Communication network handover method and apparatus, and computer device and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and particularly relates to a communication network handover method and apparatus, and a computer device and a storage medium. The method comprises: when a target terminal expects to access a wireless communication network of a target area, determining a home area of a cellular communication network that the target terminal currently accesses, wherein the target area is an area where the target terminal is currently located; and when the home area is an adjacent area of the target area, determining a network address of a visited session management function (V-SMF) network element of the adjacent area, and on the basis of the network address, handing over the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to a wireless communication network of the target area.

Description

Communication network switching methods, devices, computer equipment and storage media

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on December 19, 2024, application number 2024118818687, entitled "Method, Apparatus, Computer Equipment and Storage Medium for Switching Communication Networks", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication network switching method, apparatus, computer equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0004] When a user terminal is located at the provincial border, if the cellular signal in the neighboring province is stronger, the user terminal will roam to the neighboring province, access the 5GC (5G Core Network) from the neighboring province's SMF (Session Management Function), and then access the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) from the neighboring province's P-CSCF (Proxy-Call Session Control Function).

[0005] At this time, if a handover occurs from VoNR (Voice over New Radio) to VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi) (the terminal switches to the user's home broadband WiFi access), the handover will fail because the local ePDG (Evolved Packet Data Gateway) cannot recognize and connect to the neighboring provincial SMF, resulting in dropped calls for the user's ongoing voice / video calls. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a method for switching communication networks. The method includes:

[0007] When a target terminal wishes to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the region to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; wherein, the target area is the region where the target terminal is currently located.

[0008] If the home region is an adjacent region of the target region, the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent region is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the adjacent region to the wireless communication network of the target region.

[0009] In one embodiment, determining the home region of the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal includes:

[0010] Determine the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network;

[0011] The home region of the cellular communication network is determined based on the home region identifier.

[0012] In one embodiment, determining the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network includes:

[0013] The network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network is fed back by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element for authentication / data management;

[0014] The network element identifier is parsed to obtain the home region identifier.

[0015] In one embodiment, the network element identifier is sent by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element after the authentication of the target terminal is successful.

[0016] In one embodiment, determining the home region of the cellular communication network based on the home region identifier includes:

[0017] Establish candidate region identifiers and mapping relationships between candidate regions, wherein the mapping relationship records at least one candidate region corresponding to a candidate region identifier;

[0018] Select a reference area identifier that is the same as the home area identifier from at least one candidate area identifier in the mapping relationship record, and use the candidate area corresponding to the reference area identifier in the mapping relationship as the home area of ​​the cellular communication network.

[0019] In one embodiment, switching the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area based on the network address includes:

[0020] Based on the network address, a session creation request is sent to the V-SMF network element; wherein, the session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal and switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

[0021] In one embodiment, determining the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent area includes:

[0022] Send a network address query request to the Domain Name System (DNS) network element in the adjacent area; wherein, the network address query request is used to instruct the DNS network element to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element, and to feed back the network address of the V-SMF network element to the ePDG gateway;

[0023] Receive the network address of the V-SMF network element fed back by the DNS network element.

[0024] Secondly, this application also provides a communication network switching device. The device includes:

[0025] The first determining module is used to determine the area to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network when the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network of the target area; wherein, the target area is the area where the target terminal is currently located.

[0026] The second determining module is used to determine the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent area when the home area is an adjacent area of ​​the target area, and to switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area based on the network address.

[0027] Thirdly, this application also provides a computer device. The computer device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0028] When a target terminal wishes to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the region to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; wherein, the target area is the region where the target terminal is currently located.

[0029] If the home region is an adjacent region of the target region, the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent region is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the adjacent region to the wireless communication network of the target region.

[0030] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0031] When a target terminal wishes to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the region to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; wherein, the target area is the region where the target terminal is currently located.

[0032] If the home region is an adjacent region of the target region, the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent region is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the adjacent region to the wireless communication network of the target region.

[0033] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0034] When a target terminal wishes to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the region to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; wherein, the target area is the region where the target terminal is currently located.

[0035] If the home region is an adjacent region of the target region, the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent region is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the adjacent region to the wireless communication network of the target region.

[0036] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a VoNR to VoWiFi switching architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the VoNR to VoWiFi switching architecture in an inter-provincial roaming scenario provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 is an application environment diagram of a communication network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the first communication network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the second communication network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the third communication network switching method provided in this application embodiment;

[0043] Figure 7 is a signaling diagram of a communication network switching method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 8 is a structural block diagram of a communication network switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 9 is an internal structure diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0047] It should be noted that the handover from VoNR (or VoLTE) to VoWiFi is initiated by the terminal. After deciding to initiate the handover, the terminal will include the IP address obtained when accessing via 4G / 5G in the message sent to the ePDG network element. The ePDG network element will also obtain the network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the terminal when accessing the cellular communication network from the authentication / data management network element UDM / 3GPP AAA network element to ensure that the SMF / UPF connected to and the IP address used by the terminal remain unchanged after switching to VoWiFi, and the user's call remains uninterrupted. The handover architecture from VoNR to VoWiFi within the province is shown in Appendix 1.

[0048] In the original VoNR to VoWiFi handover process, after the ePDG network element obtains the network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the terminal during 4 / 5G registration from the UDM / 3GPP AAA network element, it will query the DNS network element to obtain the network address of the SMF network element, and then initiate a session creation request to the SMF network element.

[0049] In scenarios where a terminal is roaming between provinces and then switching to its home VoWiFi location, the ePDG network element obtains the network element identifier of the SMF network element in the neighboring province and needs to query the DNS network element in the neighboring province.

[0050] Therefore, this application adds a mechanism for determining and processing the SMF's home domain and adds a connection to the neighboring province's core network DNS in the ePDG network element. This enables seamless handover from VoNR (or VoLTE) to VoWiFi during the VoWiFi handover process. After receiving the network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the terminal during 5G registration from the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element, the ePDG network element first determines the home domain of the SMF network element. If the SMF network element's home region is determined to be a neighboring province, a query is initiated to the neighboring province's DNS network element to obtain the network address of the neighboring province's SMF network element, and then a session creation request is initiated to the neighboring province's SMF network element (if the SMF's home region is determined to be the local province, a query is initiated to the local province's DNS network address to obtain the local province's SMF IP address, and then a session creation request is initiated to the local province's SMF). This ensures seamless handover from VoNR (or VoLTE) to VoWiFi in scenarios where cellular access and WiFi access belong to different domains. The handover architecture from VoNR to VoWiFi in inter-provincial roaming scenarios is shown in Figure 2.

[0051] The communication network switching method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to the application environment shown in Figure 3. The terminal 102 communicates with the server 104 via a network. A data storage system can store the data that the server 104 needs to process. The data storage system can be integrated on the server 104 or placed in the cloud or on another network server. When the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network of the target area, the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal is determined. This allows for the determination of the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area when the home area is an adjacent area of ​​the target area. Then, based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area. The terminal 102 can be, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and portable wearable devices. IoT devices can include smart speakers, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, smart vehicle devices, etc. Portable wearable devices can include smartwatches, smart bracelets, head-mounted devices, etc. The server 104 can be implemented using a standalone server or a server cluster composed of multiple servers.

[0052] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a communication network switching method is provided. Taking the application of this method to server 104 in Figure 3 as an example, the method includes the following steps:

[0053] S401, if the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network in the target area, determine the area to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network.

[0054] The target area refers to the area where the target terminal is currently located.

[0055] It should be noted that when it is necessary to determine the home region of the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal, the home region identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal to access the cellular communication network can be determined. Then, based on the home region identifier of the SMF network element, the home region of the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal can be determined.

[0056] To further explain, the SMF network element's corresponding network element identifier carries a home area identifier, which can pre-determine the network element identifier of the SMF network element used when the target terminal accesses the cellular communication network, and then determine the home area identifier of the SMF network element from the network element identifier.

[0057] S402, if the home area is an adjacent area of ​​the target area, determine the network address of the access session management function V-SMF network element in the adjacent area, and based on the network address, switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

[0058] It should be noted that when it is necessary to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element in the access session management function of the adjacent area, the specific steps may include the following: sending a network address query request to the DNS network element in the adjacent area; wherein, the network address query request is used to instruct the DNS network element to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element and to feed back the network address of the V-SMF network element to the ePDG gateway; and receiving the network address of the V-SMF network element fed back by the DNS network element.

[0059] To further explain, when switching a target terminal from a cellular communication network in an adjacent area to a wireless communication network in the target area based on a network address, the following may be included: sending a session creation request to a V-SMF network element based on the network address.

[0060] The session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal and switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area.

[0061] Specifically, the ePDG gateway initiates a Create Session Request to the V-SMF network element, carrying the target terminal's terminal address and Handover indication in the request. The target terminal accesses via WiFi and establishes a PDN connection with the V-SMF. The IMS call switches from VoNR to VoWiFi and remains continuous, and the target terminal releases 5GC and NG-RAN resources after a successful handover.

[0062] The aforementioned communication network switching method, when a target terminal expects to access a wireless communication network in a target area, determines the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal. This allows for the determination of the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area if the home area is adjacent to the target area. Furthermore, based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area. As can be seen from the above, this application, by determining the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal, enables the determination of whether the home area is adjacent to the target area when the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network in the target area. Furthermore, when the home area is determined to be adjacent to the target area, the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area can be determined in a timely manner. This ensures a smooth switch of the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area based on the network address, preventing the target terminal from being affected by the inability to obtain the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area, and preventing dropped calls during ongoing voice / video calls on the target terminal.

[0063] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5, when it is necessary to determine the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal, the following may be included:

[0064] S501, determine the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network.

[0065] It should be noted that when it is necessary to determine the home area identifier, the following steps may be included: receiving the network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal to access the cellular communication network, fed back by the authentication / data management network element 3GPP AAA / UDM network element; parsing the network element identifier to obtain the home area identifier.

[0066] The network element identifier is sent by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element after the authentication of the target terminal is successful.

[0067] S502 determines the home area of ​​the cellular communication network based on the home area identifier.

[0068] In one embodiment of this application, candidate region identifiers and mapping relationships between candidate regions can be predefined, wherein the mapping relationship records different candidate regions corresponding to at least one candidate region identifier; then, when it is necessary to determine the home region of a cellular communication network, a reference region identifier that is the same as the home region identifier can be selected from at least one candidate region identifier recorded in the mapping relationship, and the candidate region corresponding to the reference region identifier in the mapping relationship is taken as the home region of the cellular communication network.

[0069] The aforementioned communication network handover method determines the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network. This allows the target terminal to obtain the home area of ​​the cellular communication network, ensuring a smooth handover from the cellular communication network in an adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area based on the network address. This prevents the target terminal from being affected by the inability to obtain the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area, thus preventing dropped calls during voice / video calls being made by the user through the target terminal.

[0070] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6, when it is necessary to switch the target terminal from a cellular communication network in an adjacent area to a wireless communication network in the target area, the following may be included:

[0071] S601, when the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network of the target area, the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element feeds back the network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network.

[0072] S602 performs content parsing on the network element identifier to obtain the home area identifier.

[0073] S603 determines the home area of ​​the cellular communication network based on the home area identifier.

[0074] S604, when the home area is an adjacent area of ​​the target area, determine the network address of the V-SMF network element of the access session management function in the adjacent area.

[0075] S605 sends a session creation request to the V-SMF network element based on the network address; the session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal.

[0076] S606 switches the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

[0077] In one embodiment of this application, as shown in Figure 7, the process of switching from a cellular communication network in an adjacent area to a wireless communication network in the target area during inter-provincial roaming is as follows:

[0078] 0a: The target terminal connects to the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area and establishes a PDU session in 5GC via NR access.

[0079] 0b: The target terminal registers with IMS and initiates a VoNR voice call.

[0080] 1: The target terminal decides to switch to the target area's wireless communication network access and selects an ePDG network element.

[0081] 2: After receiving the IKE request from the target terminal (carrying the IP address obtained during the previous NR access), the ePDG network element initiates an authentication process with the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element. The 3GPP AAA / UDM network element returns the network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal during the previous 5G registration to the ePDG network element.

[0082] 3: The ePDG network element determines the home area identifier contained in the network element identifier of the SMF network element.

[0083] 4: After the ePDG network element determines that its home region is a neighboring region of the target region, it initiates a query to the DNS network element of the neighboring region. The DNS network element of the neighboring region returns the network address of the V-SMF network element.

[0084] 5: The ePDG network element initiates a session creation request to the V-SMF network element, carrying the terminal address of the target terminal and the Handover instruction in the session creation request.

[0085] 6. Execute the handover procedure. The target terminal accesses via WiFi and establishes a PDN connection with the V-SMF network element. The IMS call switches from VoNR to VoWiFi and remains continuous.

[0086] 7: After a successful switchover, release the 5GC and NG-RAN resources.

[0087] The aforementioned communication network switching method, when a target terminal expects to access a wireless communication network in a target area, determines the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal. This allows for the determination of the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area if the home area is adjacent to the target area. Furthermore, based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area. As can be seen from the above, this application, by determining the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal, enables the determination of whether the home area is adjacent to the target area when the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network in the target area. Furthermore, when the home area is determined to be adjacent to the target area, the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area can be determined in a timely manner. This ensures a smooth switch of the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area based on the network address, preventing the target terminal from being affected by the inability to obtain the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area, and preventing dropped calls during ongoing voice / video calls on the target terminal.

[0088] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0089] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a communication network switching device for implementing the communication network switching method described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more communication network switching device embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the communication network switching method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG8, a communication network switching device is provided, comprising: a first determining module 10 and a second determining module 20, wherein:

[0091] The first determining module 10 is used to determine the area to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network when the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network of the target area; wherein, the target area is the area where the target terminal is currently located.

[0092] The second determining module 20 is used to determine the network address of the access session management function V-SMF network element in the adjacent area when the home area is an adjacent area of ​​the target area, and to switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area based on the network address.

[0093] In one embodiment, the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network is determined.

[0094] The home region of a cellular communication network is determined based on the home region identifier.

[0095] In one embodiment, the network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network is received from the authentication / data management network element 3GPP AAA / UDM network element;

[0096] The network element identifier is parsed to obtain the home area identifier.

[0097] In one embodiment, the network element identifier is sent by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element after the authentication of the target terminal is successful.

[0098] In one embodiment, a session creation request is sent to a V-SMF network element based on a network address; wherein, the session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal and switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

[0099] In one embodiment, a network address query request is sent to a Domain Name System (DNS) network element in an adjacent region; wherein, the network address query request is used to instruct the DNS network element to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element and to feed back the network address of the V-SMF network element to the ePDG gateway.

[0100] Receive the network address of the V-SMF network element from the DNS network element.

[0101] The aforementioned communication network switching device, when a target terminal expects to access a wireless communication network in a target area, determines the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal. This allows for the determination of the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area if the home area is adjacent to the target area. Furthermore, based on the network address, the device switches the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area. As can be seen from the above, this application, by determining the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal, enables the determination of whether the home area is adjacent to the target area when the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network in the target area. Furthermore, when the home area is determined to be adjacent to the target area, the device can promptly determine the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area. This ensures a smooth switch of the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area based on the network address, preventing the target terminal from being affected by the inability to obtain the network address of the V-SMF network element in the adjacent area, and preventing dropped calls during ongoing voice / video calls on the target terminal.

[0102] Each module in the aforementioned communication network switching device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of a computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0103] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram is shown in Figure 9. The computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output interface, communication interface, display unit, and input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interface are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interface. The processor of the computer device provides computing and control capabilities. The memory of the computer device includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage medium. The input / output interface of the computer device is used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface of the computer device is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a communication network switching method. The display unit of the computer device is used to form a visually visible image and may be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the computer device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure shown in Figure 9 is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0105] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0106] When a target terminal expects to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the area to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; where the target area is the area where the target terminal is currently located.

[0107] In the case of neighboring areas where the home area is the target area, the network address of the access session management function V-SMF network element in the neighboring area is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the neighboring area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

[0108] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0109] Determine the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network;

[0110] The home region of a cellular communication network is determined based on the home region identifier.

[0111] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0112] The network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal to access the cellular communication network, which is fed back by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element for authentication / data management;

[0113] The network element identifier is parsed to obtain the home area identifier.

[0114] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0115] The network element identifier is sent by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element after the authentication of the target terminal is successful.

[0116] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0117] Based on the network address, a session creation request is sent to the V-SMF network element; the session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal and switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area.

[0118] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0119] Send a network address query request to the DNS network element in the adjacent area; wherein, the network address query request is used to instruct the DNS network element to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element and to feed back the network address of the V-SMF network element to the ePDG gateway;

[0120] Receive the network address of the V-SMF network element from the DNS network element.

[0121] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0122] When a target terminal expects to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the area to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; where the target area is the area where the target terminal is currently located.

[0123] In the case of neighboring areas where the home area is the target area, the network address of the access session management function V-SMF network element in the neighboring area is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the neighboring area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

[0124] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0125] Determine the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network;

[0126] The home region of a cellular communication network is determined based on the home region identifier.

[0127] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0128] The network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal to access the cellular communication network, which is fed back by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element for authentication / data management;

[0129] The network element identifier is parsed to obtain the home area identifier.

[0130] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0131] The network element identifier is sent by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element after the authentication of the target terminal is successful.

[0132] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0133] Based on the network address, a session creation request is sent to the V-SMF network element; the session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal and switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area.

[0134] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0135] Send a network address query request to the DNS network element in the adjacent area; wherein, the network address query request is used to instruct the DNS network element to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element and to feed back the network address of the V-SMF network element to the ePDG gateway;

[0136] Receive the network address of the V-SMF network element from the DNS network element.

[0137] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0138] When a target terminal expects to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the area to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; where the target area is the area where the target terminal is currently located.

[0139] In the case of neighboring areas where the home area is the target area, the network address of the access session management function V-SMF network element in the neighboring area is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the neighboring area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

[0140] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0141] Determine the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network;

[0142] The home region of a cellular communication network is determined based on the home region identifier.

[0143] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0144] The network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal to access the cellular communication network, which is fed back by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element for authentication / data management;

[0145] The network element identifier is parsed to obtain the home area identifier.

[0146] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0147] The network element identifier is sent by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element after the authentication of the target terminal is successful.

[0148] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0149] Based on the network address, a session creation request is sent to the V-SMF network element; the session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal and switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network in the adjacent area to the wireless communication network in the target area.

[0150] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0151] Send a network address query request to the DNS network element in the adjacent area; wherein, the network address query request is used to instruct the DNS network element to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element and to feed back the network address of the V-SMF network element to the ePDG gateway;

[0152] Receive the network address of the V-SMF network element from the DNS network element.

[0153] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of the relevant data shall comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions.

[0154] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0155] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0156] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication network handover method, applied to an evolved packet data (ePDG) gateway, the method comprising: When a target terminal wishes to access a wireless communication network in a target area, the region to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network is determined; wherein, the target area is the region where the target terminal is currently located. If the home region is an adjacent region of the target region, the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent region is determined, and based on the network address, the target terminal is switched from the cellular communication network of the adjacent region to the wireless communication network of the target region.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the home area of ​​the cellular communication network currently accessed by the target terminal includes: Determine the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network; The home region of the cellular communication network is determined based on the home region identifier.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein determining the home area identifier of the Session Management Function (SMF) network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network includes: The network element identifier of the SMF network element used by the target terminal when accessing the cellular communication network is fed back by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element for authentication / data management; The network element identifier is parsed to obtain the home region identifier.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the network element identifier is sent by the 3GPP AAA / UDM network element after the authentication of the target terminal is successful.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein determining the home region of the cellular communication network based on the home region identifier includes: Establish candidate region identifiers and mapping relationships between candidate regions, wherein the mapping relationship records at least one candidate region corresponding to a candidate region identifier; Select a reference area identifier that is the same as the home area identifier from at least one candidate area identifier in the mapping relationship record, and use the candidate area corresponding to the reference area identifier in the mapping relationship as the home area of ​​the cellular communication network.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein switching the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area based on the network address comprises: Based on the network address, a session creation request is sent to the V-SMF network element; wherein, the session creation request is used to instruct the V-SMF network element to connect with the target terminal and switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein determining the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element of the adjacent area includes: Send a network address query request to the Domain Name System (DNS) network element in the adjacent area; wherein, the network address query request is used to instruct the DNS network element to determine the network address of the V-SMF network element, and to feed back the network address of the V-SMF network element to the ePDG gateway; Receive the network address of the V-SMF network element fed back by the DNS network element.

8. A communication network switching device, comprising: The first determining module is used to determine the area to which the target terminal currently accesses the cellular communication network when the target terminal expects to access the wireless communication network of the target area; wherein, the target area is the area where the target terminal is currently located. The second determining module is used to determine the network address of the access session management function (V-SMF) network element in the adjacent area when the home area is an adjacent area of ​​the target area, and to switch the target terminal from the cellular communication network of the adjacent area to the wireless communication network of the target area based on the network address.

9. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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