JP7065905B2 - How to choose a service network and network devices as well as management devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of mobile communications, and more particularly to methods, network devices, radio access network (RAN) nodes, and user equipment, and management devices for selecting service networks.

Currently, in Evolved Packet Core (EPC), when the dedicated core (Dedicated Core, DECOR) network changes dynamically, for example, when DECOR is out of service, a user device that supports DECOR (Dedicated Core, DECOR). User Equipment, UE) needs to be migrated to another DECOR, that is, the corresponding DECOR is reselected for the UE.

In existing DECOR network selection techniques, the corresponding DECOR is primarily selected for the UE based on the concept of relocation. The specific steps of the network selection technique are as follows.

(1) If the DECOR changes dynamically, for example if the network creates a new DECOR or the DECOR is out of service, the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) will have a subscription data procedure. Updates the UE subscription data stored in the Mobility Management Entity (MME), and the MME sends an acknowledgment message to the HSS.

(2) If the UE is idle, the MME needs to initiate a paging procedure to restore the channel between the MME and the UE.

(3) If the UE is in a connected state, the MME initiates the Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity (GUTI) relocation procedure, freeing radio resources and allowing the UE to update the Tracking Area. Update, TAU) Make the request procedure start.

(4) When the UE initiates the TAU request procedure to access the original DECOR, the UE subscription data has been updated and is inappropriate for the original DECOR to continue servicing the UE. Determined to be, the original DECOR finds a new DECOR suitable for the UE according to the updated subscription data, and then the original DECOR initiates the re-guidance procedure to resubmit the UE request to the new DECOR. Instruct the RAN node to send.

(5) The new DECOR accepts the UE's access request and services the UE so that the UE's migration process is carried out.

The service network selection technique has the following problems. If a UE that needs to be migrated performs a TAU redirection procedure and a re-guidance procedure to migrate a UE registered in the original DECOR to the new DECOR, a signaling storm is easily triggered, in addition. In order to migrate a UE to another DECOR, the HSS must initiate the subscription data renewal procedure to renew the subscription data of all UEs currently registered in the DECOR. For HSS, the signaling load is excessively heavy.

The present invention can provide a method for selecting a service network, radio access network nodes, and user equipment to simplify the process of selecting a service network when the service network changes dynamically. And so that signaling can be reduced.

According to the first aspect, a method for selecting a service network is provided, the method is a step of determining a service requirement list of a UE, where the service requirement list contains at least one service requested by the UE. Including, and determining a service capacity list set that includes a service capacity list of at least one service network, where each service capacity list contains an identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list and is by the service network. A step of determining a first identifier of a first service network servicing a UE according to a step comprising at least one service supported and a service requirement list and a service capability list set. The service capability list corresponding to the service network includes steps and including all or part of the services in the service requirements list.

Referring to the first aspect, in the first possible embodiment, it is a step of determining a first identifier of a first service network servicing a UE according to a service requirement list and a service capability list set. The service capacity list corresponding to the first service network contains all or part of the services in the service requirement list, the step is the maximum amount of services in the service requirement list according to the service requirement list and service capacity list set. Including, the step of determining the identifier corresponding to the service capacity list in the service capacity list set as the first identifier.

With reference to the first aspect or the first possible embodiment, in the second possible embodiment, the method is performed by a UE to provide a service capacity list set containing a service capacity list of at least one service network. The step to determine is the step of receiving the first RRC message transmitted by the RAN node by the UE, the first RRC message carrying the service capability list set, and the first RRC message. The method comprises sending a second RRC message by the UE to the RAN node, the second RRC message carrying the first identifier, comprising the step of determining the service capacity list set according to. The second RRC message further comprises a step used to indicate that the first service network serves the UE.

With reference to the second possible embodiment, in the third possible embodiment, the second RRC message further carries the service requirement list and the RAN node transfers the service requirement list to the first service network. Try to send.

With reference to the first aspect or the first possible embodiment, in the fourth possible embodiment, the method is performed by the RAN node and the step of determining the service requirement list of the UE is transmitted by the UE. The step of receiving the third RRC message by the RAN node, in which the third RRC message carries the service capacity list, and the step of determining the service capacity list according to the third RRC message. The step of determining a service capacity list set that includes and includes a service capacity list of at least one service network is a step of receiving the service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by the management device by the RAN node, or at least. It includes a step of receiving a service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by one service network and a step of determining a service capacity list set including a service capacity list of at least one service network.

With reference to a third possible embodiment or a fourth possible embodiment, in a fifth possible embodiment, the method carries a message carrying a service requirement list and a first identifier by means of a RAN node. The step of sending to the first service network so that the first service network sends the notification message to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capability list of the first service network, the notification message is. It further comprises a step used to inform the UE about services in the service requirements list and included in the service capacity list of the first service network.

With reference to any one of the third to fifth possible embodiments, in the sixth possible embodiment, the method is in the step of receiving the instructional message transmitted by the management device by the RAN node. There, the instruction message is used to instruct the RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of at least one service network, the step and at least one in the service capacity set according to the instruction message. It further includes steps to add, modify, or delete the service capability list of the service network by the RAN node.

With reference to any one of the first aspect, or the first to sixth possible embodiments, in the seventh possible embodiment, the service requirement list further includes the priority corresponding to the service. The step of determining the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the service requirements list and service capacity list set is the service capacity according to the services in the service requirements list in descending order of priority corresponding to the service. It comprises searching the list set to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE.

According to the second aspect, a method for selecting a service network is provided, wherein the RAN node receives, or at least, a service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by the management device. A step of receiving a service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by one service network, where each service capacity list contains an identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list and is supported by the service network. A step comprising at least one service and a step of transmitting a first RRC message to the UE by the RAN node, wherein the first RRC message is a service capacity list including a service capacity list of at least one service network. The first RRC message is used by the UE to carry the set and to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the UE's service requirement list and service capability list set. The service capability list of the first service network contains all or part of the services in the service requirements list, and the service requirements list contains at least one service requested by the UE, with steps transmitted by the UE. In the step of receiving the second RRC message by the RAN node, the second RRC message carries the first identifier of the first service network in at least one service network, and the second RRC message. Includes a step, which is used to indicate that the first service network provides services to the UE.

With reference to the second aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the second RRC message further carries the service requirement list, the method is to transfer the service requirement list to the first service network by the RAN node. It is a step of transmitting so that the first service network sends a notification message to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capacity list of the first service network, and the notification message is in the service requirement list. Further includes steps used to inform the UE about services included in the service capacity list of the first service network.

With reference to the second or first possible embodiment, in the second possible embodiment, the RAN node is further configured to receive the instructional message transmitted by the management device. Used to instruct a RAN node to add, modify, or delete a service capacity list for at least one service network, the RAN node will follow the instruction message to list the service capacity of at least one service network in the service capacity set. Is further configured to be added, modified, or deleted.

According to the third aspect, a method for selecting a service network is provided, the method is a step of determining a service requirement list of a UE by the UE, and the service requirement list is at least required by the UE. A step containing one service and a step in which the UE sends an RRC message to a RAN node, where the RRC message carries the service requirements list and the RRC message is the service requirements list and services of at least one service network. Used by the RAN node to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the service capacity list set containing the capacity list, the service capacity list of the first service network is the service requirement. Each service capability list includes all or part of the services in the list, and each service capability list includes a step that includes the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capability list and includes at least one service supported by the service network.

Referring to a third aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the method sends a notification message sent to the UE by the first service network according to the service requirement list and the service capacity list of the first service network to the UE. In addition, the notification message is a step to be received, further comprising a step used to inform the UE about a service in the service requirements list and included in the service capacity list of the first service network. ..

According to a fourth aspect, a method for managing a service network is provided, wherein the method is a step of receiving a service capacity list of the service network transmitted by the service network by the management device, that is, the service capacity. The list includes a step containing the service network identifier and at least one service supported by the service network, and a step of sending the service capability list to the RAN node by the management device.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in the first possible implementation method, the method is a step of generating an instruction message by a management device, wherein the instruction message adds or modifies a service capacity list of a service network. Or further includes a step used to instruct the RAN node to delete and a step of sending an instruction message to the RAN node by the management device.

According to a fifth aspect, a network device for selecting a service network is provided, the network device includes a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter, and the receiver is configured to receive a message. The transmitter is configured to send a message, the processor is configured to determine the service requirement list of the user equipment UE, the service requirement list contains at least one service requested by the UE, and the processor is at least. Further configured to determine a service capacity list set that includes a service capacity list for one service network, each service capacity list contains the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list and is at least one supported by the service network. Containing one service, the processor is further configured to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the service requirement list and service capability list set, corresponding to the first service network. The service capability list to be used contains all or part of the services in the service requirements list.

In a first possible embodiment with reference to a fifth aspect, the processor comprises the maximum amount of services in the service requirement list and is in the service capacity list set according to the service requirement list and service capacity list set. The identifier corresponding to the service capability list is specifically configured to be determined as the first identifier.

In a second possible embodiment with reference to a fifth aspect or a first possible embodiment, the network device is a UE and the receiver is a first RRC message transmitted by a RAN node. Configured to receive, the first RRC message carries the service capacity list set, and the processor is specifically configured to determine the service capacity list set according to the first RRC message received by the receiver and transmit. The machine is configured to send a second RRC message to the RAN node, the second RRC message carrying the first identifier.

With reference to the second possible embodiment, in the third possible embodiment, the second RRC message further carries the service requirement list, and the RAN node carries the service requirement list first. To send to the service network of.

In a fourth possible embodiment with reference to a fifth or first possible embodiment, the network device is a RAN node and the receiver receives a third RRC message transmitted by the UE. The third RRC message is specifically configured to carry the service requirement list, the processor is specifically configured to determine the service requirement list according to the third RRC message received by the receiver, and the receiver is configured to receive. The processor is further configured to receive the service capacity list of the service network transmitted by the management device, or to receive the service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by at least one service network. It is further specifically configured to determine a service capacity list set that includes a service capacity list for at least one service network.

With reference to a third possible embodiment or a fourth possible embodiment, in a fifth possible embodiment, the transmitter sends a message carrying a service requirement list to the first service network. The first service network is configured to send a notification message to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capacity list of the first service network, and the notification message is in the service requirement list and is the first. Used to inform the UE about services contained in the service capacity list of the service network of.

With reference to any one of the third to fifth possible embodiments, in a sixth possible embodiment, the receiver is further configured to receive instructional messages transmitted by the management device. The instruction message is used to instruct the RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of at least one service network, and the processor follows the instruction message to service the service of at least one service network in the service capacity set. The ability list is further configured to be added, modified, or deleted.

With reference to any one of the fifth aspect, or the first to sixth possible embodiments, in the seventh possible embodiment, the service requirement list is of at least one service required by the UE. Further including the corresponding priorities, the processor searches the service capacity list set according to the services in the service requirements list in descending order of the priorities corresponding to the services, and the processor of the first service network servicing the UE. Specially configured to determine the first identifier.

According to a sixth aspect, a RAN node for selecting a service network, including a transmitter and a receiver, is provided, and the receiver receives a service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by the management device. Each service capacity list contains an identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list, and is configured to receive the service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by the service capacity list. Includes at least one service supported by the service network, the transmitter is configured to send a first RRC message to the UE, and the first RRC message contains a list of service capabilities of at least one service network. The service capability list set is carried and the first RRC message is sent by the UE to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE from the service capability list set according to the UE's service requirement list. The service capability list of the first service network used contains all or part of the services in the service requirements list, the service requirements list contains at least one service requested by the UE, and the receiver is the UE. The second RRC message is configured to receive the second RRC message sent by, the second RRC message carries the first identifier of the first service network in at least one service network, and the second RRC message is , The first service network is used to instruct the UE to serve.

With reference to the sixth aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the second RRC message further carries the service requirement list, and the transmitter sends the service requirement list to the first service network. Further configured, the first service network causes the notification message to be sent to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capability list of the service network, and the notification message is in the service requirement list and is a service of the first service network. Used to inform the UE about the services contained in the capability list.

With reference to the sixth or first possible embodiment, in the second possible embodiment, the receiver is further configured to receive the instructional message transmitted by the management device. Used to instruct the RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of at least one service network, the RAN node follows the instruction message to instruct the RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of at least one service network in the service capacity set. Further includes processors configured to add, modify, or remove.

According to a seventh aspect, a user equipment UE for selecting a service network, including a processor and a transmitter, is provided, the processor is configured to determine the service requirement list of the UE, and the service requirement list is the UE. Containing at least one service requested by the transmitter, the transmitter is configured to send an RRC message to the RAN node, the RRC message carries a service requirement list, and the RRC message is a service requirement list and at least one service. The service capacity list of the first service network is used by the RAN node to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the service capacity list set containing the service capacity list of the network. , All or part of the services in the service requirements list, each service capability list contains the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capability list, and includes at least one service supported by the service network.

With reference to the seventh aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the UE receives a notification message sent to the UE by the first service network according to the service requirement list and the service capability list of the first service network. Further including a receiver configured to do so, the notification message is used to notify the UE about services in the service requirements list and in the service capacity list of the first service network.

According to an eighth aspect, a management device including a receiver and a transmitter is provided, the receiver is configured to receive the service capacity list of the service network transmitted by the service network, and the service capacity list is. The transmitter is configured to send a service capability list to the RAN node, including the service network identifier and at least one service supported by the service network.

With reference to the eighth aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the management device further comprises a processor configured to generate an instruction message, which adds a service capacity list of the service network. Used to instruct the RAN node to change or delete, the transmitter is further configured to send an instruction message to the RAN node.

According to a ninth aspect, a network device for selecting a service network, including a processing module, is provided, the processing module is configured to determine a service requirement list for the user equipment UE, and the service requirement list is the UE. A processing module is further configured to determine a service capacity list set containing at least one service capacity list including at least one service required by the service capacity list, and each service capacity list corresponds to a service capacity list. The first of the first service networks to serve the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capability list set, including the identifier of the service network to be used and at least one service supported by the service network. The service capability list, further configured to determine the identifier and corresponding to the first service network, includes all or part of the services in the service requirements list.

With reference to the ninth aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the processing module contains the maximum amount of services in the service requirements list according to the service requirements list and the service capacity list set, and serves as the first identifier. The identifier corresponding to the service capacity list in the capacity list set is specifically configured to be determined as the first identifier.

In a second possible embodiment, referring to a ninth aspect or a first possible embodiment, the network device is a UE, the UE further comprises a receive module and a transmit module, and the receive module is a RAN. The first RRC message is configured to receive the first RRC message sent by the node, the first RRC message carries the service capacity list set, and the processing module is service capacity according to the first RRC message received by the receiving module . Specially configured to determine the list set, the transmit module is configured to send a second RRC message to the RAN node, the second RRC message carrying the first identifier.

With reference to the second possible embodiment, in the third possible embodiment, the second RRC message further carries the service requirement list, and the RAN node carries the service requirement list first. To send to the service network of.

With reference to a ninth aspect or a first possible embodiment, in a fourth possible embodiment, the network device is a RAN node, the RAN node further comprises a receive module, and the receive module is by a UE. The third RRC message transmitted is configured to receive, the third RRC message carries the service requirement list, and the processing module determines the service requirement list according to the third RRC message received by the receiving module. The receiving module is specifically configured to receive the service capacity list of the service network sent by the management device, or receive the service capacity list of at least one service network sent by at least one service network. Further configured to do so, the processing module is further specifically configured to determine a service capacity list set that includes a service capacity list for at least one service network.

With reference to the third possible embodiment or the fourth possible embodiment, in the fifth possible embodiment, the RAN node sends a message carrying the service requirement list to the first service network. The first service network is further configured to include a transmission module that allows the first service network to send a notification message to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capacity list of the first service network, and the notification message is a service requirement list. Used to inform the UE about services that are within and are included in the service capacity list of the first service network.

With reference to any one of the third to fifth possible embodiments, in the sixth possible embodiment, the receiving module is further configured to receive instructional messages transmitted by the management device. The instruction message is used to instruct the RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of at least one service network, and the processing module follows the instruction message of at least one service network in the service capacity set. The service capability list is further configured to be added, modified, or deleted.

With reference to any one of the ninth aspect, or the first to sixth possible embodiments, in the seventh possible embodiment, the service requirement list is of at least one service required by the UE. Further including the corresponding priorities, the processor searches the service capacity list set according to the services in the service requirements list in descending order of the priorities corresponding to the services, and the processor of the first service network servicing the UE. It is specifically configured to determine a first identifier.

According to a tenth aspect, a RAN node for selecting a service network, including a transmit module and a receive module, is provided, and the receive module receives a service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by the management device. Each service capacity list contains an identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list, and is configured to receive the service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by the service capacity list. Containing at least one service supported by the service network, the transmit module is configured to send a first RRC message to the user equipment UE, where the first RRC message is a service capability list of at least one service network. The first RRC message carries the service capacity list set including, and the first RRC message is to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the UE's service requirement list and service capacity list set. Used by the UE, the service capacity list of the first service network contains all or part of the services in the service requirements list, the service requirements list contains at least one service requested by the UE, and the receive module is , The second RRC message is configured to receive the second RRC message transmitted by the UE, the second RRC message carries the first identifier of the first service network in at least one service network and the second RRC. The message is used to indicate that the first service network is servicing the UE.

With reference to the tenth aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the second RRC message further carries the service requirement list, and the transmission module sends the service requirement list to the first service network. Further configured, the first service network causes the notification message to be sent to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capability list of the service network, and the notification message is in the service requirement list and is a service of the first service network. Used to inform the UE about the services contained in the capability list.

With reference to the tenth aspect or the first possible embodiment, in the second possible embodiment, the receiving module is further configured to receive the instructional message transmitted by the management device. Used to instruct a RAN node to add, modify, or delete a service capacity list for at least one service network, the RAN node will follow the instruction message to list the service capacity of at least one service network in the service capacity set. Further includes processing modules configured to add, modify, or remove.

According to the eleventh aspect, a UE for selecting a service network including a processing module and a transmitting module is provided, the processing module is configured to determine a service requirement list of the UE, and the service requirement list is a UE. Containing at least one service requested by, the transmit module is configured to send RRC messages to the RAN node, RRC messages carry a list of service requirements, and RRC messages are the service capabilities of at least one service network. The service capacity list of the first service network used by the RAN node to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the service requirement list from the service capacity list set containing the list. Contains all or part of the services in the service requirements list, each service capability list contains the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capability list, and includes at least one service supported by the service network.

With reference to the eleventh aspect, in the first possible embodiment, the UE receives a notification message sent to the UE by the first service network according to the service requirement list and the service capability list of the first service network. Further including a receive module configured to do so, the notification message is used to notify the UE about services that are in the service requirements list and are in the service capacity list of the first service network.

According to a twelfth aspect, a management device including a receive module and a transmit module is provided, the receive module is configured to receive a service capacity list of the service network transmitted by the service network, and the service capacity list is a service capacity list. Containing the service network identifier and at least one service supported by the service network, the transmit module is configured to send the service capability list to the RAN node.

With reference to a twelfth aspect, in a first possible embodiment, the management device further comprises a processing module configured to generate an instruction message, which adds a service capacity list of the service network. Used to instruct the RAN node to change, modify, or delete, the transmit module is further configured to send an instruction message to the RAN node.

According to the technical solution of the present invention, when the service network changes dynamically, the service network that can meet the service requirements of the UE becomes the UE according to the service requirements of the terminal device and the services supported by the service network. It is selected for. According to the technical solution of the present invention, the process of selecting a service network when the service network changes dynamically can be simplified and signaling can be reduced.

In order to more clearly explain the technical solution in the embodiment of the present invention, the accompanying drawings necessary for explaining the embodiment of the present invention will be briefly introduced in the latter part. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description show only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art would otherwise be able to read from these attached drawings without any creative effort. Further drawings can be derived.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the network architecture system by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for managing the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic flow chart which shows the method for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the network device for selecting the service network by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the RAN node by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the UE by embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the management device by embodiment of this invention.

In order to further clarify the purpose, technical solution, and advantage of the embodiment of the present invention, the technical solution in the embodiment of the present invention will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiment of the present invention. Explain clearly and completely. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of an embodiment of the invention and do not represent the whole embodiment. All other embodiments obtained by one of ordinary skill in the art based on embodiments of the invention, without any creative effort, shall be within the scope of protection of the invention.

For ease of understanding, a brief description is provided below with reference to the application scenarios of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. The architecture system shown in FIG. 1 may be specifically a 5G network architecture system, or may be specifically a conventional network architecture system such as a 4G network architecture system. The network architecture shown in FIG. 1 includes UE, RAN, and service networks.

The UE may be a conventional 4G terminal device or a terminal device that supports a 5G network. Depending on the actual application scenario and type of terminal device, the UE may support one or more types of services. The service requirements list may consist of UEs, and the service requirements list may include one or more types of services supported by the UE.

The RAN node in the RAN network may be a radio base station such as an evolved NodeB (e-UTRAN NodeB, eNodeB). After the radio channel is established between the UE and the RAN node, the UE accesses the service network by using the RAN node to acquire the service provided by the service network.

For specific types of scenarios or specific user requirements, the service network may provide customized services for specific types of UEs. Depending on the actual application scenario and type of terminal device, the service network may support one or more types of services to ensure that the UE gets full service. After the service network is created, a service capacity list of the service network is defined to record the identifier of this network slice and the services supported by this network slice. The service network may be a dedicated core network within the EPC architecture or a network slice within the 5G network.

In future 5G systems, networks will be further abstracted into network slices based on logical functions. The network slice is not logically divided into network elements, but is created by the method of "customized function + general-purpose hardware". According to such a network structure, operators are allowed to provide the network to users as a service and meet different user requirements according to indicators such as rate, capacity, coverage, latency, reliability, security, and availability. The entire network can be freely combined to meet.

Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technologies provide customized network slices for different types of communication users on the same infrastructure. May be good. For example, the user device 1 in FIG. 1 may be a UE that uses mobile broadband (MBB), and the user device 2 is a UE that uses vehicle-to-vehicle (Vehicle To Vehicle, V2V) communication. The user device 3 may be a UE that uses Machine Type Communication (MTC), the service network 1 may be an MBB network slice, and the service network 2 may be a V2V network slice. The service network 3 may be an MTC network slice.

The architectural system shown in FIG. 1 may further include a management device. The service capacity list of one or more service networks may be deployed on the management device, and the management device may be configured to manage one or more service networks. If the management device can learn the service capacity list of the service network, or if the service network is bad due to geographical constraints or other reasons and is out of service to the UE, the management device will service. Instruct the RAN node to delete the service capacity list of the network.

It should be noted that the technical solution for selecting a service network in an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the network architecture shown in FIG. The embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to other network architectures similar to network functional modularization or servicing.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 2 includes the following steps.

S201. A service requirement list for the UE is determined, and the service requirement list contains at least one service requested by the UE.

S202. A service capacity list set containing a service capacity list of at least one service network is determined, and each service capacity list contains the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list and includes at least one service supported by the service network. ..

S203. According to the service requirement list and the service capacity list set, the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE is determined, and the service capacity list of the first service network is all or all of the services in the service requirement list. Including some.

According to the method for selecting a service network in the present invention, when the service network changes dynamically, the service network that meets the service requirements is selected for the UE according to the service requirements of the terminal device and the service capability of the service network. The process of selecting a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced if the service network changes dynamically.

In this embodiment of the invention, a network device (such as HSS) may configure a service requirement list for a UE according to the capabilities of the UE and the services the UE subscribes to. The services that the UE subscribes to include call services, mobile broadband services, machine-type communication services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, ultra-low latency services, ultra-high reliability services, and Internet Protocol (IP) continuity maintenance services. You may. Depending on the actual application scenario and terminal type, the UE may support one or more types of services. For example, a vehicle-type UE may perform autonomous driving by using a vehicle-to-vehicle communication service, and high-definition video can be seen by using a mobile broadband service, so the UE's service requirement list is a vehicle. May include vehicle-to-vehicle communication services and mobile broadband services. All these services are listed in the service requirements list.

Table 1 is an example of a list of UE service requirements. It may be understood from Table 1 that the UE may support voice services, mobile broadband services, ultra-reliable services, and other services.

The network device sends the generated service requirements list to the UE, which may store the service requirements list in the manner of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card storage, or the service requirements list. May be stored directly.

In this embodiment of the invention, optionally, a radio link may be established between the UE and the RAN node, for example, when sending an RRC message to the RAN node, the UE is an RRC message of the UE. Transfer the service requirement list to the RAN node. Since the RRC message sent by the UE to the RAN node is usually a standard defined non-access stratum (NAS) message, the UE's service requirements list may be sent with the NAS message. ..

In this embodiment of the invention, the network service capability list of a service network is defined when a service network is generated and points to the services supported by the service network. Depending on the actual application scenario, the service network may support one or more types of services. For example, the service network used in an industrial control scenario may simultaneously support machine-type communication services, ultra-low latency services, and ultra-high reliability services. All these services are listed in the service capacity list.

Table 2 is an example of a service capacity list of a service network. It may be understood from Table 2 that service networks may support voice services, mobile broadband services, ultra-reliable services, and other services.

After the new service network is created, the service capacity list of the service network may be configured with RAN nodes during the actual deployment of the service network.

If the service capacity list of a service network in the network changes, the management device may further instruct the RAN node to change the service capacity list in response to the service network.

Following the instructional message sent by the management device, the RAN node modifies the service capacity list corresponding to the service network, updates the service capacity list, and then the UE originally serviced by the service network accesses the network again. In that case, the RAN node, UE, or another network management device may select the service network to serve the UE according to the latest set of service capabilities, avoiding the redirection process and reducing signaling. It has become.

The service network deployed in the network may be defective due to geographical restrictions, and the service to the UE is suspended. If the service network is bad, the management device may instruct the RAN node within the service range of the service network to delete the service capacity list of the service network.

The RAN node deletes the service capacity list corresponding to the service outage service network from the service capacity list set and updates the service capacity list set according to the instruction message sent by the management device. When a UE originally serviced by a service network re-accesses the network, the RAN node, UE, or another network management device selects the service network to service the UE according to the latest set of service capabilities. In some cases, the redirection process is avoided and signaling is reduced.

In the case of a local network, the UE usually has a dedicated service network that can support all the services of the UE, but there are some services that can support only some of the services of the UE.

Optionally, after the RAN node has a service capacity list set, the RAN node sets the service requirement list of the UE sent by the UE by using RRC messages to the services in the service capacity list set on the RAN node. May be compared to the ability list. In particular, the services in the service requirement list are compared with the services in the service capacity list to find a service capacity list that can include all or part of the services in the service capacity list. The service network corresponding to the identifier in the service capability list is the service network that provides the service to the UE and is the service network selected by the RAN node for the UE.

In general, a service network that can provide the maximum amount of service requested by a UE and is within a plurality of service networks may be determined as a service network that provides services to the UE.

For example, the service requirement list of the UE received on the RAN node is shown in Table 1, the service capacity list on the RAN node is the service capacity list shown in Table 2, that is, the service capacity list set is Table 3. By comparing the service capacity list shown in Table 1 with the service capacity list shown in Table 3, the service capacity list corresponding to identifier 1 covers all services in the UE's service capacity list. It may be appreciated that the service network comprising, i.e. corresponding to identifier 1, may support the maximum amount of service requested by the UE. Therefore, the RAN node may select the service network corresponding to the identifier 1 as the service network that provides the service to the UE.

After the RAN node determines the identifier of the service network servicing the UE, normal service procedures may be performed between the UE and the selected service network.

Optionally, the RAN node may send the UE's list of service requirements to the service network servicing the UE. After receiving the UE's service requirement list, the service network may compare the UE's service requirement list with the service capacity list of the network servicing the UE. If the service network cannot support all the services of the UE, that is, only some of the services requested by the UE, the service network sends a notification message to the UE and the service network to the UE. Notifies the UE of the services currently available by. For example, the UE is notified by using the NAS acceptance message, and the UE refers to the NAS acceptance message to determine the services that can be requested in subsequent service requirements.

In this embodiment of the invention, optionally a radio link may be established between the RAN node and the UE, the RAN node contains a plurality of service capability lists in an RRC message and is shown in Table 3. A service capacity list of multiple service networks, such as a service capacity list set, may be transferred to the UE.

In this case, the UE compares the services in the UE's service requirements list (such as the service requirements list shown in Table 1) with the services in multiple service capacity lists and either all or all of the services in the service requirements list. Select a service capacity list that includes some (such as the service capacity list corresponding to identifier 1 in Table 3). The service network corresponding to the identifier (such as identifier 1 in Table 3) in the service capability list is the service network that provides the service to the UE and is the service network selected for the UE. Then, when sending an RRC message to the RAN node, the UE may send an identifier (such as identifier 1 in Table 3) to the RAN node. Therefore, normal service procedures may be performed between the UE and the selected service network by using the RAN node.

The UE may further send the services requested by the UE (such as the service requirements list shown in Table 1) to the RAN node. After the RAN node receives the UE's service requirement list sent by the UE, optionally, the RAN node provides the UE's service requirement list with the service selected by the RAN node to the UE. May be sent to the network. After receiving the UE's service requirement list, the service network compares the UE's service requirement list with the service capacity list of the service network to determine which services can be provided by the service network to the UE. There is.

In this case, the UE has compared the UE's service requirements list to the service capacity list of the service network, so the UE is already of the UE and has already provided services that can be supported by the currently selected service network. Clearly aware, the service network does not need to inform the UE about the services that can be provided by the service network to the UE.

According to the method for selecting a service network in this embodiment of the present invention, the UE actively selects a service network that matches the current service requirement from the service capacity list set according to the service requirement list of the UE. The process of selecting a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced when the network changes dynamically.

Optionally, the method for selecting a service network in an embodiment of the invention may be performed by a network slice management device in a future 5G network architecture, i.e., the management device is the UE's service requirement list and When the network changes dynamically by getting the service capacity list of the network slice and selecting the service network that matches the current service requirement of the UE from the service capacity list of multiple network slices according to the service requirement list of the UE. The process of selecting a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced.

Optionally, the RAN node in this embodiment may be a visited RAN node accessed by the UE in a roaming scenario. In this case, the RAN node of the roaming area selects the service network of the UE according to the service requirement list of the UE and the service capacity list of the service network of the roaming area to guarantee the roaming access of the UE.

According to the method for selecting a service network in this embodiment of the present invention, in a dynamic situation, for example, when the service network is dynamically generated, dynamically updated, or defective. The RAN node may add or remove the service capacity list of the configured service network, allowing the UE to perform normal access if the service network changes dynamically. Therefore, the UE not only has more flexibility and more effective access to the service network, but also avoids the redirection process and saves a lot of signaling.

In a real-world scenario to which this embodiment of the invention applies, the UE's dedicated service network is typically deployed on the local network, so a service network that meets all the UE's service requirements is to the UE on the local network. It may be selected, but some networks may not meet all the service requirements of the UE. In another example, in a roaming scenario, the UE's dedicated network may not be deployed in the roaming network, and the service network within the roaming network can only provide some of the services required by the UE. In this case, the priority of the services requested by the UE needs to be considered, that is, when the service requirements list of the UE is defined, the priority of each service requested by the UE is defined. The service network that can provide the best matching service is selected for the UE according to the priority of each service. The service network capable of providing the most matched service may be a service network capable of providing the maximum amount of matched service, or may provide the maximum amount of high priority service. It may be a service network. The service network capable of providing the most matching service is not limited in the present invention.

A list of service requirements that defines the priority of each service requested by the UE is shown in Table 4. It is understood from Table 4 that voice services have a high priority, mobile broadband services have a standard priority, and ultra-reliable services have a low priority in the services required by the UE. May be good.

For example, when comparing a UE's service requirement list with a service network's service capacity list, the RAN node needs to preferentially select a service network for the UE that can provide high priority services. For example, if a service capacity list that matches the service requirement list should be selected from the service capacity list set, a service capacity list containing high priority voice services may be preferably selected.

Optionally, if multiple service capacity lists contain high priority services in the service requirements list at the same time, the service capacity list containing the second highest priority service in the service requirements list has multiple service capacity. The list may be determined, and the rest may be inferred by analogy until the best matching service capacity list is found. In this case, the service network corresponding to the service capability list can provide the best matching service to the UE.

For example, if the UE service requirements list is shown in Table 4, service network 1 can provide voice services and mobile broadband services, and service network 2 provides voice services and ultra-reliable services. If the service network 3 can provide the mobile broadband service, the service network 1 and the service network 2 are the high priority services when the high priority service required by the UE is the voice service. The service network 1 may be determined to be able to meet, when the second high priority service requested by the UE is the mobile broadband service and the service network 1 can provide the mobile broadband service. It may be determined that the service network is capable of providing the most matching service to the UE. Indeed, if there is a service network 4 capable of simultaneously supporting voice services, mobile broadband services, and ultra-reliable services, the high priority services other than voice services and mobile broadband services required by the UE will be: When it is an ultra-reliable service, the service network 4 may be determined to be the service network that provides the most matching service to the UE.

Optionally, the priority of each service may vary in different application scenarios. In this case, the service network may be selected according to the priority of the service in the unique application scenario. For example, for vehicle-type UEs, the current UE supports vehicle-to-vehicle communication services and mobile broadband services at the same time, while the current network supports only service networks and mobile broadband services that support vehicle-to-vehicle communication services only. Includes only service networks to do. In this case, since the vehicle-to-vehicle communication service has a higher priority, the UE may preferably select a service network that supports the vehicle-to-vehicle communication service while driving to ensure autonomous driving, and the vehicle services. When stopped in an area, the UE may preferably select a service network that supports a mobile broadband network for watching video.

In the prior art, each DECOR serves only certain types of users. If the UE is migrated to a new DECOR, the UE may not be able to obtain services that meet the requirements. However, according to the method for selecting a service network in this embodiment of the present invention, the priority of the service requested by the UE is defined, and when selecting the service network for the UE, the RAN node or Allows network devices such as UEs to select service networks that can provide high priority services to UEs. The method for selecting a service network in this embodiment of the invention may also support the case where the service network with the most matching capability is always selected for the UE in a roaming scenario.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 3 includes the following steps.

S301. The RAN node sends a first RRC message to the UE, the first RRC message carries a service capacity list set containing a service capacity list of at least one service network, and each service capacity list is a service capacity list. The first RRC message contains the identifier of the service network corresponding to, and contains at least one service supported by the service network, the first RRC message servicing the UE according to the UE's service requirement list and service capability list set. Used by the UE to determine the first identifier of the service network of, the service capability list corresponding to the first identifier contains all or part of the services in the service requirements list, and the service requirements list is the UE. Includes at least one service required by.

S302. The RAN node receives the second RRC message transmitted by the UE, the second RRC message carries the first identifier, and the second RRC message is the first service network servicing the UE. Used to instruct to do.

According to the method for selecting a service network in the present invention, when the service network changes dynamically, the service network that meets the service requirements is selected for the UE according to the service requirements of the terminal device and the service capability of the service network. The process of selecting a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced if the service network changes dynamically.

Optionally, the second RRC message sent by the UE may further carry the UE's list of service requirements. On the other hand, the method is to send the service requirement list to the first service network by the RAN node, and the first service network sends a notification message to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capacity list of the service network. An additional step in which the notification message is to inform the UE about a service that is in the service requirements list and is included in the service capacity list of the first service network. May include.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 4 includes the following steps.

S401. The UE determines a service requirement list, which contains at least one service requested by the UE.

S402. The UE sends an RRC message to the RAN node, the RRC message carries the UE's service requirement list, and the RRC message follows the service requirement list and from the service capacity list set containing the service capacity list of at least one service network. Used by the RAN node to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE, the service capacity list corresponding to the first identifier is all or part of the services in the service requirements list. Each service capability list includes the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capability list and includes at least one service supported by the service network.

According to the method for selecting a service network in the present invention, when the service network changes dynamically, the service network that meets the service requirements is selected for the UE according to the service requirements of the terminal device and the service capability of the service network. The process of selecting a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced if the service network changes dynamically.

Optionally, the method is a step in which the UE receives a notification message sent by the service network to the UE according to the service requirements list and the service capacity list of the service network, the notification message being in the service requirements list. May include additional steps used to inform the UE about services contained in the service capacity list of the service network.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for managing a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 5 includes the following steps.

S501. The management device receives the service capacity list of the service network transmitted by the service network, and the service capacity list contains the identifier of the service network and at least one service supported by the service network.

S502. The management device sends the service capability list to the RAN node.

According to the method for managing the service network in this embodiment of the present invention, if the service network changes dynamically, the status of the service network may be updated to the RAN node in time, and the RAN node may be updated. Allows you to add, update, or delete the service capability list of the network slice, and ultimately simplify the process of selecting a service network when the service network changes dynamically. , And allow signaling to be reduced.

Optionally, the method is a step of generating an instruction message by the management device, which is used to instruct the RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capability list of the service network. , And the step of sending an instruction message to the RAN node by the management device.

According to the method for selecting a service network and the method for managing a service network, a specific procedure for selecting a service network in the embodiment of the present invention is described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. Be explained.

As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network slice in FIG. 6 is a specific example of a unique service network in a 5G network, or the network slice may be replaced with a dedicated core network within the EPC architecture. The method for selecting the service network shown in FIG. 6 includes the following steps.

S601. The UE configures a list of service requirements assigned to the UE according to the capabilities of the UE and the services it subscribes to. The service requirement list may be stored on the SIM card or UE device. The list of service requirements may include voice services, mobile broadband services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and ultra-reliable services.

S602. The RAN node determines the service capacity list that corresponds separately to at least one network slice. For example, if there are two network slices in a network, one network slice's service capacity list includes voice services and mobile broadband services, and the other network slice's service capacity list includes voice services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services. , And ultra-reliable services. The service capacity list of these network slices may be configured locally on the RAN node or sent to the RAN node during the deployment of the network slice. A plurality of service capacity lists on a RAN node form a service capacity list set. The RAN node may further remove the service capacity list of the network slice, which is out of service due to a failure, from the service capacity list set. The RAN node may be a RAN node in the local network or a visited RAN node in a roaming scenario.

S603. If an RRC connection is established between the UE and the RAN node, the UE sends a list of UE service requirements to the RAN node when it sends an RRC message to the RAN node.

S604. After receiving the service requirement list sent by the UE, the RAN node compares the services in the UE's service requirement list with the services in multiple service capacity lists on the RAN node and the services in the service capacity list. Select a service requirement list that includes all or part of the network slice to get the identifier of the network slice, and the network slice corresponding to the identifier is the network slice that provides the service to the UE.

For example, the services required by the UE are voice services, mobile broadband services, and ultra-reliable services, one network slice can provide voice and broadband services, and the other network slices are voice services. It may be understood that other network slices can provide more services to the UE than the one network slice described above , provided that vehicle-to-vehicle communication services and ultra-reliable services can be provided, and therefore a second. The network slice of may be determined as the network slice servicing the UE.

If a service priority is defined in the UE's service capacity list, the selected network slice is the network slice that can provide the UE with the higher priority service. For example, in the UE service capability list, voice services are high-priority services, mobile broadband services are medium-priority services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services are low-priority services, and ultra-reliable services. Is the lowest priority service. The first network slice can provide high priority voice services and medium priority mobile broadband services, and the second network slice can provide high priority voice services, low priority vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and Since it is possible to provide the lowest priority ultra-reliable service, the first network slice can provide the UE with the high priority voice service provided by the second network slice, and further. It may be appreciated that the priority of the medium priority mobile broadband service provided by the first network slice is higher than the priority of the other services provided by the second network slice. Therefore, the first network slice may be determined as the service network that provides the service that best matches the UE.

S605. The RAN node sends a list of UE service requirements to the selected network slice.

S606. The network slice sends a notification message, such as a NAS acceptance message, to the UE to inform the UE about the services that can be provided to the UE by the network slice. The services that can be provided to the UE by the network slice are those that are in the service requirements list and are included in the network slice's service capacity list.

In addition, normal service procedures may be performed between the UE and selected network slices.

According to the method for selecting a service network in this embodiment of the present invention, the RAN node may select the service network of the UE and prevent the HSS from initiating a large amount of subscription data update procedures. To be able to, and to avoid large amounts of TAU and redirection processes, reduce the risk of signaling storms appearing. It is further guaranteed that a service network or optimal service network that matches the service requirements of the UE can be matched regardless of whether the UE is in the local network or accesses the visited network in a roaming scenario. Can be done.

As shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network slice in FIG. 7 is a specific example of a unique service network in a 5G network, or the network slice may be replaced with a dedicated core network within the EPC architecture. The method for selecting the service network shown in FIG. 7 includes the following steps.

S701. The UE configures a list of service requirements assigned to the UE according to the capabilities of the UE and the services it subscribes to. The service requirement list may be stored on the SIM card or UE device. The list of service requirements may include voice services, mobile broadband services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and ultra-reliable services.

S702. The RAN node determines the service capacity list that corresponds separately to at least one network slice. For example, if there are two network slices in a network, one network slice's service capacity list includes voice services and mobile broadband services, and the other network slice's service capacity list includes voice services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services. , And ultra-reliable services. The service capacity list of these network slices may be configured locally on the RAN node or sent to the RAN node during the deployment of the network slice. A plurality of service capacity lists on a RAN node form a service capacity list set. The RAN node may be a RAN node in the local network or a visited RAN node in a roaming scenario. The RAN node may further remove the service capacity list of the network slice, which is out of service due to a failure, from the service capacity list set.

S703. When an RRC connection is established between the UE and the RAN node, the RAN node forwards the service capacity list set containing the service capacity lists of multiple network slices to the UE in the RRC message.

S704. After receiving the service capacity list set sent by the RAN node , the UE compares the services in the UE's service requirement list with the services in multiple service capacity lists obtained from the RAN node and in the service requirement list. Select a service capacity list that includes all or part of the services of, get the network slice identifier in the service capacity list, and the network slice corresponding to the identifier provides the service and is selected by the UE to the UE. The network slice to be done.

For example, the services required by the UE are voice services, mobile broadband services, and ultra-reliable services, one network slice can provide voice and mobile broadband services, and the other network slices are voice services. It may be understood that the second network slice can provide more services to the UE than the first network slice if it is possible to provide vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and ultra-reliable services, and therefore the first. The network slice of 2 may be determined as the network slice servicing the UE.

If a service priority is defined in the UE's service capacity list, the selected network slice is the network slice that can provide the UE with the higher priority service. For example, in the UE service capability list, voice services are high-priority services, mobile broadband services are medium-priority services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services are low-priority services, and ultra-reliable services. Is the lowest priority service. The first network slice can provide high priority voice services and medium priority mobile broadband services, and the second network slice can provide high priority voice services, low priority vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and Since it is possible to provide the lowest priority ultra-reliable service, the first network slice can provide the UE with the high priority voice service provided by the second network slice, and further. It may be appreciated that the priority of the medium priority mobile broadband service provided by the first network slice is higher than the priority of the other services provided by the second network slice. Therefore, the first network slice may be determined as the service network that provides the service that best matches the UE.

S705. The UE initiates an RRC message such as a connect message to a RAN node or a TAU request message. The RRC message sent by the UE to the RAN node carries the NAS message defined in the standard and further includes the identifier of the network slice selected by the UE and the list of service requirements. In this way, normal service procedures may be performed between the UE and selected network slices.

S706. The RAN node sends the UE's list of service requirements to the selected network slice so that the network slice understands the service requested by the UE and then allocates resources appropriately to serve the UE. do.

In this case, the UE has compared the UE's service requirements list to the service capacity list of the selected network slice, so the UE is that of the UE and can be supported by the currently selected service network. The service is already clearly known and the network slice does not need to inform the UE about the services that can be provided to the UE by the network slice.

According to the method for selecting a service network in this embodiment of the present invention, the UE can select the service network of the UE and prevent the HSS from initiating a large amount of subscription data renewal procedure. As such, as well as allowing large amounts of TAU and redirection processes to be avoided, the risk of the appearance of signaling storms is reduced. It is further guaranteed that a service network or optimal service network that matches the service requirements of the UE can be matched regardless of whether the UE is in the local network or accesses the visited network in a roaming scenario. Can be done.

As shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network slice in FIG. 8 is a specific example of a unique service network in a 5G network, or the network slice may be replaced with a dedicated core network within the EPC architecture. The method for selecting the service network shown in FIG. 8 includes the following steps.

S801. The UE configures a list of service requirements assigned to the UE according to the capabilities of the UE and the services it subscribes to. The service requirement list may be stored on the SIM card or UE device. The list of service requirements may include voice services, mobile broadband services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and ultra-reliable services.

S802. The management device determines the service capacity list of the newly added network slice or the updated service capacity list of the existing service slice. For example, a management device may obtain a network slice capacity list that includes voice services and mobile broadband services, as well as a network slice service capacity list that includes voice services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and ultra-reliable services. ..

S803. The management device sends a list of service requirements for network slices to the RAN node. The RAN node receives the service requirement list of the network slice sent by the management device and updates the service capacity list set. The service capacity list forms a service capacity list set on the RAN node. The RAN node may be a RAN node in the local network or a visited RAN node in a roaming scenario.

S804. If an RRC connection is established between the UE and the RAN node, the UE sends a list of UE service requirements to the RAN node when it sends an RRC message to the RAN node.

S805. After receiving the service requirements list sent by the UE, the RAN node compares the services in the UE's service requirements list with the services in the updated service capacity list on the RAN node and in the service capacity list. Select a service capability list that includes all or part of the service, get the network slice identifier, and the network slice that corresponds to the identifier is the network slice that provides the service to the UE.

For example, the services required by the UE are voice services, mobile broadband services, and ultra-reliable services, one network slice can provide voice and broadband services, and the other network slices are voice services. It may be understood that the second network slice can provide more services to the UE than the first network slice if it is possible to provide vehicle-to-vehicle communication services and ultra-reliable services, and therefore a second. The network slice of may be determined as the network slice servicing the UE.

If a service priority is defined in the UE's service capacity list, the selected network slice is the network slice that can provide the UE with the higher priority service. For example, in the UE service capability list, voice services are high-priority services, mobile broadband services are medium-priority services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services are low-priority services, and ultra-reliable services. Is the lowest priority service. The first network slice can provide high priority voice services and medium priority mobile broadband services, and the second network slice can provide high priority voice services, low priority vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and Since it is possible to provide the lowest priority ultra-reliable service, the first network slice can provide the UE with the high priority voice service provided by the second network slice, and further. It may be appreciated that the priority of the medium priority mobile broadband service provided by the first network slice is higher than the priority of the other services provided by the second network slice. Therefore, the first network slice may be determined as the service network that provides the service that best matches the UE.

S806. The RAN node sends a list of UE service requirements to the network slice.

S807. The network slice sends a notification message, such as a NAS acceptance message, to the UE to inform the UE about the services that can be provided to the UE by the network slice. The services that can be provided to the UE by the network slice are those that are in the service requirements list and are included in the network slice's service capacity list.

In addition, normal service procedures may be performed between the UE and selected network slices.

Optionally, in S802, the management device may determine a network slice that is out of service. On the other hand, in S803, the management device sends an instruction message to the RAN node to instruct the RAN node to delete the service capacity list of the network slice that is out of service. The RAN node receives the instruction message sent by the management device, deletes the service capacity list of the out-of-service network slice, and updates the service capacity list set according to the instruction message. The RAN node may be a RAN node in the local network or a visited RAN node in a roaming scenario. In this case, in S805, after receiving the service requirement list transmitted by the UE, the RAN node deletes the service in the service requirement list of the UE by the service capacity list of the network slice on the RAN node and the service is inactive. Compare with the services in the service capacity list in the service capacity list set.

As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network slice in FIG. 9 is a specific example of a unique service network in a 5G network, or the network slice may be replaced with a dedicated core network within the EPC architecture. The method for selecting the service network shown in FIG. 9 includes the following steps.

S901. The UE configures a list of service requirements assigned to the UE according to the capabilities of the UE and the services it subscribes to. The service requirement list may be stored on the SIM card or UE device. The list of service requirements may include voice services, mobile broadband services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and ultra-reliable services.

S902. The management device determines the service capacity list of the newly added network slice or the updated service capacity list of the existing service slice. For example, a management device may obtain a network slice capacity list that includes voice services and mobile broadband services, as well as a network slice service capacity list that includes voice services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services, and ultra-reliable services. ..

S903. The management device sends a list of service requirements for network slices to the RAN node. The RAN node receives the service requirement list of the network slice sent by the management device and updates the service capacity list set. As shown in Table 3, the service capacity list forms a service capacity list set on the RAN node. The RAN node may be a RAN node in the local network or a visited RAN node in a roaming scenario.

S904. When an RRC connection is established between the UE and the RAN node, the RAN node forwards in an RRC message an updated set of service capacity lists containing the service capacity lists of multiple network slices to the UE.

S905. After receiving the service capacity list set sent by the RAN node , the UE compares the services in the UE's service requirement list with the services in multiple service capacity lists obtained from the RAN node and in the service requirement list. Select a service capacity list that includes all or part of the services of, get the network slice identifier in the service capacity list, and the network slice corresponding to the identifier provides the service and is selected by the UE to the UE. The network slice to be done.

For example, the services required by the UE are voice services, mobile broadband services, and ultra-reliable services, one network slice can provide voice and broadband services, and the other network slices are voice services. It may be understood that the second network slice can provide more services to the UE than the first network slice if it is possible to provide vehicle-to-vehicle communication services and ultra-reliable services, and therefore a second. The network slice of may be determined as the network slice servicing the UE.

If a service priority is defined in the UE's service capacity list, the selected network slice is the network slice that can provide the UE with the higher priority service. For example, in the UE service capability list, voice services are high-priority services, mobile broadband services are medium-priority services, vehicle-to-vehicle communication services are low-priority services, and ultra-reliable services. Is the lowest priority service. The first network slice can provide high priority voice service and medium priority mobile broadband service, and the second network slice can provide high priority voice service, low priority vehicle-to-vehicle communication service, and Since it is possible to provide the lowest priority ultra-reliable service, the first network slice can provide the UE with the high priority voice service provided by the second network slice, and further. It may be appreciated that the priority of the medium priority mobile broadband service provided by the first network slice is higher than the priority of the other services provided by the second network slice. Therefore, the first network slice may be determined as the service network that provides the service that best matches the UE.

S906. The UE initiates an RRC message such as a connect message to a RAN node or a TAU request message. The RRC message sent by the UE to the RAN node carries the NAS message defined in the standard and further includes the identifier of the network slice selected by the UE and the list of service requirements. In this case, normal service procedures may be performed between the UE and the selected network slice.

S907. The RAN node sends a list of UE service requirements to the network slice so that the network slice understands the services required by the UE and then allocates resources appropriately to serve the UE.

In this case, the UE has compared the UE's service requirements list to the service capacity list of the selected network slice, so the UE is that of the UE and can be supported by the currently selected service network. The service is already clearly known and the network slice does not need to inform the UE about the services that can be provided to the UE by the network slice.

Optionally, in S902, the management device may determine a network slice that is out of service. On the other hand, in S903, the management device sends an instruction message to the RAN node to instruct the RAN node to delete the service capacity list of the network slice that is out of service. The RAN node receives the instruction message sent by the management device, deletes the service capacity list of the out-of-service network slice, and updates the service capacity list set according to the instruction message. The RAN node may be a RAN node in the local network or a visited RAN node in a roaming scenario. In this case, in S905, after receiving the service requirement list transmitted by the UE, the RAN node puts the services in the service requirement list of the UE on the RAN node, and the service capacity list of the network slice in which the service is inactive is displayed. Compare with services in the service capacity list in the deleted service capacity list set.

The methods and processes for selecting a service network are described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 2-9. The RAN nodes, UEs, and management devices involved in the selection of the service network are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 10-13.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a network device for selecting a service network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network device for selecting the service network node shown in FIG. 10 includes a processor 1001, a receiver 1002, and a transmitter 1003.

The receiver 1002 is configured to receive the message and the transmitter 1003 is configured to transmit the message. Processor 1001 is configured to determine a service requirement list for the user equipment UE, which includes at least one service requested by the UE. Processor 1001 is further configured to determine a service capacity list set that includes a service capacity list of at least one service network, where each service capacity list contains an identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list and is by service network. Includes at least one service supported. Processor 1001 is further configured to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE according to the service requirement list and service capacity list set, and the service capacity list corresponding to the first service network. Includes all or part of the services in the service requirements list.

According to the network device in this embodiment of the present invention, when the service network changes dynamically, the service network that meets the service requirement is selected for the UE according to the service requirement of the terminal device and the service capability of the service network. Often, the process of selecting a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced if the network changes dynamically.

In this embodiment of the invention, optionally, the processor 1001 comprises the maximum amount of services in the service requirement list, particularly according to the service requirement list and the service capability list set, and is in the service capability list. The identifier corresponding to is specifically configured to determine as the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE.

In an embodiment of the invention, the network device shown in FIG. 10 may be a UE or a RAN node. If the network device is a UE, the receiver 1002 is specifically configured to receive the RRC message transmitted by the RAN node, which carries the service capability list set. Processor 1001 is specifically configured to determine the service capability list set according to the RRC message received by receiver 1002. Transmitter 1003 is further specifically configured to send another RRC message to the RAN node, which carries the identifier of the service network servicing the UE.

Optionally, the RRC message sent by the UE to the RAN node further carries the UE's service requirement list, and the RAN node serves the message carrying the service requirement list to the UE. Try to send to the network.

If the network device shown in FIG. 10 is a RAN node, receiver 1002 is configured to receive the RRC message transmitted by the UE, which carries the UE's list of service requirements. Processor 1001 is specifically configured to determine the list of service requirements according to the R RC message received by receiver 1002. Receiver 1002 is further configured to receive the service capacity list of the service network transmitted by the management device, or to receive the service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by at least one service network. To. Processor 1001 is further specifically configured to determine a service capacity list set that includes a service capacity list of at least one service network.

Optionally, transmitter 1003 is specifically configured to send a message carrying a service requirement list to a first service network, with the first service network being the service requirement list and the first service network. Send a notification message to the UE according to the service capability list. The notification message is used to notify the UE about a service that is in the service requirements list and is included in the service capacity list of the first service network.

Optionally, receiver 1002 is further configured to receive instructional messages sent by the management device, which is a RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capability list of at least one service network. Used to direct to. Processor 1001 is further configured to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of at least one service network in the service capacity set according to the instructional message.

Optionally, the UE's list of service requirements may further include the priority of each of at least one service requested by the UE. In this case, the processor 1001 searches the service capability list set according to the services in the service requirement list in descending order of priority corresponding to the service to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE. Especially configured to do.

In this embodiment of the invention, the processor 1001 is a central processing unit (abbreviated as "CPU"), or the processor 1001 is another general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), integrated circuit for special applications ( It should be understood that it may be an ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, and the like. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any standard processor or the like.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a RAN node according to an embodiment of the present invention. The RAN node shown in FIG. 11 includes a transmitter 1101 and a receiver 1102.

Receiver 1102 is configured to receive the service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by the management device or the service capacity list of at least one service network transmitted by at least one service network. Will be done. Each service capability list contains the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capability list and includes at least one service supported by the service network. Transmitter 1101 is configured to send a first RRC message to the UE. The first RRC message carries a service capacity list set containing a service capacity list of at least one service network, and each service capacity list contains a service network identifier corresponding to the service capacity list and is supported by the service network. The first RRC message contains at least one service and is used by the UE to determine the first identifier from the service capacity list set according to the UE's service requirement list, and the service capacity list corresponding to the first identifier. Contains all or part of the services in the service requirements list so that the first service network corresponding to the first identifier services the UE, and the service requirements list is at least one requested by the UE. Includes two services. The receiver 1102 is configured to receive the second RRC message transmitted by the UE. The second RRC message carries the first identifier and the second RRC message is used to indicate that the first service network is servicing the UE.

According to the RAN node in this embodiment of the present invention, when the service network changes dynamically, the service network that meets the service requirement is selected for the UE according to the service requirement of the terminal device and the service capability of the service network. Often, the process of selecting a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced if the network changes dynamically.

Optionally, the second RRC message sent by the UE may further carry the UE's list of service requirements. Transmitter 1101 is further configured to send the service requirement list to the first service network so that the first service network sends a notification message to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capability list of the service network. do. The notification message is used to notify the UE about a service that is in the service requirements list and is included in the service capacity list of the first service network.

Optionally, receiver 1102 is further configured to receive the service capability list of the service network transmitted by the management device.

Optionally, receiver 1102 is further configured to receive instructional messages sent by the management device, which is a RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capability list of at least one service network. Used to direct to. The RAN node, on the other hand, may further include a processor configured to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of at least one service network in the service capacity set according to the instructional message.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a UE according to an embodiment of the present invention. The UE shown in FIG. 12 includes a processor 1201 and a transmitter 1202.

Processor 1201 is configured to determine a service requirement list for the UE, which includes at least one service requested by the UE. Transmitter 1202 is configured to send RRC messages to the RAN node. The RRC message carries the service requirement list, and the RRC message is used by the RAN node to determine the first identifier from the service capacity list set containing the service capacity list of at least one service network according to the service requirement list. The service capability list corresponding to the first identifier includes all or part of the services in the service requirements list so that the first service network corresponding to the first identifier provides services to the UE for each service. The capacity list contains the identifier of the service network corresponding to the service capacity list and includes at least one service supported by the service network.

According to the UE in this embodiment of the present invention, if the service network changes dynamically, a service network that meets the service requirements may be selected for the UE according to the service requirements of the terminal device and the service capability of the service network. Often, the process of choosing a service network can be simplified and signaling can be reduced if the network changes dynamically.

Optionally, the UE may further include a receiver configured to receive notification messages sent to the UE by the first service network according to the service requirements list and the service capacity list of the first service network. .. The notification message is used to notify the UE about a service that is in the service requirements list and is included in the service capacity list of the first service network.

Optionally, the UE's list of service requirements may further include the priority of each of at least one service requested by the UE. Processor 1201 may search the service capacity list set according to the services in the service requirements list in descending order of priority corresponding to the service to determine the first identifier of the first service network servicing the UE. Especially configured.

In this embodiment of the invention, the processor 1201 is a central processing unit (abbreviated as "CPU"), or the processor 1201 is another general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), integrated circuit for special applications ( It should be understood that it may be an ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, and the like. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any standard processor or the like.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management device shown in FIG. 13 includes a receiver 1301 and a transmitter 1302. The service capability list of the service network is deployed on the management device.

The receiver 1301 is configured to receive the service capacity list of the service network transmitted by the service network, and the service capacity list includes the identifier of the service network and at least one service supported by the service network. The transmitter 1302 is configured to transmit the service capability list of the service network to the RAN node.

According to the management device in this embodiment of the present invention, if the service network changes dynamically, the status of the service network may be updated to the RAN node in time, and the RAN node has the service capability of the network slice. Allowing you to add, update, or delete lists, and ultimately simplify the process of selecting a service network when the service network changes dynamically, and reduce signaling. To be able to.

Optionally, the management device may further include a processor configured to generate an instruction message, which instructes the RAN node to add, modify, or delete the service capacity list of the service network. Used for. The transmitter 1392 is further configured to send an instruction message to the RAN node.

In this embodiment of the invention, the processor is a central processing unit (abbreviated as "CPU"), or the processor is another general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), integrated circuit for special use (ASIC). It should be understood that it may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, and the like. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any standard processor or the like.

Those skilled in the art may perform the unit and algorithm steps in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein by means of electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. You may understand that. Whether the function is performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. One of ordinary skill in the art may use different methods to perform the functions described for each particular application, but that practice should not be considered outside the scope of the invention.

For the purposes of brief and concise description, the detailed operating processes of the systems, appliances, and units described above may be referred to by the corresponding processes in embodiments of the methods described above, the details of which are not described again herein. However, it may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be understood that in some embodiments provided herein, the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments of the device described are merely exemplary. For example, the unit unit is merely a logical function unit, and may have other parts in an actual embodiment. For example, multiple units or components may be compounded or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the interconnected or direct coupled or communication connections displayed or described may be performed by using some interfaces. Indirect coupling or communication connections between devices or units may be performed electronically, mechanically, or in other forms.

A unit described as a separate part may or may not be physically separated, and the part displayed as a unit may be a physical unit or a physical unit. It may not be present and may be located in one location or distributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to the actual requirements for achieving the objectives of the solution of the embodiment.

If the function is performed in the form of a software functional unit and is sold or used as a stand-alone product, the function may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or a portion that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution may be implemented in the form of a software product. The software product is stored on a storage medium and instructs the computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in embodiments of the present invention. Contains multiple instructions to do. The storage medium described above stores program code, such as a USB flash drive, removable hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. Includes any medium that can be.

The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Any modifications or substitutions readily devised by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall be within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be in accordance with the scope of protection of the patent claim.

Claims (20)

A way to select a network slice,
A step of determining a list of service requirements for a user equipment UE by a management device in the network for managing at least one network slice, wherein the service requirement list includes at least one service type for the UE. When,
The management device determines a service capacity list set that includes the service capacity list of at least one network slice, wherein the service capacity list includes an identifier of the network slice corresponding to the service capacity list and. A step and a step comprising at least one service type supported by the network slice.
It is a step of determining the first identifier of the first network slice that provides the service to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capability list set by the management device, and corresponds to the first network slice. The service capability list to include all or part of the service type in the service requirement list, including steps and methods. The service requirement list further includes a priority corresponding to the at least one service type for the UE, and the step of determining a first identifier is:
A step of searching the service capability list set in descending order of priority corresponding to the service type to determine the first identifier according to the service type in the service requirement list.
The method according to claim 1. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of transmitting the service capacity list of the network slice to the management device by the network slice. The service type includes mobile broadband service, vehicle-to-vehicle communication service, machine type communication service, ultra-low latency service, ultra-high reliability service, or Internet Protocol (IP) continuity maintenance service.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The service requirement list of the user equipment is set by the subscriber server.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The determination of the first identifier corresponds to the service capacity list corresponding to the first identifier including the largest quantity of service types in the service requirement list of the at least one capacity list in the service capacity list set. It depends on the effect,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A management device in a network for managing at least one network slice and for selecting a network slice from the at least one network slice, including a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter.
Determining a service requirement list for a user equipment UE, wherein the service requirement list includes at least one service type for the UE.
Determining a service capacity list set that includes the service capacity list of at least one network slice, wherein the service capacity list contains an identifier of the network slice corresponding to the service capacity list and is supported by the network slice. Including at least one service type to be
The service capability list corresponding to the first network slice is to determine the first identifier of the first network slice that provides the service to the UE according to the service requirement list and the service capability list set. A network device configured to do so, including all or part of the service type in the service requirements list. The service requirement list further includes priorities corresponding to the at least one service type for the UE.
The processor is further configured to search the service capability list set in descending order of priority corresponding to the service type to determine the first identifier according to the service type in the service requirement list.
The network device according to claim 7. The network device is a management device for managing at least one network slice.
The network device according to claim 7 or 8. The service type includes mobile broadband service, vehicle-to-vehicle communication service, machine type communication service, ultra-low latency service, ultra-high reliability service, or Internet Protocol (IP) continuity maintenance service.
The network device according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The service requirement list of the user equipment is set by the subscriber server.
The network device according to any one of claims 7 to 10. The determination of the first identifier corresponds to the service capacity list corresponding to the first identifier including the largest quantity of service types in the service requirement list of the at least one capacity list in the service capacity list set. It depends on the effect,
The network device according to any one of claims 7 to 11. The network device is a management device in the network for managing at least one network slice.
The network device according to any one of claims 7 to 11. A computer-readable recording medium having a program stored therein, wherein the program includes an instruction for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A system that includes at least one network slice and a management device for managing at least one network slice.
The management device is
Determining a service requirement list for a user equipment UE, wherein the service requirement list includes at least one service type for the UE.
Determining a service capacity list set that includes the service capacity list of at least one network slice, wherein the service capacity list contains an identifier of the network slice corresponding to the service capacity list and is supported by the network slice. Including at least one service type to be
Corresponding to the first network slice by determining the first identifier of the first network slice that provides services to the UE by the management device according to the service requirement list and the service capability list set. The service capability list to be provided includes all or part of the service type in the service requirement list.
A system that is configured to do. One of the at least one network slice is configured to send the identifier of the network slice and at least one service type supported by the network slice to the management device.
The system according to claim 15. The service type includes mobile broadband service, vehicle-to-vehicle communication service, machine type communication service, ultra-low latency service, ultra-high reliability service, or Internet Protocol (IP) continuity maintenance service.
The system according to claim 15 or 16. The service requirement list of the user equipment is composed of the subscriber server.
The system according to any one of claims 14 to 17. In determining the first identifier of the first network slice to provide services to the UE, the management device
The identifier of the at least one network slice and the at least one service type supported by the at least one network slice are determined according to the service requirement list, respectively, and are supported by the first network slice. The at least one service type includes the maximum quantity of service types in the service requirement list.
The system according to any one of claims 14 to 18. The service requirement list further includes priorities corresponding to the at least one service type for the UE.
In the step of determining the first identifier, the management device searches the service capability list set in descending order of priority corresponding to the service type according to the service type in the service requirement list. It is configured to determine the identifier,
The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

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