Network slice switching method, and electronic device and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications, and relates to a network slice switching method, and an electronic device and a computer-readable storage medium. The network slice switching method comprises: receiving single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) of a target network slice, wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by an application function (AF); and on the basis of the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, modifying the access and mobility management (AM) policy association of a user equipment (UE), so as to switch to the target network slice.

Description

Network slicing switching methods, electronic devices, and computer-readable storage media

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese application No. 202411595669.X, filed on November 8, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to network slicing switching methods, electronic devices, and computer-readable storage media. Background Technology

[0004] Fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) features high speed, low latency, and large capacity. 5G enables faster data transmission speeds, providing users with smooth high-definition video playback and fast file downloads. Its low latency is crucial for applications with high real-time requirements, such as autonomous driving and industrial automation.

[0005] At the same time, 5G can connect a large number of devices, meet the needs of the Internet of Things development, and provide strong technical support for the development of smart cities, smart homes and other fields. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a network slice handover method is provided, applied to a first policy control function (PCF), comprising: receiving single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) for a target network slice, wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by an application function (AF); and modifying the access and mobility management (AM) policy association of a user equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to handover to the target network slice.

[0007] In some embodiments, modifying the Access and Mobility Management (AM) policy association of the User Equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to switch to the target network slice includes: sending the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0008] In some embodiments, the first PCF includes a PCF oriented towards the UE, and the network slice switching method further includes: the first PCF obtaining the protocol data unit (PDU) session information corresponding to the application through a second PCF, wherein the second PCF includes a PCF oriented towards the PDU session, and the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the network slice to be replaced; and sending the S-NSSAI of the network slice to the AMF.

[0009] In some embodiments, the network slice switching method further includes: the first PCF obtaining PDU session information corresponding to the application through the binding support function BSF, wherein the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the network slice to be replaced; and sending the S-NSSAI of the network slice to the AMF.

[0010] In some embodiments, the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is used by the AMF to add the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice; the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice is used by the AMF to delete the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice from the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list and configured NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0011] In some embodiments, modifying the Access and Mobility Management (AM) policy association of the User Equipment (UE) according to the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to switch to the target network slice includes: receiving a handover failure message from the AMF if the UE's subscription information does not include the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and / or the region currently registered by the UE does not support the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0012] In some embodiments, receiving Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) for a target network slice includes: receiving a network slice switching notification from a Unified Data Repository (UDR), wherein the network slice switching notification includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a network slice switching method is provided, applied to a unified data repository (UDR), comprising: sending a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) of a target network slice to a first policy control function (PCF), wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by an application function (AF), and is used by the first PCF to modify the access and mobility management (AM) policy association of a user equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, so as to switch to the target network slice.

[0014] In some embodiments, the network slice handover method further includes receiving a network slice handover request from the AF, wherein the network slice handover request includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, the identifier of the UE, and the identifier of the AF.

[0015] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a first policy control function (PCF) is provided, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) of a target network slice, wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by an application function (AF); and a modifying module configured to modify the Access and Mobility Management (AM) policy association of a User Equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, so as to switch to the target network slice.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a unified data repository (UDR) is provided, comprising: a sending module configured to send a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) of a target network slice to a first policy control function (PCF), wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by an application function (AF), and is used by the first PCF to modify the access and mobility management (AM) policy association of a user equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, so as to switch to the target network slice.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a network slicing switching method according to some embodiments of this disclosure based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement a network slice switching method according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a network slicing switching system is provided, comprising: a first policy control function (PCF) according to some embodiments of this disclosure; and a unified data repository (UDR) according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0021] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a network slice switching method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a network slice switching method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 shows an interaction diagram of a network slice switching method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a first PCF according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a UDR according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 illustrates a network slice switching system according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0032] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0033] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0034] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0035] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0036] The abbreviations used in this disclosure are explained below.

[0037] Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI);

[0038] External Network Slice Information (ENSI);

[0039] Policy Control Function for User Equipment (PCF for UE);

[0040] Binding Support Function (BSF);

[0041] Policy Control Function (PCF);

[0042] Access and Mobility Management (AM);

[0043] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF);

[0044] Protocol Data Unit (PDU);

[0045] Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI);

[0046] External Network Slice Information (ENSI);

[0047] User Equipment (UE);

[0048] Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0049] Network slicing enables complete network deployment to meet the needs of different 5G scenarios. To provide a better user experience and network services, operators can deploy a dedicated network slice for services used by third-party applications. This network slice allows UEs (User Equipment) using the service to obtain a better service experience.

[0050] The relevant 5G standards do not support slicing selection based on the UE's application requirements; instead, they can only select network slices based on the wireless environment around the UE (signal coverage, signal quality) and whether the network is congested.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a network slice switching method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the network slice switching method includes steps S11-S12. In some embodiments, the network slice switching method is performed by a first PCF.

[0053] In step S11, Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) for the target network slice is received, wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the Application Function (AF). In step S12, based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, the Access and Mobility Management (AM) Policy Association of the User Equipment (UE) is modified to switch to the target network slice.

[0054] For example, if a user device uses an application with high demand, the operator may customize a network slice for that application. When the user device uses the application, the AF (Active Front-End) determines that a network slice needs to be replaced. It can then send a request to the network and notify the network of the S-NSSAI (Short-Terminal Slice Information) of the target network slice to be used.

[0055] After receiving the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, the first PCF determines to modify the UE's AM policy association and then triggers the AM policy association modification.

[0056] The phrase "the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the application function AF" includes the following: the AF can directly determine the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, or it can first determine the ENSI of the target network slice. Both S-NSSAI and ENSI are identifiers of network slices. If the AF first determines the ENSI of the target network slice, the AF sends the ENSI to the NEF, which maps the ENSI to the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, thereby enabling the first PCF to obtain the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0057] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the AF is allowed to select a suitable network slice based on the application characteristics or application requirements used by the UE, thereby enhancing the network slice replacement mechanism of network control. This allows users to enjoy applications on their devices through network connections of network slices customized by the operator for the application, providing users with a better service experience.

[0058] The following describes the process for modifying the UE's access and mobility management (AM) policy associations.

[0059] In some embodiments, modifying the UE's AM policy association based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to switch to the target network slice includes: sending the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the AMF.

[0060] In some embodiments, if the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, a handover success message from the AMF is received.

[0061] For example, the first PCF sends the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the AMF. The AMF determines whether the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is in the UE's subscription information and whether the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice. If so, the AMF sends a handover success message back to the first PCF.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first PCF includes a PCF for the UE (i.e., PCF for UE), and the network slice handover method further includes: the first PCF obtaining the PDU session information corresponding to the application through the second PCF, wherein the second PCF includes a PCF for the PDU session (i.e., PCF for PDU session), and the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the network slice to be replaced; and sending the S-NSSAI of the network slice to the AMF.

[0063] For example, the PCF for UE obtains PDU session information about a specific application serving the UE through the PCF for PDU session, and sends the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice to the AMF.

[0064] In some embodiments, the network slice switching method further includes: a first PCF obtaining PDU session information corresponding to the application through a binding support function (BSF), wherein the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the network slice to be replaced; and sending the S-NSSAI of the network slice to be replaced to an AMF.

[0065] For example, when establishing a session, the PDU session information serving the target application is bound to the BSF. The PCF for UE obtains the PDU session information corresponding to a certain application serving the UE from the BSF, and sends the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice to the AMF.

[0066] In some embodiments, the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is used by the AMF to add the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice; the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice is used by the AMF to remove the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice from the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list and configured NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0067] For example, the PCF for UE sends the alternative S-NSSAI and the replaced S-NSSAI of the network slice to the AMF. If the S-NSSAI of the target network slice (i.e., the alternative S-NSSAI) is in the user's subscription information and is supported by the user's registered area, the AMF adds the alternative S-NSSAI to the UE's allowed NSSAI list (i.e., the Allowed NSSAI) and removes the replaced S-NSSAI from both the Allowed NSSAI and configured NSSAI lists, thereby achieving AM policy-related modification.

[0068] Both the allowed S-NSSAI list and the configured NSSAI list are stored by the AMF and do not involve the UE, so there is no need for the UE to initiate session modifications. Therefore, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, network slice replacement can be achieved based on application requirements without requiring the UE to support the network slice replacement feature.

[0069] In some embodiments, modifying the UE's AM policy association based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to switch to the target network slice includes: receiving a handover failure message from the AMF if the UE's subscription information does not include the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and / or the region currently registered by the UE does not support the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0070] For example, if the alternative S-NSSAI is not supported in the user's contract and / or the user's registration area, the AMF reports a modification failure to the PCF.

[0071] In some embodiments, receiving the S-NSSAI of a target network slice includes: receiving a network slice switching notification from a UDR, wherein the network slice switching notification includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0072] For example, the UDR receives the S-NSSAI of the target network slice from the AF and sends the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the first PCF.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a network slice switching method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the network slice switching method includes step S21. In some embodiments, the network slice switching method is performed by the UDR.

[0075] In step S21, the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is sent to the first policy control function (PCF). The S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the AF and is used by the first PCF to modify the AM policy association of the UE according to the S-NSSAI of the target network slice in order to switch to the target network slice.

[0076] For example, the AF transmits the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the PCF via UDR, so that the PCF can modify the UE's AM policy association to switch to the target network slice.

[0077] In some embodiments, the network slice handover method further includes: receiving a network slice handover request from the AF, wherein the network slice handover request includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, the identifier of the UE, and the identifier of the AF.

[0078] For example, the AF also sends the UE's identifier and the AF's identifier to the UDR. The UE's identifier can be used to find the corresponding PCF for the UE, and the AF's identifier can be used to identify the AF request, or to allow the PCF for the UE to obtain relevant PDU session information for the application.

[0079] Figure 3 shows an interactive diagram of a network slice switching method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the network slice switching method includes events 100-107.

[0081] In Event 100, if a user's application has high requirements and the operator has customized a network slice for that application, the AF (Active Front-End) will decide to replace the network slice when the user uses the application. In other words, the AF selects a slice based on the UE's application requirements, choosing the dedicated network slice.

[0082] In Event 101, if the AF is an untrusted AF, a network slice replacement request is sent via the NEF. The request carries the identifier of the network slice to be replaced, as well as the identification information of the target UE using the AF's service and the AF's identifier. The network slice identifier is either S-NSSAI or ENSI. If the AF is a trusted AF, the AF directly sends the request to the UDR.

[0083] In Event 102, NEF updates the network slice identifier information carried in the AF request to UDR. If the network slice identifier is ENSI, NEF maps ENSI to the corresponding S-NSSAI.

[0084] In event 103, UDR replied to NEF and AF with a storage success notification.

[0085] In event 104, the UDR notifies the PCF for UE to perform a network slice replacement, along with the network slice identifier requested by the application for replacement.

[0086] In Event 105, the PCF for UE obtains PDU session information about the target application serving the UE through the PCF for PDU session or BSF, including DNN, S-NSSAI, PDU session identifier, etc.

[0087] In event 106, the PCF for UE decides to modify the UE's AM policy association based on the obtained PDU session information. The PCF for UE triggers the AM policy association modification to the AMF and sends Replaced S-NSSAI and Alternative S-NSSAI to the AMF.

[0088] In Event 107(1), if alternative S-NSSAI is not in the user's contract information or is not supported by the user's registered region, the AMF reports a failure to modify the code to the PCF.

[0089] In event 107(2), if the alternative S-NSSAI is in the user's subscription information and is supported by the user's registered region, the AMF will add the alternative S-NSSAI to the UE's Allowed NSSAI and remove the replaced S-NSSAI from the allowed NSSAI and configured NSSAI.

[0090] Furthermore, the AMF can send the mapping between the replaced S-NSSAI and the replacement S-NSSAI to the UE, and trigger the SMF to initiate a PDU session modification procedure. The SMF then determines whether the PDU session can be retained or needs to be rebuilt.

[0091] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a first PCF according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, the first PCF4 includes a receiving module 41 and a modification module 42.

[0093] The receiving module 41 is configured to receive Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) of the target network slice, wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the application function AF, for example, by performing step S11 as shown in FIG1.

[0094] Modification module 42 is configured to modify the access and mobility management AM policy association of user equipment (UE) according to the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, so as to switch to the target network slice, for example, by performing step S12 as shown in Figure 1.

[0095] In some embodiments, the modification module 42 is further configured to send the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0096] In some embodiments, the modification module 42 is further configured to: the first PCF obtains the protocol data unit (PDU) session information corresponding to the application through the second PCF, wherein the second PCF includes a PCF oriented towards the PDU session, and the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice; and sends the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice to the AMF.

[0097] In some embodiments, the modification module 42 is further configured to: the first PCF obtains the PDU session information corresponding to the application by binding the support function BSF, wherein the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice; and sends the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice to the AMF.

[0098] In some embodiments, the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is used by the AMF to add the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice; the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice is used by the AMF to remove the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice from the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list and configured NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0099] In some embodiments, the modification module 42 is further configured to receive a handover failure message from the AMF if the UE's subscription information does not include the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and / or the area currently registered by the UE does not support the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0100] In some embodiments, the receiving module 41 is further configured to receive a network slice switching notification from the Unified Data Repository (UDR), wherein the network slice switching notification includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0101] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a UDR according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] As shown in Figure 5, UDR5 includes a transmission module 51.

[0103] The sending module 51 is configured to send Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) of the target network slice to the first policy control function (PCF). The S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the application function (AF) and is used by the first PCF to modify the access and mobility management (AM) policy association of the user equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice in order to switch to the target network slice, for example, by performing step S21 as shown in Figure 2.

[0104] In some embodiments, the sending module 51 is further configured to receive a network slice switching notification from the Unified Data Repository (UDR), wherein the network slice switching notification includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

[0105] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an electronic device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] As shown in FIG6, the electronic device 6 includes a memory 61 and a processor 62 coupled to the memory 61, the memory 61 being used to store instructions for performing a network slice switching method. The processor 62 is configured to execute the network slice switching method in any of the embodiments of this disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory 61.

[0107] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0108] As shown in Figure 7, the computer system 70 can be represented in the form of a general computing device. The computer system 70 includes a memory 710, a processor 720, and a bus 700 connecting different system components.

[0109] The memory 710 may include, for example, system memory, non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile storage media may store, for example, instructions for executing the network slice switching methods in any of the embodiments of this disclosure. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, etc.

[0110] The processor 720 can be implemented using 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 hardware components such as discrete gates or transistors. Accordingly, each module, such as the decision module and the determination module, can be implemented by the central processing unit (CPU) running instructions in memory to execute the corresponding steps, or by dedicated circuitry to execute the corresponding steps.

[0111] Bus 700 can use any of the various bus architectures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0112] The computer system 70 may also include an input / output interface 730, a network interface 740, and a storage interface 750. These interfaces 730, 740, and 750, as well as the memory 710 and processor 720, can be connected via a bus 700. The input / output interface 730 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The network interface 740 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 750 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0113] Figure 8 illustrates a network slice switching system according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] As shown in Figure 8, the network slicing switching system 80 includes a first PCF4 and a UDR5.

[0115] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0116] These computer-readable program instructions are provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable device to produce a machine, such that execution of the instructions by the processor produces means for implementing the functions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0117] These computer-readable program instructions are also readablely stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These instructions cause a computer to work in a particular manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions specified in one or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0118] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0119] The network slice switching method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium in the above embodiments enhance the network slice replacement mechanism of network control.

[0120] The network slicing switching method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium according to this disclosure have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

Claims

1. A network slice switching method, applied to a first policy control function (PCF), comprising: Receive Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) for the target network slice, wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the application function (AF). Based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, modify the access and mobility management AM policy association of the user equipment (UE) to switch to the target network slice.

2. The network slice switching method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of modifying the access and mobility management (AM) policy association of the user equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to switch to the target network slice includes: The S-NSSAI of the target network slice is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

3. The network slice switching method according to claim 2, wherein, The first PCF includes a PCF oriented towards the UE, and the network slice handover method further includes: The first PCF obtains the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session information corresponding to the application through the second PCF, wherein the second PCF includes a PCF oriented towards the PDU session, and the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice; Send the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice to the AMF.

4. The network slice switching method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The network slice switching method further includes: The first PCF obtains the PDU session information corresponding to the application by binding the support function BSF, wherein the PDU session information includes the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice; Send the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice to the AMF.

5. The network slice switching method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The S-NSSAI of the target network slice is used by the AMF to add the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice. The S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice is used by the AMF to remove the S-NSSAI of the replaced network slice from the user equipment's allowed NSSAI list and configured NSSAI list when the UE's subscription information includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and the area currently registered by the UE supports the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

6. The network slice switching method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The step of modifying the access and mobility management (AM) policy association of the user equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice to switch to the target network slice includes: If the UE's subscription information does not include the S-NSSAI of the target network slice and / or the area currently registered by the UE does not support the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, the handover failure message fed back by the AMF is received.

7. The network slice switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) for receiving the target network slice includes: Receive a network slice switching notification from the Unified Data Repository (UDR), wherein the network slice switching notification includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice.

8. A network slice switching method, applied to a unified data repository (UDR), comprising: Send Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI) for the target network slice to the first policy control function (PCF). The S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the application function AF, and is used by the first PCF to modify the access and mobility management AM policy association of the user equipment UE according to the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, so as to switch to the target network slice.

9. The network slice switching method according to claim 8, further comprising: Receive network slice switching request from the AF, wherein... The network slice switching request includes the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, the identifier of the UE, and the identifier of the AF.

10. A first policy control function (PCF), comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) of a target network slice, wherein the S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the application function AF. The modification module is configured to modify the access and mobility management AM policy association of the user equipment (UE) based on the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, so as to switch to the target network slice.

11. A unified data repository (UDR), comprising: The sending module is configured to send Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (S-NSSAI) of the target network slice to the first policy control function (PCF). The S-NSSAI of the target network slice is determined by the application function AF, and is used by the first PCF to modify the access and mobility management AM policy association of the user equipment UE according to the S-NSSAI of the target network slice, so as to switch to the target network slice.

12. An electronic device, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the network slice switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 based on instructions stored in the memory.

13. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the network slice switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the network slice switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. A network slicing switching system, comprising: The first strategy control function (PCF) as described in claim 10; The Unified Data Repository (UDR) as described in claim 11.

16. A computer program comprising: Instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the network slice switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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