Method and apparatus for supporting shared network monitoring in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. A method for supporting network sharing, which is performed by a first network entity in a wireless communication system, comprises the steps of: generating network sharing monitoring context for a shared network function and device; transmitting, to a base station or a second network entity, monitoring rule information based on the network sharing monitoring context; and receiving, from the base station or the second network entity, monitoring information about the shared network function and device.

Description

Method and device for supporting shared network monitoring in a wireless communication system

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting monitoring of a shared network in a wireless communication system.

[0002] 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band to enable fast transmission speeds and new services, and can be implemented not only in frequency bands below 6 GHz ('Sub 6 GHz'), such as 3.5 gigahertz (3.5 GHz), but also in ultra-high frequency bands called millimeter waves (mmWave), such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz ('Above 6 GHz'). In addition, for 6G mobile communication technology, which is referred to as a system beyond 5G, implementation in the terahertz band (e.g., the 3 terahertz (3 THz) band at 95 GHz) is being considered to achieve transmission speeds 50 times faster and ultra-low latency reduced to one-tenth compared to 5G mobile communication technology.

[0003] In the early stages of 5G mobile communication technology, aiming to satisfy service support and performance requirements for enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), technologies such as beamforming and Massive MIMO to mitigate path loss and increase transmission distance in ultra-high frequency bands, support for various numerologies (such as the operation of multiple subcarrier spacings) and dynamic operation of slot formats for the efficient utilization of ultra-high frequency resources, initial access techniques to support multi-beam transmission and broadband, definition and operation of Band-Width Parts (BWP), Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes for high-volume data transmission, new channel coding methods such as Polar Codes for the reliable transmission of control information, and L2 pre-processing (L2 Standardization has been carried out for pre-processing, network slicing which provides a dedicated network specialized for specific services, and other methods.

[0004] Currently, discussions are underway to improve and enhance the performance of the initial 5G mobile communication technology, taking into account the services that the 5G mobile communication technology was intended to support. Additionally, standardization of the physical layer is in progress for technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), which helps autonomous vehicles make driving decisions and enhance user convenience based on their own location and status information transmitted by the vehicle; NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed), which aims for system operation in unlicensed bands to comply with various regulatory requirements; NR terminal low power consumption technology (UE Power Saving); Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), which is direct terminal-satellite communication for securing coverage in areas where communication with the terrestrial network is impossible; and positioning.

[0005] In addition, standardization is underway in the field of wireless interface architecture / protocols for technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to support new services through linkage and convergence with other industries, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) which provides nodes to expand network service areas by integrating wireless backhaul links and access links, Mobility Enhancement including Conditional Handover and Dual Active Protocol Stack (DAPS) Handover, and 2-step Random Access (2-step RACH for NR) which simplifies random access procedures. Standardization is also underway in the field of system architecture / services for 5G baseline architectures (e.g., Service based Architecture, Service based Interface) to incorporate Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), which provides services based on the location of the terminal.

[0006] When such 5G mobile communication systems are commercialized, connected devices, which are increasing explosively, will be connected to communication networks. Accordingly, it is expected that there will be a need to enhance the functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and to integrate the operation of connected devices. To this end, new research is planned to be conducted on 5G performance improvement and complexity reduction, support for AI services, support for metaverse services, and drone communication using eXtended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to efficiently support Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR).

[0007] Furthermore, the advancement of these 5G mobile communication systems encompasses multi-antenna transmission technologies such as new waveforms, Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and large-scale antennas to guarantee coverage in the terahertz band of 6G mobile communication technology; metamaterial-based lenses and antennas; high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technology using Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM); and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology to improve terahertz band signal coverage; as well as full-duplex technology for enhancing frequency efficiency and system networks in 6G mobile communication technology; AI-based communication technologies that realize system optimization by utilizing satellites and Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the design stage and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions; and the realization of services of complexity exceeding the limits of terminal computing capabilities by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources. It could serve as a foundation for the development of next-generation distributed computing technologies.

[0008] The present disclosure proposes a method for monitoring information related to a shared network device or function when performing network sharing in a wireless communication system.

[0009] The present disclosure proposes a method for both the operator providing network sharing and the operator receiving network sharing services to monitor information related to shared network devices or functions in various methods for providing communication services through network sharing.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems may be considered by those skilled in the art from the various embodiments of the present disclosure described below.

[0011] A method for supporting network sharing performed by a first network entity in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: generating a network sharing monitoring context for a shared network function and device; transmitting monitoring rule information based on the network sharing monitoring context to a base station or a second network entity; and receiving monitoring information for the shared network function and device from the base station or the second network entity.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network entity supporting network sharing in a wireless communication system comprises: a transceiver; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to generate a network sharing monitoring context for a shared network function and device, transmit monitoring rule information based on the network sharing monitoring context to a base station or a second network entity, and receive monitoring information for the shared network function and device from the base station or the second network entity.

[0013] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described above are merely some of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and various embodiments reflecting the technical features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be derived and understood by those skilled in the art based on the detailed description to be described below.

[0014] The method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the reliability and accuracy of monitoring regarding billing settlement between operators, auditing, or compliance with agreements between operators regarding network sharing services, as both the operator providing network sharing and the operator receiving network sharing services perform mutual monitoring.

[0015] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an example of the structure of a dynamic network sharing support communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network sharing monitoring support operation between operators according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal-based network sharing monitoring support operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a network entity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The drawings are included as reference examples to aid in understanding the present disclosure and are not limited to specific embodiments of the invention. Specific details depicted in the drawings are included to supplement the overall technical background and context of the present disclosure and may provide technical information useful to the present disclosure even if not directly specified in the claims.

[0021] The operating principle of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions within the present invention. Since these definitions may vary depending on the intentions or conventions of the user or operator, they must be determined according to the content throughout this specification. In this regard, it should be noted that identical components in the attached drawings are represented by the same reference numerals whenever possible. Additionally, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that could obscure the essence of the present invention will be omitted.

[0022] In describing the embodiments in this specification, technical details that are well known in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs and are not directly related to the present invention are omitted. This is intended to convey the essence of this disclosure more clearly without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0023] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings have been exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Additionally, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual dimensions. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing have been assigned the same reference numbers.

[0024] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments provided are merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0025] Terms used in this disclosure to refer to network entities or network functions, objects of a wireless communication system, messages, identification information, etc., are examples provided for convenience of explanation. Accordingly, this disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms referring to objects having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0026] For convenience, the present disclosure uses terms and names that may be applied to next-generation communication systems or defined in 5G system specifications, but is not limited by said terms and names. The present disclosure may be similarly applied to wireless communication systems following other specifications or next-generation specifications through some modifications made at the discretion of a person with skilled technical knowledge, without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Hereinafter, the base station is an entity that performs resource allocation for terminals and may be at least one of a gNode B (gNB), eNode B (eNB), Node B, BS (Base Station), wireless access unit, base station controller, or a node on a network. The terminal may include a UE (User Equipment), MS (Mobile Station), cellular phone, smartphone, computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. In this disclosure, the downlink (DL) refers to the wireless transmission path of a signal transmitted by the base station to the terminal, and the uplink (UL) refers to the wireless transmission path of a signal transmitted by the terminal to the base station.

[0028] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the process flow diagrams and combinations of the flow diagrams can be executed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be loaded into the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create means to perform the functions described in the flow diagram block(s). Since these computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory that can be directed toward the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the function in a specific way, the instructions stored in computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item containing instruction means to perform the function described in the flow diagram block(s). Since computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, instructions that perform a series of operation steps on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a process executed by the computer can also provide steps for executing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0029] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or part of code containing one or more executable instructions for executing a specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative execution examples, the functions mentioned in the blocks may occur out of order. For instance, two blocks described in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order according to their corresponding functions.

[0030] In this embodiment, the term "part" refers to a software or hardware component, such as an FPGA or ASIC, and the "part" performs certain roles. However, the meaning of "part" is not limited to software or hardware. The "part" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or configured to operate one or more processors. Accordingly, as an example, the "part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts." Furthermore, the components and "parts" may be implemented to operate one or more CPUs within a device or secure multimedia card. In addition, in the embodiment, '~part' may include one or more processors.

[0031] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A and / or B,” “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] In this disclosure, network technology may refer to standard specifications defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or 3GPP (e.g., TS 23.501, TS 23.502, TS 23.503, etc.), and the components included in the network structure of 33 may each refer to a physical entity, or to software that performs an individual function, or to hardware combined with software. Since the relevant description can be found in the standard specifications, a detailed description is omitted.

[0033] Terms used in the following description to identify connection nodes, terms referring to network entities (NE) or network functions (NF), terms referring to messages, terms referring to interfaces between network entities, terms referring to various identification information, etc., are provided as examples for the convenience of explanation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms referring to objects having equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0034] For convenience of explanation below, some terms and names defined in the 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project long term evolution) standard may be used. However, the present disclosure is not limited by the above terms and names and may be equally applied to systems conforming to other standards.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a communication system that supports dynamic network sharing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of a communication system that supports dynamic network sharing may include various network functions (NF), and FIG. 1 illustrates, as an example, a serving UE function that may include a network sharing management function (NSMF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), and a session management function (SMF), a (radio) access network ((R)AN), and a terminal (user equipment, UE).

[0036] Each NF included in a communication system that supports dynamic network sharing can support the following functions.

[0037] The network sharing management function (NSMF) can support overall functions related to network sharing.

[0038] In one embodiment, the NSMF may perform operations to detect and determine in real time whether network sharing is required by linking with another NF or base station. In one embodiment, the NSMF may determine whether to perform network sharing and perform search and selection operations for other networks that can provide network sharing. In one embodiment, the NSMF may perform connection and configuration with the network NF requesting network sharing and the NF or base station of another network providing network sharing (hereinafter referred to as the network sharing host network).

[0039] NSMF may be implemented as a single independent network function, or implemented or deployed as an auxiliary function of another network function. The present invention is not limited to a specific method in which NSMF is implemented or deployed.

[0040] In one embodiment, an NSMF that performs network sharing management of a network sharing host network may be referred to as an H(host)-NSMF, and an NSMF that performs network sharing management of a network sharing participant network that requests and receives sharing may be referred to as a P(participant)-NSMF.

[0041] The Serving UE function may include an AM-NF (access and mobility management-network function) (e.g., AMF) or an SM-NF (session management-network function) (e.g., SMF), and may refer to network functions that provide enhanced functions in future next-generation communication systems.

[0042] AM-NF (e.g., AMF) provides functions for connectivity and mobility management at the UE level, and by default, one AMF can be connected per UE. SM-NF (e.g., SMF) provides session management functions, and if a UE has multiple sessions, each session can be managed by a different SMF.

[0043] Unified Data Management (UDM) included in the core network can store user subscription data, policy data, etc.

[0044] The user plane function (UPF) can transmit downlink PDUs (protocol data units) received from the data network (DN) to the UE via the (R)AN, and transmit uplink PDUs received from the UE to the DN via the (R)AN.

[0045] ULCL (uplink classifier) ​​can refer to a UPF that has the ability to classify and transmit uplinks.

[0046] L-UPF (local UPF) can serve as the endpoint (PDU Session Anchor) for sessions transmitted to a local part of the DN.

[0047] The base station of the (R)AN constituting the wireless access network can not only transmit and receive signals for communication but also perform the operation of detecting the need for network sharing and reporting it to the NSMF.

[0048] In the present disclosure, a base station or network function of a network providing network sharing may be referred to as a Host-RAN or a Host-NF. In the present disclosure, a base station or network function of a network that requests and receives network sharing may be referred to as a Network sharing participant RAN (P-RAN) or a Network sharing participant NF (P-NF).

[0049] A UE whose source network is the participant network that requests and receives network sharing can receive services from the host network by handing over from the participant network to the host network that provides network sharing, provided that NS is enabled.

[0050] Meanwhile, in the case of certain network sharing methods, the network functions of the core network of the provider offering the sharing are not utilized or do not intervene in the network configuration. In such cases, the network sharing provider cannot monitor the quality of communication services provided through the sharing or the size of transmitted and received data using a method that relies on monitoring through existing core network functions. Therefore, support for mutual monitoring functions is required to facilitate inter-operator settlement, auditing, or monitoring of compliance with inter-operator agreements regarding network sharing services.

[0051] Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes a method for performing monitoring related to shared network functions and devices when supporting network sharing between mobile communication operators or network sharing between a mobile communication operator and a third network provider for base stations and core networks that are targets for network sharing. The monitoring targets may include the quality of communication services and transmitted / received data provided through the shared network functions and devices.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network sharing monitoring support operation between operators according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 2 illustrates a method for performing monitoring of shared network functions or devices in the network functions of a provider and a provider receiving network sharing.

[0054] Referring to Fig. 2, in step 200, a network sharing service can be enabled according to the determination of H-NSMF.

[0055] In step 210, an H-NSMF network sharing (NS) monitoring context (or, network sharing monitoring and reporting context) can be created.

[0056] In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context information may include at least one of the following.

[0057] - monitoring context ID,

[0058] - monitoring rule ID,

[0059] monitoring key,

[0060] - Monitoring report information (may include at least one of the information on the frequency of reporting monitoring results or the conditions for transmitting monitoring results),

[0061] - List of terminal identifiers (may include identifiers of terminals receiving communication services through network sharing or identifiers of terminals receiving communication services through network equipment or functions, such as shared RAN nodes),

[0062] - Network identifier (information that can identify a network receiving network sharing through a host network. May include PLMN ID or network domain information, etc.),

[0063] - Information subject to monitoring (may include at least one of an identifier for a network function or equipment subject to monitoring, such as a cell ID, RAN identifier, or NF identifier; data volume; time / duration of network shared service provision; quality of network shared service; and shared network coverage)

[0064] In one embodiment, the monitoring rule ID may correspond to an identifier indicating predefined setting values ​​for at least one of the monitoring report information and the monitoring target information.

[0065] In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context information may include a monitoring key and a terminal identifier. In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context information may include the monitoring rule ID, or include monitoring report information and monitoring target information. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and the inclusion and combination of information may vary depending on the implementation, configuration, or operating environment.

[0066] In one embodiment, the monitoring target information may include information related to traffic. For example, the information related to data traffic may include at least one of the following: the time of traffic occurrence / cessation (upstream or downstream) (e.g., in the form of a time stamp), data volume, data transmission rate, or throughput. The timing at which H-NSMF generates NS monitoring context information may vary as follows.

[0067] - The point in time when a decision is made to provide network sharing services after receiving a network sharing service request or a network sharing enable request from a participant network (e.g., P-NSMF); or,

[0068] - The point in time when the network functions or devices to be shared (e.g., RAN nodes to be shared) are selected after the decision to provide network sharing services; or,

[0069] - The point in time when, after deciding to provide the network sharing service, the network functions or devices to be shared (e.g., RAN nodes to be shared) are selected and the connection settings with the network functions or devices of the Participant network are completed.

[0070] The timing of NS monitoring context information generation is not limited to what is described above, and H-NSMF may generate NS monitoring contexts according to operator policies during the execution of procedures for network sharing activation. Additionally, the generated NS monitoring context may be updated based on the progress or results of network sharing activation.

[0071] In step 215, the H-NSMF can transmit (or provision) a Network sharing monitoring rule (or Network sharing monitoring and reporting rule) to a network function or device (e.g., NS Host RAN node; H-RAN) to perform network sharing.

[0072] In one embodiment, the Network sharing monitoring rule may include at least one of the following information: a monitoring rule ID, a monitoring key, a report condition, information on the monitoring target, and a terminal identifier.

[0073] In one embodiment, the monitoring rule ID may correspond to an identifier indicating predefined setting values ​​for at least one of the report condition and the monitoring target information.

[0074] In one embodiment, the network sharing monitoring rule may include a monitoring key and a terminal identifier. In one embodiment, the network sharing monitoring rule may include a monitoring rule ID, or include a report condition and monitoring target information. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and the inclusion and combination of information may vary depending on the implementation, configuration, or operating environment.

[0075] In one embodiment, the monitoring target information may include at least one of data volume, network sharing service provision time / period, network sharing service quality, and shared network coverage.

[0076] In one embodiment, the report condition information may include at least one of the information regarding the period for reporting monitoring results or the conditions for transmitting monitoring results.

[0077] In one embodiment, the monitoring result transmission condition may include information on when to transmit monitoring results to NSMF, such as performing result transmission after network sharing is enabled or after the network sharing function is disabled.

[0078] In one embodiment, if there are multiple network functions or devices that provide network sharing, H-NSMF can provide a Network sharing monitoring rule for all of the network functions or devices.

[0079] In one embodiment, H-NSMF may set and provide different network sharing monitoring rules for each network function or device. For example, different network sharing monitoring rules may be provided for each RAN node providing network sharing or for each cell providing communication services through the RAN.

[0080] In one embodiment, H-NSMF may provide different network sharing monitoring rules depending on the type of service provided or allowed through network sharing.

[0081] Step 220. A network function or device (e.g., NS Host RAN(s)(H-RAN)) that has received a network sharing monitoring rule from H-NSMF may send a response message to H-NSMF indicating that it has successfully received it.

[0082] Step 225. A network function or device that provides network sharing (e.g., H-RAN) can monitor the usage of shared network resources and the quality of service provided through shared network resources based on a network sharing monitoring rule received from H-NSMF.

[0083] In one embodiment, a network function or device (e.g., H-RAN) that provides network sharing may transmit monitored information to H-NSMF when the monitoring result reporting condition specified in the Network sharing monitoring rule is satisfied.

[0084] Step 230. H-NSMF can collect information collected from network functions or devices that provide network sharing collected through the above operations.

[0085] For example, information can be collected from multiple network sharing providing network functions or devices by network sharing providing PLMN ID or network sharing monitoring context ID.

[0086] In one embodiment, the H-NSMF can provide aggregated network sharing monitoring result information to a device or function in another domain. For example, usage information for shared network resources can be transmitted to a network function (e.g., charging function; CHF) in a charging domain. Alternatively, the H-NSMF can transmit usage information for shared network resources, communication service quality information provided through network sharing, or communication coverage area (communication coverage information), etc., to an Operation and management system.

[0087] The operations of steps 210 to 230 above are intended to perform network sharing monitoring in a network sharing host network that provides network sharing services. In addition to the network sharing host network, monitoring of network sharing can also be performed in a network receiving network sharing services (Participant network).

[0088] The following steps 250 to 260 represent operations performed for network sharing monitoring in a participant network that receives network sharing host network functions or devices.

[0089] In step 250, P-NSMF can create an NS monitoring context.

[0090] In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context generated by the P-NSMF may include at least one of the following information.

[0091] - monitoring context ID,

[0092] - monitoring rule ID,

[0093] monitoring key,

[0094] - Monitoring report information (may include at least one of the information on the frequency of reporting monitoring results or the conditions for transmitting monitoring results),

[0095] - List of terminal identifiers (may include identifiers of terminals receiving communication services through network sharing or identifiers of terminals receiving communication services through network equipment or functions, such as shared RAN nodes),

[0096] - Network identifier (information capable of identifying the host network providing the network share. This may include the PLMN ID of the host network or network domain information, etc.), or

[0097] - Information subject to monitoring (may include at least one of an identifier for a network function or equipment subject to monitoring, such as a cell ID, RAN identifier, or NF identifier; data volume; time / duration of network shared service provision; quality of network shared service; and shared network coverage)

[0098] In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context may include a monitoring key and a terminal identifier. In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context information may include the monitoring rule ID, or include monitoring report information and monitoring target information. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and the inclusion and combination of information may vary depending on the implementation, configuration, or operating environment.

[0099] In one embodiment, P-NSMF can share the generated NS monitoring context information with P AM-NF or P SM-NF.

[0100] In one embodiment, among the monitoring targets related to network sharing according to the operator's policy, information such as the usage of communication services provided through network sharing (data volume, time / period of network sharing service provision), and network sharing service quality can be monitored by the policy control network function (P PC NF) and session management network function (P SM-NF) of the participant network.

[0101] In such cases, P-NSMF can send a network sharing related monitoring request to P SM-NF.

[0102] In one embodiment, the network sharing related monitoring information provided by P-NSMF to P SM-NF may include at least one of the following information.

[0103] - Network Sharing Monitoring Context Id,

[0104] - Information subject to monitoring (may include at least one of an identifier of a network function or equipment subject to monitoring, such as a cell ID, RAN identifier, or NF identifier; data volume; time / duration of network shared service provision; quality of network shared service; and shared network coverage), or

[0105] - It may include at least one of the host network PLMNs.

[0106] In one embodiment, when P-NSMF requests P SM-NF to perform monitoring related to network sharing, P SM-NF can receive information regarding services provided through the shared network function or device (e.g., data usage, time / duration of network sharing service provision, quality of service, etc.) through P UP-NF (participant user plane-network function) connected to the shared network function or device using information received from P-NSMF.

[0107] In one embodiment, P SM-NF may set information such as a packet filter description or a service data flow template in P UP NF that can be used to filter data packets, such as a specific tunnel identifier or a specific IP address, in order to select and distinguish only services provided through a shared network function or device.

[0108] In one embodiment, P SM-NF may obtain information for distinguishing only services provided through shared network functions or devices from P-NSMF or from P PC NF.

[0109] In one embodiment, P SM-NF can store and manage monitoring results by associating them with at least one of the network sharing monitoring context ID and host network identification information (PLMN ID) provided while receiving a network sharing related monitoring request from P-NSMF.

[0110] In one embodiment, P-NSMF may request P AM-NF to perform network sharing-related monitoring in order to perform monitoring of control plane-related usage or service quality among communication services provided through shared network functions or devices.

[0111] For example, P AM-NF can perform monitoring of service usage or quality that can be provided through control plane signaling transmitted and received with the terminal via AMF, such as SMS over NAS service, and provide the monitoring results to P-NSMF.

[0112] In one embodiment, the targets monitored by the P AM-NF may include signaling between the P AM-NF and a network function or device (e.g., an H-RAN node) shared with the P AM-NF. The P AM-NF may store and manage monitoring results by associating them with at least one of the network sharing monitoring context ID and host network identification information (PLMN ID) provided upon receiving a network sharing related monitoring request from the P-NSMF.

[0113] In step 255, P AM-NF and P SM-NF can transmit network sharing related monitoring results to P-NSMF when the report condition in the information received from P-NSMF is satisfied.

[0114] In one embodiment, P AM-NF can collect information such as signaling transmission and reception data volume with shared H-RAN node(s) from a host network and transmit it to P-NSMF.

[0115] In one embodiment, P SM-NF can collect information such as the user plane data usage (data volume) transmitted and received from H-RAN and a UPF (P-UPF) that has a user plane connection with H-RAN node(s) shared from the host network, and transmit it to P-NSMF.

[0116] In one embodiment, P AM-NF and P SM-NF can transmit at least one of network sharing monitoring context ID and host network identification information (PLMN ID) and monitoring results to P-NSMF.

[0117] In step 260, P-NSMF can aggregate network sharing monitoring results received from P AM-NF or P SM-NF.

[0118] For example, information can be collected from multiple network sharing providing network functions or devices by network sharing providing PLMN ID or network sharing monitoring context ID.

[0119] In one embodiment, P-NSMF can provide aggregated network sharing monitoring result information to a device or function in another domain.

[0120] For example, usage information for shared network resources can be transmitted to a network function (e.g., charging function; CHF) in a charging domain. Alternatively, usage information for shared network resources, communication service quality information provided through network sharing, or communication coverage area (communication coverage information), etc., can be transmitted to an operation and management system.

[0121] In one embodiment, depending on the operator policy or settings, P AM-NF or P SM-NF may also provide network sharing monitoring results to devices or functions in other domains (e.g., CHF or Operation and Management system).

[0122] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal-based network sharing monitoring support operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 3, a UE whose source network is a participant network that requests and receives network sharing can receive services from a host network by handing over from the participant network that requests and receives network sharing to the host network that provides network sharing when NS is enabled. In this case, the NSMF, base station, or network functions of the source network corresponding to the participant network may be referred to as Source NSMF, Source(S) RAN, or Source NF.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 3, in step 300, a network sharing service may be enabled according to the decision of the H-NSMF. In one embodiment, the H-NSMF may enable the network sharing service in response to a network sharing request from the P-NSMF or provide the network sharing service according to a pre-configured operator policy.

[0125] Step 310. The Source NSMF (P-NSMF (Network sharing participant network NSMF)) can create an NS monitoring context (or, NS monitoring and reporting context).

[0126] In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context information may include at least one of the following information.

[0127] - monitoring context ID,

[0128] - monitoring rule ID,

[0129] monitoring key,

[0130] - Monitoring report information (may include at least one of the information on the frequency of reporting monitoring results or the conditions for transmitting monitoring results),

[0131] - List of terminal identifiers (may include identifiers of terminals receiving communication services through network sharing or identifiers of terminals receiving communication services through network equipment or functions, such as shared RAN nodes),

[0132] - Network identifier (information that can identify a network providing network sharing through a host network. May include PLMN ID or network domain information, etc.),

[0133] - Information subject to monitoring (may include at least one of a network function or equipment identifier subject to monitoring, such as a terminal identifier list, cell ID, RAN identifier, or NF identifier, data volume, time / duration of network shared service provision, quality of network shared service, and shared network coverage)

[0134] In one embodiment, the monitoring rule ID may correspond to an identifier indicating predefined setting values ​​for at least one of the monitoring report information and the monitoring target information.

[0135] In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context may include a monitoring key and a terminal identifier. In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context information may include the monitoring rule ID, or include monitoring report information and monitoring target information. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and the inclusion and combination of information may vary depending on the implementation, configuration, or operating environment.

[0136] The timing at which the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) generates NS monitoring context information can vary as follows: - Generated when the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) detects the need for network sharing based on the status or reports of network devices and functions.

[0137] - Created when Source NSMF (P-NSMF) sends a network sharing request to H-NSMF

[0138] - Generated when the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) receives an acceptance message for the network sharing request from the H-NSMF after sending the request to the H-NSMF.

[0139] - Created after the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) completes the connection setup for network sharing between the function or device of the host network providing network sharing (e.g., NS Host RAN) and the function or device of the network receiving network sharing.

[0140] The timing of NS monitoring context information generation is not limited to what is described above, and the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) may generate NS monitoring contexts according to operator policy during the execution of procedures for network sharing activation. Additionally, the generated NS monitoring context may be updated based on the progress or results of network sharing activation.

[0141] In one embodiment, after the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) generates NS monitoring context information related to the terminal, it may also generate an NS monitoring context in a network function or device (e.g., Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) or Source SM-NF (P SM-NF)) that manages access, mobility, and session for the terminal.

[0142] In one embodiment, the NS monitoring context may be created differently depending on how monitoring of shared network resources is subdivided. For example, the NS monitoring context may be created differently depending on whether monitoring of shared network resources is performed on a per-terminal basis, or whether monitoring of the entire shared network resource is performed on a per-host network basis without distinguishing by per-terminal.

[0143] In one embodiment, when monitoring is performed on a terminal-by-terminal basis for shared network resources, an NS monitoring context corresponding to a terminal identifier is created, and as many NS monitoring contexts as there are terminals receiving services through the shared network function or device can be created and managed.

[0144] As another example, when monitoring is performed on a per-host network providing network sharing for the entire shared network resource, an NS monitoring context can be created and managed for each host network.

[0145] The present disclosure includes a method for creating and managing at least one type of NS monitoring context among a terminal-specific NS monitoring context and a host network-specific NS monitoring context. In one embodiment, both a terminal-specific NS monitoring context and a host network-specific NS monitoring context may be created and managed according to the operator's policy.

[0146] In steps 315 and 320, the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) can transmit network sharing monitoring rules to the terminal through the Source AM-NF (P AM-NF).

[0147] In one embodiment, the Network sharing monitoring rule may include at least one of a monitoring rule identifier or index, a monitoring key, a report condition, and monitoring target information. For a detailed description of the Network sharing monitoring rule, refer to step 215 of FIG. 2.

[0148] In one embodiment, the method of transmitting the information to a terminal through Source NSMF (P-NSMF) via Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) may follow one of the following.

[0149] - Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) may request a network sharing monitoring rule from Source NSMF (P-NSMF) for a terminal that has registered through a shared network function or device. To do this, Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) may provide at least one of the following information in the network sharing monitoring rule request message to Source NSMF (P-NSMF): a network sharing indication, a terminal identifier, and a network sharing provider network identifier (e.g., PLMN ID).

[0150] - After the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) decides to send a request to enable network sharing or after network sharing is completed through interoperability with H-NSMF, it may provide network sharing monitoring rule or context information to the Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) connected to the shared network function or device. In one embodiment, the Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) may store network sharing monitoring rule information received from the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) and transmit the network sharing monitoring rule to a terminal performing Registration through the shared network function or device.

[0151] In addition, if the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) supports direct communication with the terminal (for example, if it supports a user plane connection between the terminal and the Source NSMF (P-NSMF)), it can directly transmit a Network sharing monitoring rule to the terminal.

[0152] In step 325, the terminal may send a message to the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) or Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) in response to step 320 indicating that it has successfully received the network sharing monitoring rule.

[0153] Step 330. The terminal can perform monitoring based on information included in the Network sharing monitoring rule and store the monitoring results. For example, the terminal can perform monitoring of the quality of communication services for a shared network device or function. Additionally, the terminal can transmit the monitoring results to the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) or Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) when the report condition included in the Network sharing monitoring rule is satisfied.

[0154] In one embodiment, the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) may determine to perform additional operations as follows based on the network sharing monitoring results received from the terminal.

[0155] In step 335, if the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) contains information that can determine the degradation of network sharing service quality, dissatisfaction with the communication service quality included in the inter-operator network sharing agreement, or dissatisfaction with network sharing communication coverage within the network sharing monitoring results received from the terminal, the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) may re-execute the network sharing activation operation. For example, considering the location information and information such as dissatisfaction with communication service coverage or degradation of communication service quality within the network sharing monitoring results transmitted by the terminal, the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) may, in step 340, transmit an additional network sharing activation request (NS activation request) within the corresponding location information to the Host NSMF. In one embodiment, the NS activation request may include NS provisioning information.

[0156] In step 345, the Host NSMF can send a response to the request to enable network sharing to the Source NSMF (P-NSMF), and in step 350, network sharing can be enabled.

[0157] In the description of FIG. 3, the operation of the terminal directly transmitting network sharing-related monitoring results to the Source NSMF (P-NSMF) or Source AM-NF (P AM-NF) was explained; however, the terminal may also transmit monitoring results regarding shared network resources to a shared network function or device (e.g., an H-RAN node). For example, if the terminal is receiving service through network sharing, it may activate a function for Minimization of Drive Tests to perform measurement and monitoring of the shared network resources, and transmit the measurement or monitoring results to the H-RAN node. The H-RAN node may transmit the measurement and monitoring results regarding the shared network resources received from the terminal to the H-NSMF.

[0158] In one embodiment, the H-NSMF can determine whether the network sharing service quality or coverage satisfies conditions given according to an agreement between operators based on measurement and monitoring results of the shared network resources received from a terminal. If the service quality or communication coverage of the currently shared network resources is below a standard, an action to additionally share network resources can be performed. For example, the H-NSMF can transmit an indicator indicating the need for additional network sharing to the P-NSMF based on terminal measurement or monitoring results received from an H-RAN node.

[0159] In one embodiment, when the H-NSMF receives an acceptance response message for enabling additional network sharing from the P-NSMF, it may select a network function or device to be additionally shared based on measurement and monitoring results previously received from the terminal. To perform an operation for establishing a network sharing connection between the additional shared network function or device (e.g., an H-RAN node) and the participating network function or device, the H-NSMF may transmit connection establishment information for the network function or device to the P-NSMF.

[0160] In one embodiment, the method by which the H-NSMF receives terminal measurement or monitoring results may include receiving directly from the terminal in addition to receiving from an H-RAN node. If the H-NSMF is capable of direct communication with the terminal (e.g., support for user plane connection), the terminal may directly transmit network sharing-related terminal measurement or monitoring results to the H-NSMF.

[0161] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a network entity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] A network entity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (401) that controls the overall operation of the network entity, a transceiver (402) including a transmitter and a receiver, and a memory (403). Of course, it is not limited to the above example, and the network entity may include more configurations than the configuration shown in FIG. 8, or fewer configurations.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitting and receiving unit (402) may transmit and receive a signal with at least one of other network entities or terminals. The signal transmitted and received with at least one of other network entities or terminals may include control information and data.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (401) can control a network entity to perform any one of the above-described embodiments. Meanwhile, the processor (401), memory (403), and transceiver (402) do not necessarily have to be implemented as separate modules, and can be implemented as a single component in the form of a single chip. Also, the processor (401) and the transceiver (402) can be electrically connected. Furthermore, the processor (401) may be an Application Processor (AP), a Communication Processor (CP), a circuit, an application-specific circuit, or at least one processor.

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory (403) may store data such as a basic program, an application program, and configuration information for the operation of a network entity. In particular, the memory (403) provides the stored data upon a request from the processor (401). The memory (403) may be composed of a storage medium or a combination of storage media such as ROM, RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD. Additionally, the memory (403) may be a plurality of. Furthermore, the processor (401) may perform the aforementioned embodiments based on a program for performing the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure stored in the memory (403). The processor (401) may include at least one processor.

[0166] A first network entity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may create a network shared monitoring context for shared network functions and devices. In one embodiment, the first network entity may transmit monitoring rule information based on the network shared monitoring context to a base station or a second network entity. In one embodiment, monitoring information for the shared network functions and devices may be received from the base station or the second network entity.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first network entity may transmit the monitoring information to the third network entity. In one embodiment, the monitoring information may include at least one of data size, network sharing service provision time / period, network sharing service quality, and shared network coverage.

[0168] In one embodiment, the first network entity may include a network entity that performs network sharing management of a network (host network) that provides network sharing.

[0169] In one embodiment, the first network entity includes a network entity that performs network sharing management of a participant network provided by requesting network sharing, and in this case, the first network entity can transmit the monitoring rule information to a terminal.

[0170] In one embodiment, the network sharing monitoring context may include at least one of information related to a monitoring report, a list of terminal identifiers that receive a service through network sharing, information that can identify a network that receives network sharing, and monitoring target information.

[0171] In one embodiment, the information related to the monitoring report may include at least one of period information for reporting monitoring results and condition information for transmitting monitoring results.

[0172] In one embodiment, when the first network entity is a network entity that manages network sharing of a network providing network sharing, the network sharing monitoring context may be created when, after receiving a network sharing service request or a network sharing activation request from a network receiving network sharing (participant network), it is decided to provide network sharing services; when, after deciding to provide network sharing services, a network function or device to be shared (e.g., a RAN node to be shared) is selected; or when, after deciding to provide network sharing services, a network function or device to be shared (e.g., a RAN node to be shared) is selected and connection settings with the network function or device of the Participant network are completed.

[0173] In one embodiment, the monitoring rule information may include at least one of monitoring report condition information, monitoring target information, and identifier information of a terminal receiving a service through network sharing.

[0174] In one embodiment, the monitoring target information may include at least one of data size, network sharing service provision time / period, network sharing service quality, and shared network coverage.

[0175] It should be noted that the aforementioned configuration diagrams, exemplary diagrams of control / data signal transmission methods, exemplary diagrams of operation procedures, and configuration diagrams are not intended to limit the scope of the rights of the present disclosure. That is, all components, entities, or steps of operation described in the embodiments of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as essential components for the implementation of the disclosure, and may be implemented within a scope that does not impair the essence of the disclosure even if only some components are included. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined with one another as needed. For example, parts of the methods proposed in the present disclosure may be combined with one another to operate network entities and terminals.

[0176] The operations of the base station or terminal described above can be realized by providing a memory device storing the corresponding program code in any component within the base station or terminal device. That is, the control unit of the base station or terminal device can execute the operations described above by reading the program code stored in the memory device using a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing it.

[0177] Various components of entities, base stations, or terminal devices and modules described herein may be operated using hardware circuits, such as, for example, complementary metal oxide semiconductor-based logic circuits, firmware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and firmware and / or software embedded in a machine-readable medium. For example, various electrical structures and methods may be implemented using electrical circuits such as transistors, logic gates, and application-specific semiconductors.

[0178] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided for storing one or more programs (software modules). One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of this disclosure.

[0179] Such programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage devices, Compact Disc-ROM (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes. Alternatively, they may be stored in memory composed of some or all of these. Additionally, each constituent memory may include multiple units.

[0180] Additionally, the above program may be stored on an attachable storage device that can be accessed via a communication network such as the Internet, Intranet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide LAN (WLAN), or Storage Area Network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure through an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on a communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the components included in the disclosure are expressed in a singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments presented. However, the singular or plural expression is selected to suit the situation presented for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components; even if a component is expressed in the plural form, it may be composed of a singular form, and even if a component is expressed in the singular form, it may be composed of a plural form.

[0182] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present disclosure, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for supporting network sharing performed by a first network entity in a wireless communication system, Step of creating a network shared monitoring context for shared network functions and devices; A step of transmitting monitoring rule information based on the above-mentioned network shared monitoring context to a base station or a second network entity associated with the first network; and A method characterized by including the step of receiving monitoring information regarding the shared network function and device from the base station or the second network entity.

2. In Paragraph 1, The method further includes the step of transmitting the above monitoring information to a third network entity, and A method characterized by the above monitoring information including at least one of data size, network sharing service provision time / period, network sharing service quality, and shared network coverage.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first network entity comprises a network entity that performs network sharing management of a host network that provides network sharing.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first network entity comprises a network entity that performs network sharing management of a participant network that receives network sharing.

5. In paragraph 1, the network shared monitoring context is, A method characterized by including at least one of a monitoring key, a monitoring rule identifier (ID), information related to a monitoring report, a list of terminal identifiers receiving a service through network sharing, information capable of identifying a network receiving network sharing, or information on a monitoring target.

6. In Paragraph 5, the information related to the above monitoring report is, A method characterized by including at least one of period information reporting monitoring results and condition information transmitting monitoring results.

7. In paragraph 3, the above-mentioned network shared monitoring context is, If it is decided to provide network sharing services after receiving a network sharing service request or a network sharing activation request from a participant network receiving network sharing, If you have selected a shared network function or device after the decision to provide a network sharing service, or A method characterized by being created when, after a decision to provide a network sharing service, a shared network function or device is selected and a connection setting with the network function or device of the participating network is completed.

8. In paragraph 1, the above monitoring rule information is, A method characterized by including at least one of a monitoring key, a monitoring rule identifier (ID), monitoring report condition information, monitoring target information, or identifier information of a terminal receiving a service through network sharing.

9. In Paragraph 5, the above-mentioned monitoring target information is, A method characterized by including at least one of data size, network sharing service provision time / period, network sharing service quality, or shared network coverage.

10. A method performed by a first network entity included in a participant network that receives network sharing in a wireless communication system, Step of creating a network shared monitoring context for shared network functions and devices; A step of transmitting monitoring rule information based on the above-mentioned network shared monitoring context to UE (user equipment); A step of receiving monitoring information regarding the shared network functions and devices from the above UE; A step of determining to initiate additional network sharing activation based on the above monitoring information; and A method characterized by including the step of transmitting a network sharing activation request to a second network entity included in a host network that provides network sharing.

11. In paragraph 10, the step of deciding to initiate the activation of the network sharing above is, A method characterized by including the step of deciding to initiate additional network sharing activation when, based on the above monitoring information, it is identified that the network sharing service quality or shared network coverage is below a predefined threshold value.

12. In Paragraph 10, the above monitoring information is, A method characterized by including at least one of data size, network sharing service provision time / period, network sharing service quality, and shared network coverage.

13. In a first network entity that supports network sharing in a wireless communication system, Transmitter / receiver; and It includes at least one processor; and the at least one processor, Create a network shared monitoring context for shared network functions and devices, and Transmitting monitoring rule information based on the above network shared monitoring context to a base station or a second network entity related to the first network, and A first network entity characterized by being configured to receive monitoring information regarding the shared network function and device from the base station or the second network entity.

14. In paragraph 13, the at least one processor is further configured to transmit the monitoring information to a third network entity, and A first network entity characterized by the above monitoring information including at least one of data size, network sharing service provision time / period, network sharing service quality, and shared network coverage.

15. In a first network entity included in a participant network that receives network sharing in a wireless communication system, Transmitter / receiver; and It includes at least one processor; and the at least one processor, Create a network shared monitoring context for shared network functions and devices, and Monitoring rule information based on the above network shared monitoring context is transmitted to the UE (user equipment), and Receive monitoring information regarding the shared network functions and devices from the above UE, and It is decided to initiate additional network sharing activation based on the above monitoring information, and A first network entity characterized by being configured to request network sharing activation to a second network entity included in a host network that provides network sharing.

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