CN115942428A - Method, device, equipment and storage medium for accessing independent non-public network - Google Patents

Abstract

The application provides a method, a device, equipment and a storage medium for accessing an independent non-public network. The method is applied to an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, and comprises the following steps: receiving an access request sent by a user terminal, wherein the access request comprises network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more in an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element and comprises the network information of the SNPN signed with the user terminal; and establishing the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request according to the access request. The method realizes the SNPN access according to the requirement, improves the service quality, improves the network selection efficiency and solves the problem of how to access the equivalent SNPN by the user terminal.

Description

Method, device, equipment and storage medium for accessing independent non-public network

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a method, an apparatus, a device, and a storage medium for accessing an independent non-public network.

Background

A Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) is a private Network based on a 5G system architecture. Different from a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the SNPN can provide dedicated service for the requirements of specific scenes, so as to improve the safety of users and data.

The concept of the equivalent SNPN inherits the concept of the equivalent PLMN, and refers to a plurality of SNPNs in the same position, and all the SNPNs in the same position allow a User Equipment (UE) to register and do services. However, in the current latest third Generation Partnership project (3 gpp) specification, how a ue accesses an equivalent SNPN is not defined, i.e., the usage of the equivalent SNPN is not well defined.

Therefore, a method for accessing equivalent SNPN by a user terminal is needed.

Disclosure of Invention

The application provides a method, a device, equipment and a storage medium for accessing an independent non-public network, which are used for solving the problem of how a user terminal accesses the independent non-public network.

In one aspect, the present application provides a method for accessing an independent non-public network, where the method is applied to an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, and the method includes:

receiving an access request sent by a user terminal, wherein the access request comprises network information of an independent non-public network (SNPN) required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more in an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element, and comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal;

and establishing the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request according to the access request.

Optionally, the equivalent SNPN list is pre-stored in the AMF network element; the method further comprises the following steps:

and responding to the registration request of the user terminal, and sending the equivalent SNPN list pre-stored in the AMF network element to the user terminal.

Optionally, the method further comprises:

responding to a registration request of the user terminal, and acquiring the equivalent SNPN list from a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element; and sending the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal.

Optionally, obtaining the equivalent SNPN list from the UDM network element includes:

sending an acquisition request to the UDM network element, wherein the acquisition request is used for indicating to acquire subscription information of the user terminal;

and receiving subscription information returned by the UDM network element, wherein the subscription information comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal, and generating the equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information.

Optionally, the subscription information further includes single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal, and mapping information, where the mapping information is a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and the SNPN network information; the generating the equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information comprises the following steps:

analyzing the mapping information and determining SNPN network information corresponding to S-NSSAI;

and generating the equivalent SNPN list according to the S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal and the SNPN network information corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

Optionally, the method further comprises:

responding to a registration request of the user terminal, and sending the generated equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal; the generated equivalent SNPN list is generated by the AMF network element according to the subscription information of the user terminal sent by the UDM network element after confirmation; and when the subscription information of the user terminal is determined to be changed for an Application Function (AF) network element, the subscription information of the user terminal is sent to the UDM network element through a network capability open function (NEF) network element.

Optionally, the equivalent SNPN list further includes an S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal, and a mapping relationship exists between the S-NSSAI in the equivalent SNPN list and the network information of the SNPN.

Optionally, the access request further includes S-NSSAI corresponding to network information of SNPN required by the user terminal.

In another aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for accessing an independent non-public network, including:

a receiving unit, configured to receive an access request sent by a user terminal, where the access request includes network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more of an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured by the AMF network element for the user terminal, and comprises the SNPN network information signed with the user terminal;

and the control unit is used for establishing the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request according to the access request.

Optionally, the equivalent SNPN list is pre-stored in the AMF network element, and the apparatus further includes a configuration unit, where the configuration unit includes a first configuration module;

a first configuration module, configured to send, in response to a registration request of the user terminal, the equivalent SNPN list pre-stored in the AMF network element to the user terminal.

Optionally, the configuration unit comprises a second configuration module;

the second configuration module is configured to, in response to the registration request of the user terminal, obtain the equivalent SNPN list from a unified data management UDM network element; and sending the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal.

Optionally, the second configuration module includes an obtaining module;

the acquisition module is configured to send an acquisition request to the UDM network element, where the acquisition request is used to instruct to acquire subscription information of the user terminal; and the terminal is used for receiving subscription information returned by the UDM network element, wherein the subscription information comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal, and generating the equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information.

Optionally, the subscription information further includes single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal, and mapping information, where the mapping information is a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and the SNPN network information; the acquisition module comprises a generation module;

the generation module is used for analyzing the mapping information and determining SNPN network information corresponding to S-NSSAI; and the equivalent SNPN list is generated according to the S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal and the SNPN network information corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

Optionally, the configuration unit comprises a third configuration module;

the third configuration module is configured to send the generated equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal in response to a registration request of the user terminal; the generated equivalent SNPN list is generated by the AMF network element according to the subscription information of the user terminal sent after the UDM network element confirms; and when the subscription information of the user terminal is determined to be changed for an Application Function (AF) network element, the subscription information of the user terminal is sent to the UDM network element through a network capability open function (NEF) network element.

Optionally, the equivalent SNPN list further includes an S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal, and a mapping relationship exists between the S-NSSAI in the equivalent SNPN list and the network information of the SNPN.

Optionally, the access request further includes S-NSSAI corresponding to network information of SNPN required by the user terminal.

In another aspect, the present application further provides an access device, where the access device includes: a processor, and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor;

the memory stores computer-executable instructions;

the processor executes computer-executable instructions stored by the memory to implement the method of any of the preceding claims.

In another aspect, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein computer-executable instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims when executed by a processor.

In another aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims when executed by a processor.

The method is applied to an AMF network element, and comprises the steps of receiving an access request sent by a user terminal, wherein the access request comprises network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more in an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element and comprises the network information of the SNPN signed with the user terminal; the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request can be established according to the access request. Because the access request comprises the network information of the SNPN required by the user terminal, and the AMF network element is connected with the SNPN according to the requirement of the user terminal, the access on demand is realized, the service quality is improved, the network selection efficiency is also improved, and the problem of how to access the equivalent SNPN by the user terminal is solved.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

Fig. 1 is a schematic flowchart of a method for accessing an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 2 is a signaling flowchart of a UE and an AMF network element according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a signaling flowchart of accessing SNPN by a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a signaling flowchart of another UE accessing SNPN according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 5 is a signaling flowchart of a UE parameter update according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 is a signaling flowchart of another UE accessing SNPN according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus for accessing an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of another apparatus for accessing an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an access device according to an embodiment of the present application.

With the above figures, there are shown specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and written description are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts in any manner, but rather to illustrate the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, like numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the application, as detailed in the appended claims.

The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and in the claims of the present application and in the above-described drawings (if any) are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the data so used is interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of steps or elements is not necessarily limited to those steps or elements expressly listed, but may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

In a conventional operator large Network, a core Network may issue an equivalent PLMN list including one or more Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) to a User terminal when the User terminal (UE) registers, where the equivalent PLMNs all allow the User terminal to register and perform a service, and the User terminal may select any one of the PLMNs during subsequent use.

An independent Non-Public Network (SNPN) is an independent Non-Public Network technology introduced by 3GPP in a 5G system, and the SNPN is completely separated from the PLMN. The SNPN is mainly applied to the interior of parks such as enterprises, mines, docks and the like, and provides exclusive service capability for specific scenes so as to guarantee the network security of users. The concept of the equivalent SNPN inherits the concept of the equivalent PLMN, which means a plurality of SNPNs in the same location, and these equivalent SNPNs also allow the user terminal to use. However, in the current latest 3GPP (R17) specifications, how a user terminal accesses an equivalent SNPN has not been defined explicitly. That is, a general method for accessing the SNPN by the user terminal is needed to meet the technical requirements of practical applications.

Therefore, the method for accessing the independent non-public network is provided, an equivalent SNPN list is configured for the user terminal, and when the user terminal has an SNPN use request, the access request carries the required SNPN network information, so that the AMF network element establishes connection for the user terminal and the SNPN. The method can solve the problem that the user terminal accesses the equivalent SNPN from the root, and simultaneously can ensure the accuracy and the connection speed of the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN.

The following describes the technical solutions of the present application and how to solve the above technical problems with specific embodiments. The following several specific embodiments may be combined with each other, and details of the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method provided by the embodiment of the application is applied to an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element (hereinafter referred to as AMF network element). The executing agent of this embodiment may be an AMF network element, or may be a device or system that includes the AMF network element and accesses an independent non-public network. The following description will be made in detail by taking an execution subject as an AMF network element as an example.

As shown in fig. 1, the method for accessing an independent non-public network provided in this embodiment includes:

s101, receiving an access request sent by a user terminal, wherein the access request comprises network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more in an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element, and comprises the network information of the SNPN signed with the user terminal.

Illustratively, the user terminal stores an equivalent SNPN list pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element, and the equivalent SNPN list comprises the network information of the SNPN signed with the user terminal. The network information is used to identify and distinguish different SNPNs, for example, the network information may be IDs of the SNPNs, and the application is not limited thereto.

In addition, the method and the device do not limit how the AMF network element configures the equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal. Illustratively, the AMF network element is pre-configured with an equivalent SNPN list, or the AMF is acquired from the UDM network element in advance/in real time, or other network elements send to the AMF in any achievable signaling interaction for acquisition, and so on. The user terminal is intended to pre-store an equivalent SNPN list, and can carry the network information of the SNPN required by the service when sending an access request.

Exemplarily, when the user terminal is configured with the equivalent SNPN list, and at any time of subsequent user terminal registration or service making, that is, when the user terminal has a demand for using the SNPN, one or more SNPN applications in the equivalent SNPN list may be selected according to its own priority setting, preference, or network broadcast message, etc. In a specific service scenario, a user terminal needs to establish a connection with an SNPN and send an access request to an AMF network element, where the access request includes network information of one or more SNPNs required by the service. And the access request sent by the user terminal received by the AMF network element also includes network information of one or more SNPNs required by the service.

S102, according to the access request, connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request is established.

Illustratively, after the AMF network element receives the network information of one or more SNPNs sent by the user terminal, it may determine the SNPN corresponding to the network information according to the network information in the access request, and establish a connection between the user terminal and the SNPN, so that the user terminal may use the SNPN.

The access request comprises the SNPN network information required by the user terminal, and the AMF network element is connected with the SNPN according to the requirement of the user terminal, so that the access on demand is realized, the accuracy and the connection speed of the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN are ensured, the service quality is improved, and the network selection efficiency is also improved.

Exemplarily, fig. 2 is a signaling flow chart of a UE and an AMF network element provided in the embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 2, the UE sends request information carrying network information of SNPN required by the UE to the AMF; and the AMF receives the request information sent by the UE, and performs subsequent operations such as routing, bearer establishment and the like for the UE according to the request information, for example, establishing connection between the UE and the SNPN.

The method for accessing the SNPN provided by the embodiment of the application is applied to an AMF network element, and receives an access request sent by a user terminal, wherein the access request comprises network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more in an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element and comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal; the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request can be established according to the access request. The access method realizes the access according to the requirement, improves the service quality, also improves the network selection efficiency and solves the problem of how to access the equivalent SNPN by the user terminal because the access request comprises the network information of the SNPN required by the user terminal and the AMF network element is connected with the SNPN according to the requirement of the user terminal.

The scheme for accessing the equivalent SNPN provided by the present application is introduced below with reference to how the AMF network element configures an equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal.

In an example, if the equivalent SNPN list is pre-stored in the AMF network element, pre-configuring the equivalent SNPN list for the ue may include: and responding to a registration request of the user terminal, and sending an equivalent SNPN list prestored in the AMF network element to the user terminal.

Illustratively, the equivalent SNPN list pre-stored in the AMF network element may be pre-configured in the AMF network element, or may be pre-obtained and stored from the unified data management UDM network element by the AMF network element. And when the AMF network element receives a registration request of the user terminal, responding to the registration request, and sending the pre-stored equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal so that the user terminal can acquire and store the equivalent SNPN list.

The equivalent SNPN list is pre-stored by the AMF network element, so that when the equivalent SNPN list is configured for the user terminal, the AMF network element can directly respond to a registration request of the user terminal and directly sends the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal without instant acquisition from other network elements, the response speed is improved, the whole configuration process is relatively simple, and errors are not easy to occur.

Exemplarily, fig. 3 is a signaling flow diagram of UE accessing SNPN according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 3, the interaction process includes the following:

s301, the UE performs a registration process.

The UE registration procedure is not described in detail herein, and can be described in section 3gpp TS 23.502.4.2.2.2.

S302, the AMF network element responds to the registration process and sends a response message carrying the equivalent SNPN list to the UE.

The equivalent SNPN list sent by the AMF element to the UE may be preconfigured, or may be obtained in advance from any signaling interaction and then stored.

S303, the UE stores an equivalent SNPN list.

S304, the UE sends an access request carrying network information of one or more SNPN (network node number) required by the UE to the AMF network element.

S305, the AMF network element establishes the connection between the UE and the SNPN according to the network information of the SNPN, and performs subsequent operations such as routing selection, bearer establishment and the like for the UE.

Steps S301 to S303 may be performed only once, and after the UE acquires the equivalent SNPN list, steps S304 and S305 are performed each time the SNPN needs to be used.

In addition, when the information in the equivalent SNPN list changes, the AMF network element may automatically send the updated equivalent SNPN list to the UE, so as to ensure that the UE stores and uses the SNPN in the latest equivalent SNPN list.

In this example, since the equivalent SNPN list is pre-stored by the AMF network element, the response speed is relatively high, the overall configuration process is relatively simple, errors are not easy to occur, and the overall response efficiency can be improved.

In one example, pre-configuring the equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal may further include: responding to a registration request of a user terminal, and acquiring an equivalent SNPN list from a unified data management UDM network element; and transmitting the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal.

Illustratively, the equivalent SNPN list in this example is obtained by the AMF network element from the UDM network element in real time when responding to the registration request of the user terminal. And when the AMF network element receives a registration request of the user terminal, acquiring the equivalent SNPN list from the UDM network element and sending the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal.

The equivalent SNPN list may be pre-configured and stored in the UDM network element, and the AMF network element acquires the configured equivalent SNPN list from the UDM network element. In the configuration mode, an equivalent SNPN list does not need to be generated by the AMF network element, and the bearing pressure of the AMF network element is reduced.

In an example, the UDM network element stores subscription information of the user terminal and the SNPN, and obtaining the equivalent SNPN list from the UDM network element with unified data management may include: sending an acquisition request to a UDM network element, wherein the acquisition request is used for indicating to acquire subscription information of a user terminal; and receiving subscription information returned by the UDM network element, wherein the subscription information comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal, and generating an equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information.

Exemplarily, after receiving a registration request of a user terminal, the AMF network element sends a request for acquiring subscription information of the user terminal to the UDM network element, and after receiving subscription information of the user terminal returned by the UDM network element, generates an equivalent SNPN list according to network information of an SNPN signed with the user terminal in the subscription information, where the equivalent SNPN list includes network information of an SNPN signed with the user terminal.

In this example, the UDM network element sends subscription information between the user terminal and the SNPN to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element generates an equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information. Because the subscription information sent by the UDM network element is the latest subscription information, the obtained equivalent SNPN list is also the latest, and the real-time effectiveness of the equivalent SNPN list is improved.

In one example, the subscription information further includes single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal, and mapping information, where the mapping information is a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and the SNPN network information; generating an equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information, wherein the list comprises the following steps:

analyzing the mapping information, and determining SNPN network information corresponding to the S-NSSAI; and generating an equivalent SNPN list according to the S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal and the SNPN network information corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

Exemplarily, if the subscription information of the user terminal returned by the UDM network element further includes mapping information of an S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal and a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and network information of a subscribed SNPN, when the AMF generates an equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information, the AMF needs to analyze the mapping information first, determine network information of an SNPN corresponding to the S-NSSAI, and then generate the equivalent SNPN list, where the equivalent SNPN list includes the network information of the SNPN subscribed to the user terminal and the S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal.

The mapping relationship between the network information of the S-NSSAI and the SNPN can be 1:1 mapping or 1: the n-map, i.e. one S-NSSAI, may correspond to network information of one or more SNPNs. In addition, one or more S-NSSAIs subscribed to the user terminal may also be provided, which is not limited in this application, and a set of one or more S-NSSAIs is an NSSAI. Performing 1:1 mapping on the network information of the S-NSSAI and the SNPN or 1: the n mapping can be completed by the UDM network element, or can be completed by the operation, administration and maintenance OAM network element or other network elements, and then is sent to the UDM network element.

Illustratively, since the coding of S-NSSAI is defined as SST (optional) of 8 bits + SD (optional) of 24 bits, and bits 0-127 of SST are reserved standard values and bits 128-255 are custom values. Therefore, when binding the SNPN signed by the user terminal with the S-NSSAI signed by the user terminal, namely establishing a mapping relation between the SNPN signed by the user terminal and the S-NSSAI signed by the user terminal, corresponding value-taking representation of the SNPN signed by the user terminal can be designed in 128-255 bits of the SST; or designing corresponding value-taking SNPN (single noise network) which represents the user terminal signed contract in the SD; or simultaneously, certain value-taking is set in both the SNPN and the S-NSSAI to represent the SNPN signed by the user terminal, and the application is not limited and only needs to ensure that all SNPN signed by the user terminal is bound with the S-NSSAI signed by the user terminal.

In this example, the subscription information includes, in addition to the network information of the SNPN, single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal and mapping information, and therefore, the obtained equivalent SNPN list further includes S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal. The scheme provides more feasible modes for subsequently determining and establishing the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN, and in practical application, one or more of the modes can be selected according to actual requirements, so that the practicability of the whole scheme is improved.

Exemplarily, fig. 4 is a signaling flow diagram of UE accessing SNPN according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 4, the interaction process includes the following:

s401, the UDM network element carries out 1:1 mapping on the S-NSSAI signed with the UE and the network information of the SNPN signed with the UE or 1: and n mapping, generating mapping information, and storing the mapping information in the UDM network element.

S402, the UE sends registration request information carrying NSSAI request to the AMF network element.

And S403, the AMF network element sends a request for acquiring subscription information of the UE to the UDM network element.

S404, the UDM network element returns subscription information of the UE to the AMF network element, wherein the subscription information comprises SNPN network information signed with the UE, S-NSSAI signed with the UE and mapping information.

S405, the AMF network element analyzes the mapping information, determines the network information of the SNPN corresponding to the S-NSSAI, and generates an equivalent SNPN list.

S406, the AMF network element sends response information including the equivalent SNPN list to the UE in response to the registration request.

S407, the UE stores an equivalent SNPN list.

S408, the UE sends an access request carrying network information of one or more SNPN (network node number) required by the UE to the AMF network element.

S409, the AMF network element establishes the connection between the UE and the SNPN according to the network information of the SNPN, and performs subsequent operations such as routing selection, bearing establishment and the like for the UE.

Steps S401 to S407 may be performed only once, and after the UE acquires the equivalent SNPN list, steps S408 and S409 are performed each time the SNPN needs to be used.

In an example, if the UDM network element finds that the information subscribed to the UE changes, the UDM network element automatically performs an update operation. Exemplarily, fig. 5 is a signaling flowchart of UE parameter update provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 5, the update process is as follows:

and S501, the UDM network element finds out that the information signed by the UE changes, remaps the updated S-NSSAI signed by the UE and the updated SNPN network information signed by the UE, generates new mapping information, stores the new mapping information and sends the new mapping information to the AMF network element.

And S502, carrying out a UE parameter updating process.

Here, the UE parameter update procedure is not described in detail herein, and can be seen in section 3gpp TS 23.502.4.20.2.

S503, the UE stores the updated equivalent SNPN list.

So far, after the update is completed, when the UE performs subsequent registration or performs service using SNPN, the request information carries the network information of the SNPN in the updated equivalent SNPN list.

In one example, pre-configuring the equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal may further include:

responding to a registration request of a user terminal, and sending the generated equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal; the generated equivalent SNPN list is generated by the AMF network element according to the subscription information of the user terminal sent after the UDM network element confirms; and when the subscription information of the user terminal is determined to be changed for the application function AF network element, the subscription information of the user terminal is sent to the UDM network element through a network capability open function NEF network element.

Exemplarily, when an AF network element finds that subscription information of a user terminal changes, the AF network element sends request information carrying the subscription information of the user terminal to an NEF network element, invokes services such as creation/update/deletion of the NEF network element, the NEF network element forwards the request information to an UDM network element, invokes services such as creation/update/deletion of the UDM network element, the UDM checks the subscription information of the user terminal, and sends the subscription information to an AMF network element, and the AMF network element performs processing such as creation/update/deletion according to the subscription information to obtain an equivalent SNPN list. Then, when configuring the equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal, the AMF network element may respond to the registration request of the user and send the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal.

And the AF network element calls one or more services such as creation, update, deletion and the like of the NEF network element according to the change condition of the subscription information. For example, if the subscription information is triggered for the first time, the creation service may be called, if there is new subscription information in the subscription information, the update service may be called, if part of the information is deleted in the subscription information, the deletion service may be called, and the like, which is not limited in the present application.

This example provides yet another way to pre-configure the equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal, improving the practicality of the overall scheme.

Exemplarily, fig. 6 is a signaling flowchart of UE accessing SNPN provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 6, the interaction process includes the following:

s601, when the AF network element finds that the subscription information of the UE changes, the AF network element sends request information carrying the subscription information of the UE to the NEF network element, and calls services such as creation, update and deletion of the NEF network element.

The subscription information includes network information of an SNPN subscribed to the UE, and may further include S-NSSAI subscribed to the UE, mapping information representing a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and the network information of the SNPN, and the like.

And S602, the NEF network element forwards the request information carrying the subscription information of the UE to the UDM network element and invokes services such as creation, update and deletion of the UDM network element.

S603, the UDM network element checks the subscription information of the UE and sends the subscription information to the AMF network element.

And S604, the AMF network element executes the services of creation, update, deletion and the like, and generates and stores an equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information.

S605, the UE carries out a registration process.

The UE registration procedure can be described in 3gpp TS 23.502.2.2.2.2.

S606, the AMF network element responds to the registration process and sends a response message carrying the equivalent SNPN list to the UE.

S607, the UE stores the equivalent SNPN list.

S608, the UE sends an access request carrying network information of one or more SNPN (network node number) required by the UE to the AMF network element.

And S609, the AMF network element establishes the connection between the UE and the SNPN according to the network information of the SNPN, and performs subsequent operations such as routing selection, bearing establishment and the like for the UE.

Steps S601 to S607 may be performed only once, and after the UE acquires the equivalent SNPN list, steps S608 and S609 are performed each time the SNPN needs to be used.

In addition, no matter how the AMF network element is implemented to pre-configure the equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal, the equivalent SNPN list may include S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal in addition to the network information of the SNPN signed with the user terminal, and the S-NSSAI in the equivalent SNPN list has a mapping relationship with the network information of the SNPN. Therefore, when the user terminal sends a registration request to the AMF network element to obtain the equivalent SNPN list, request information of S-NSSAI corresponding to network information of SNPN may be further included.

Exemplarily, when the equivalent SNPN list further includes an S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal, the access request sent by the user terminal may also include the S-NSSAI, and the AMF network element may determine, according to a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and the network information of the SNPN, the network information of the SNPN corresponding to the S-NSSAI, and further determine and establish a connection between the user terminal and the SNPN.

The method and the device provide various modes for pre-configuring the equivalent SNPN list for the user terminal, in practical application, one or more of the modes can be selected according to actual requirements, and the modes can be combined with each other.

The following are embodiments of the apparatus of the present application that may be used to perform embodiments of the method of the present application. For details which are not disclosed in the embodiments of the apparatus of the present application, reference is made to the embodiments of the method of the present application.

Fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus for accessing an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 7, the apparatus 70 for accessing an independent non-public network of the present embodiment includes: a receiving unit 701 and a control unit 702.

A receiving unit 701, configured to receive an access request sent by a user terminal, where the access request includes network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more of an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element, and comprises the network information of the SNPN signed with the user terminal.

A control unit 702, configured to establish, according to the access request, a connection between the user equipment and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request.

Fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of another apparatus for accessing an independent non-public network according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 8, the apparatus 80 for accessing an independent non-public network of the present embodiment includes: a receiving unit 801 and a control unit 802.

A receiving unit 801, configured to receive an access request sent by a user terminal, where the access request includes network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more of an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element, and comprises the network information of the SNPN signed with the user terminal.

A control unit 802, configured to establish, according to the access request, a connection between the user equipment and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request.

In one example, the equivalent SNPN list is pre-stored in the AMF network element, the apparatus 80 further includes a configuration unit 803, and the configuration unit 803 includes a first configuration module 8031.

The first configuration module 8031 is configured to, in response to a registration request of the user terminal, send an equivalent SNPN list pre-stored in the AMF network element to the user terminal.

In one example, configuration unit 803 includes a second configuration module 8032.

A second configuration module 8032, configured to, in response to a registration request of a user terminal, obtain an equivalent SNPN list from a unified data management UDM network element; and transmitting the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal.

In one example, second configuration module 8032 includes acquisition module 10.

An obtaining module 10, configured to send an obtaining request to a UDM network element, where the obtaining request is used to instruct to obtain subscription information of a user terminal; and the system is used for receiving subscription information returned by the UDM network element, wherein the subscription information comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal, and generating an equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information.

In one example, the subscription information further includes single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI subscribed to the user terminal, and mapping information, where the mapping information is a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and the SNPN network information; the acquisition module 10 includes a generation module 100.

A generating module 100, configured to analyze the mapping information and determine network information of an SNPN corresponding to the S-NSSAI; and generating an equivalent SNPN list according to the S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal and the SNPN network information corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

In one example, configuration unit 803 includes a third configuration module 8033.

A third configuration module 8033, configured to send the generated equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal in response to a registration request of the user terminal; the generated equivalent SNPN list is generated by the AMF network element according to the subscription information of the user terminal sent by the UDM network element after confirmation; and when the subscription information of the user terminal is determined to be changed for the application function AF network element, the subscription information of the user terminal is sent to the UDM network element through the NEF network element of the network capability open function.

In one example, the equivalent SNPN list further includes an S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal, and the S-NSSAI in the equivalent SNPN list has a mapping relationship with the network information of the SNPN.

In one example, the access request further includes S-NSSAI corresponding to network information of SNPN required by the user terminal.

It should be noted that the division of the modules of the above apparatus is only a logical division, and the actual implementation may be wholly or partially integrated into one physical entity, or may be physically separated. And these modules can be realized in the form of software called by processing element; or can be implemented in the form of hardware; and part of the modules can be realized in the form of calling software by the processing element, and part of the modules can be realized in the form of hardware. In addition, the program code may be stored in a memory of the apparatus, and a certain processing element of the apparatus may call and execute the function of the data processing module. Other modules are implemented similarly. In addition, all or part of the modules can be integrated together or can be independently realized. The processing element here may be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method or each module above may be implemented by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in a processor element or an instruction in the form of software.

Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an access device according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in fig. 9, the access device 90 includes: a processor 901, and a memory 902 communicatively coupled to the processor.

Wherein the memory 902 stores computer-executable instructions; the processor 901 executes computer-executable instructions stored by the memory 902 to implement a method as in any of the preceding.

In the above Specific implementation of the electronic device, it should be understood that the Processor may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), other general purpose processors, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor or the like. The method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored, and the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method according to any one of the foregoing descriptions.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that: all or a portion of the steps of implementing the method embodiments described above may be performed by hardware associated with computer instructions. The program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program performs steps comprising the method embodiments described above; and the aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic or optical disks.

Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product comprising a computer program for implementing a method according to any one of the preceding claims when executed by a processor.

Other embodiments of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the application and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the application being indicated by the following claims.

It will be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise arrangements described above and shown in the drawings and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A method for accessing an independent non-public network, wherein the method is applied to an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, and the method comprises the following steps:

receiving an access request sent by a user terminal, wherein the access request comprises network information of an independent non-public network (SNPN) required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more in an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured for the user terminal by the AMF network element, and comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal;

and establishing the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request according to the access request.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the equivalent SNPN list is pre-stored in the AMF network element; the method further comprises the following steps:

and responding to the registration request of the user terminal, and sending the equivalent SNPN list pre-stored in the AMF network element to the user terminal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

responding to a registration request of the user terminal, and acquiring the equivalent SNPN list from a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element; and sending the equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein obtaining the list of equivalent SNPN from the UDM network element comprises:

sending an acquisition request to the UDM network element, wherein the acquisition request is used for indicating to acquire subscription information of the user terminal;

and receiving subscription information returned by the UDM network element, wherein the subscription information comprises SNPN network information signed with the user terminal, and generating the equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the subscription information further includes single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI subscribed to the ue, and mapping information, where the mapping information is a mapping relationship between the S-NSSAI and network information of SNPN; the generating the equivalent SNPN list according to the subscription information comprises the following steps:

analyzing the mapping information and determining SNPN network information corresponding to S-NSSAI;

and generating the equivalent SNPN list according to the S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal and the SNPN network information corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

responding to a registration request of the user terminal, and sending the generated equivalent SNPN list to the user terminal; the generated equivalent SNPN list is generated by the AMF network element according to the subscription information of the user terminal sent after the UDM network element confirms; and when the subscription information of the user terminal is determined to be changed for an Application Function (AF) network element, the subscription information of the user terminal is sent to the UDM network element through a network capability open function (NEF) network element.

7. The method according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the equivalent SNPN list further includes S-NSSAI signed with the user terminal, and the S-NSSAI in the equivalent SNPN list has a mapping relation with the network information of the SNPN.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the access request further includes an S-NSSAI corresponding to network information of SNPN required by the user terminal.

9. An apparatus for accessing an independent non-public network, the apparatus comprising:

a receiving unit, configured to receive an access request sent by a user terminal, where the access request includes network information of an independent non-public network SNPN required by the user terminal, and the network information in the access request is one or more in an equivalent SNPN list; the equivalent SNPN list is pre-configured by the AMF network element for the user terminal, and comprises the SNPN network information signed with the user terminal;

and the control unit is used for establishing the connection between the user terminal and the SNPN corresponding to the network information in the access request according to the access request.

10. An access device, characterized in that the access device comprises: a processor, and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor;

the memory stores computer execution instructions;

the processor executes computer-executable instructions stored by the memory to implement the method of any of claims 1-8.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored therein, which when executed by a processor, are configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-8.

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