rejection result to the slice terminal and instructs the slice terminal to re-register; The slice terminal, based on the base station list, re-camps to a cell in the base station list by reselection or switching, and resends a registration request to the slice network.

9. A slice-based access and location management device, comprising: The mobility management module, in response to a registration request initiated by a slice terminal to the slice network, is used to obtain a list of base stations supported by the slice terminal; The cell reselection module, if the slice terminal is in an idle state, is used to initiate a cell reselection request autonomously through the slice terminal, read the NCGI information of neighboring cells according to the System Information Block (SIB) message of the currently camped cell, and determine the target cell for reselection in the base station list. The handover module, if the slice terminal is in an active state, is used to initiate a cell handover request through the currently camped cell. The camped cell sends neighbor cell measurement and control information to the slice terminal. After the slice terminal completes the neighbor cell measurement, the currently camped cell determines the target cell for handover from the base station list. The location management module, in response to the signaling exchanged between the slice terminal and the AMF, is used to manage the location of the slice terminal according to the base station list.

10. A slice-based access and location management system, comprising: The slice-based access and location management device as described in claim 9; The terminal signaling interaction module is used to realize the air interface signaling interaction between the base station and the slice terminal; The AMF selection module is used to select the AMF and interact with the air interface access signaling based on the air interface access signaling of the slice terminal. A mobility module is used to control the reselection and handover of the sliced ​​terminals based on the access feedback from the AMF and the slicing function configuration of the base station; The slice capability verification module is used to verify the subscribed slice capability of the slice terminal according to the access request of the slice terminal, and indicate the list of base stations that the slice terminal and the base station are allowed to camp on. The location tracking module is used to determine whether the location of the slice terminal is within the slice area allowed by the network configuration based on the ULI information reported by the slice terminal, and instruct the slice terminal to start the re-registration process.

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