WO2019020037A1

WO2019020037A1 - Method and apparatus for determining registration area list

Info

Publication number: WO2019020037A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/096898
Authority: WO
Inventors: 孙海洋; 朱强华; 熊春山
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2017-07-25
Filing date: 2018-07-24
Publication date: 2019-01-31
Also published as: CN109302701B; CN109302701A

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining a registration area list. The method comprises: an AMF network element receiving N service area identifiers, each of the service area identifiers corresponding to a service area of one UPF network element providing a service for a terminal, the N serving area identifiers being sent by M SMF network elements, N and M being positive integers greater than 0; and the AMF network element determining a registration area list according to a correlation between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element providing a service for the terminal, and the AMF network element sending the registration area list to the terminal.

Description

Method and device for determining registration area list

This application claims the priority of the Chinese Patent Application filed on July 25, 2017, the National Patent Office, Application No. 201710612951.8, entitled "A Method and Apparatus for Determining a List of Registration Areas", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the application.

Technical field

The present application relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a method and an apparatus for determining a registration area list.

Background technique

In the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, the Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) in the Tracking Area (TA) list allocated by the Mobility Management Entity (MME) belongs to the same The service area of a Serving Gateway (SGW), that is, the area indicated by the TA list, is included in or equal to the service area of the SGW.

In the future 5G communication system, for example, the New Radio (NR) system uses a Registration Area (RA) instead of the tracking area, and is accessed and Mobility Management Function (Access and Mobility Management Function, The AMF) network element allocates a list of registration areas for the terminal. The AMF network element manages multiple session management function (SMF) network elements, and each SMF network element is connected to multiple User Plane Function (UPF) network elements. At the same time, multiple The UPF network elements belonging to different SMF network elements are terminal services.

Since the AMF network element does not directly manage the UPF network element, and at the same time, multiple UPF network elements belonging to different SMF network elements may exist as terminal services, so the AMF network element may be the registration area indicated by the registration area list allocated by the terminal. It is not an optimal area. This may cause some UPF network elements to be unable to provide services for the terminal when the terminal moves out of the registration area indicated by the registration area list.

Therefore, how the AMF network element determines a list of preferred registration areas for the terminal is an urgent problem to be solved.

Summary of the invention

The application provides a method and a device for determining a registration area list, which are used to determine a preferred registration area list for a terminal.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a registration area list, where the method includes:

After the AMF network element receives the N service area identifiers, the AMF network element determines a registration area list according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal, and sends the list to the terminal. The list of registration areas. Each of the service area identifiers corresponds to a service area of a UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, and the N service area identifiers are sent by M SMF network elements, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0.

According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the N service area identifiers, the AMF network element may determine N services provided for the terminal according to the N service area identifiers and the correspondence between the service area identifiers and the service areas of the UPF network elements. A service area of the UPF network element, so that the registration area list can be determined according to the service area of the N UPF network elements. The AMF network element is a list of the registration area determined by the terminal, and is associated with the service area of the N UPF network elements serving the terminal, because the registration area list is determined by the service area of the N UPF network elements. Thereby, a list of preferred registration areas can be determined for the terminal.

In an optional implementation, the AMF network element determines the registration area list according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element that provides the service for the terminal, including:

Determining, by the AMF network element, the N areas corresponding to the N service area identifiers according to the corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element; for any one of the N areas, the area Include at least one service area of a UPF network element that provides services for the terminal;

The AMF network element determines an intersection area of the N areas, and determines the registration area list according to the intersection area.

By determining the intersection area of the N areas corresponding to the N service area identifiers as the registration area of the terminal, when the terminal moves out of the registration area, all UPF network elements serving the terminal cannot be paged to the terminal, AMF The network element can determine the state of the terminal, and avoids the continuity of the established session between the terminal and the AMF network element in the case that the AMF network element has not changed and the terminal has left the service range of the SMF network element. The side needs an additional process to relocate the SMF network element, thereby reducing system update signaling and improving system efficiency.

In an optional implementation, the service area identifier is a partition identifier of the UPF network element that provides services for the terminal in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element that sends the service area identifier, and each partition identifier is used. The indicated area includes a service area of at least one UPF network element, and the at least one UPF network element belongs to the same SMF network element management and the at least one UPF network element has the same category.

In an optional implementation, before the AMF network element receives the N service area identifiers, the method further includes:

The AMF network element acquires the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element in the M SMF network elements and the area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element.

The area indicated by the partition identifier includes multiple service areas of the UPF network element. Therefore, the service area of multiple UPF network elements can be indicated by the partition identifier, thereby improving the efficiency of the AMF network element to determine the registration area list.

In an optional implementation, the service area identifier is a UPF identifier of a UPF network element that serves the terminal in a UPF network element managed by an SMF network element that sends the service area identifier.

The UPF identifier can uniquely indicate the service area of the UPF network element. Therefore, the AMF network element can quickly and accurately determine the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal through the UPF identifier, thereby improving the efficiency of the AMF network element to determine the registration area list. .

The AMF network element acquires the UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element of the M SMF network elements and the service area of the UPF network element corresponding to each UPF identifier.

In a second aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a registration area list, where the method includes:

The SMF network element determines the service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element that serves the terminal; the corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element;

The SMF network element sends the service area identifier to the access and AMF network element.

According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the SMF network element sends the service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element that serves the terminal to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element can receive the service area identifier, Determining, according to the service area identifier, a service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal, and determining a registration area list according to the service area of the UPF network element, so that the terminal can determine a preferred registration area list.

In an optional implementation, the service area identifier is a partition identifier of a UPF network element that serves the terminal in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element, and the area indicated by each partition identifier includes The service area of the at least one UPF network element, and the at least one UPF network element belongs to the same SMF network element management and the at least one UPF network element has the same category.

In an optional implementation, before the SMF network element determines the service area identifier, the method further includes:

The SMF network element sends the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and the area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element to the AMF network element.

In an optional implementation, the service area identifier is a UPF identifier of a UPF network element that serves the terminal in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.

The SMF network element sends the UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and the service area of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element to the AMF network element.

The SMF network element acquires a service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a registration area list, where the method includes:

The AMF network element receives N service area lists, and each of the service area lists includes a service area of a UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area lists are sent by M SMF network elements, where N and M are greater than a positive integer of 0;

Determining, by the AMF network element, a registration area list according to the N service area lists;

The AMF network element sends the registration area list to the terminal.

According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the N service areas, the AMF network element may determine the registration area list according to the service areas of the N UPF network elements. The AMF network element is a list of the registration area determined by the terminal, and is associated with the service area of the N UPF network elements serving the terminal, because the registration area list is determined by the service area of the N UPF network elements. Thereby, a list of preferred registration areas can be determined for the terminal.

In an optional implementation, the AMF network element determines a registration area list according to the N service area lists, including:

The AMF network element determines an intersection area of the area indicated by the N service area lists, and determines the registration area list according to the intersection area.

In a fourth aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a registration area list determining apparatus, where the apparatus includes:

The transceiver unit is configured to receive N service area identifiers, where each of the service area identifiers corresponds to a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, and the N service area identifiers are configured by M session management functions. The SMF network element sends, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

a processing unit, configured to determine a registration area list according to a correspondence between the service area identifier and a service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal;

The transceiver unit is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.

The registration area list determining means may also be used to implement the steps in any one of the above first aspect or the first aspect.

In a fifth aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a registration area list determining apparatus, where the apparatus includes:

a processing unit, configured to determine a service area identifier corresponding to a service area of a user plane function of the UPF network element, and a corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element ;

The transceiver unit is configured to send the service area identifier to the access and mobility management function AMF network element.

The registration area list determining means may also be used to implement the steps in any one of the above second aspect or the second aspect.

In a sixth aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a registration area list determining apparatus, where the apparatus includes:

a transceiver unit, configured to receive N service area lists, each of the service area lists includes a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area lists are composed of M session management functions SMF network The element is sent, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

a processing unit, configured to determine, according to the N service area lists, a registration area list;

The registration area list determining means may also be used to implement the steps in any one of the above third aspect or the third aspect.

In a seventh aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a registration area list determining apparatus, where the apparatus includes:

The transceiver is configured to receive N service area identifiers, where each of the service area identifiers corresponds to a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, and the N service area identifiers are configured by M session management functions. The SMF network element sends, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

a processor, configured to determine a registration area list according to a correspondence between the service area identifier and a service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal;

The transceiver is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.

In an eighth aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a registration area list determining apparatus, where the apparatus includes:

a processor, configured to determine a service area identifier corresponding to a service area of the UPF network element of the user plane function serving the terminal; the corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element ;

And a transceiver, configured to send the service area identifier to an access and mobility management function AMF network element.

In a ninth aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a registration area list determining apparatus, where the apparatus includes:

a transceiver, configured to receive a list of N service areas, each of the service area lists includes a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area lists are configured by M session management functions SMF network The element is sent, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

a processor, configured to determine a registration area list according to the N service area lists;

In a tenth aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, comprising computer readable instructions, when the computer reads and executes the computer readable instructions, causing the computer to perform the method of any one of the above.

In an eleventh aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, comprising computer readable instructions, wherein the computer reads and executes the computer readable instructions, such that the computer performs the method of any one of the above.

In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, where the chip is connected to a memory, for reading and executing a software program stored in the memory, to implement any of the foregoing aspects and various possibilities in any aspect. The method in the design.

DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first possible 5G network architecture;

2 is a schematic diagram of a second possible 5G network architecture;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a third possible 5G network architecture;

4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a service area of a UPF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiments of the present application can be applied to various mobile communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (Wideband). Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, general purpose Other mobile communication systems such as the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), the evolved Long Term Evolution (eLTE) system, and the 5G (eg, NR system).

There are many possible architectures in the 5G network architecture under discussion. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, schematic diagrams of the first to third possible 5G network architectures, respectively. In the network architecture shown in FIG. 1, the RAN network element and the DN network element include one UPF network element; in the network architecture shown in FIG. 2, the RAN network element and the DN network element include two parallel connections. The UPF network element together; in the network architecture shown in FIG. 1, the RAN network element and the DN network element include two UPF network elements connected in series.

The system shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 includes an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network element, a unified database management function (UDM), and an access and mobility management function (Access and Mobility Management Function). , AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, AF network element, radio access network (RAN) network element ( It can also be referred to as an access network (AN) network element, a network element such as a UPF network element, and a DN network element. The SMF network element is responsible for session management, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management of the terminal, allocation and selection of the UP anchor function, and is responsible for (heavy) selection of the UPF network element and the user plane path. The AMF network element is responsible for access and mobility management. It is the endpoint of the N2 (interface between AMF and RAN devices) interface, which terminates NAS messages, completes registration management, connection management and reachability management, allocates TA lists, and moves. Sex management, etc., and transparent routing session management (SMS) messages to SMF network elements. The UPF network element is a user plane function device, and is responsible for providing services such as routing and forwarding of data packets, lawful interception, and downlink data packet buffering, and triggering downlink data packet notification messages.

The possible implementations of the interfaces in the respective entities, such as the N2 interface between the access network element and the AMF network element, and the N9 interface between the access network element and the UPF network element, are also shown in FIG. Wait, no longer repeat them here.

In addition, it should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, a terminal, also referred to as a user equipment (User Equipment), is a device that provides voice and/or data connectivity to a user, for example, has a wireless connection function. Handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, etc. Common terminals include, for example, mobile phones, tablets, notebook computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices such as smart watches, smart bracelets, pedometers, and the like.

With reference to the above description, referring to FIG. 4, it is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to Figure 4, the method includes:

Step 401: The SMF network element determines the service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element that serves the terminal. The corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element.

Step 402: The SMF network element sends the service area identifier to an AMF network element.

Step 403: The AMF network element receives N service area identifiers, where each of the service area identifiers corresponds to a service area that provides services for the terminal, and the N service area identifiers are sent by M SMF network elements, where N and M are A positive integer greater than zero.

It should be noted that, in step 403, the AMF network element receives the N service area identifiers sent by the M SMF network elements; M may be equal to N, that is, each SMF network element sends a service area identifier; M may also be smaller than N. That is, each SMF network element sends at least one service area identifier.

Step 404: The AMF network element determines a registration area list according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal, where the AMF network element sends the registration area to the terminal. List.

The corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the AMF network element.

Correspondingly, before the step 401, the SMF network element may first configure the service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element, and the service area identifier of the service area of each UPF network element, and the SMF network. The specific method for configuring the foregoing information is not limited in the embodiment of the present application, and details are not described herein again.

In the embodiment of the present application, the service area identifier may be the UPF identifier of the UPF network element that serves the terminal in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element, or the service area identifier may be the UPF network managed by the SMF network element. In the element, a partition identifier or the like of the UPF network element serving the terminal.

When the service area identifier is the UPF identifier, the service area of the UPF network element can be uniquely determined by the UPF identifier of the UPF network element.

When the service area identifier is a partition identifier, the area indicated by each partition identifier includes a service area of at least one UPF network element. When the at least one UPF network element is two UPF network elements or two or more UPF network elements, the at least one UPF network element belongs to the same SMF network element management and the at least one UPF network element has the same category. In this scenario, the AMF network element may know the correspondence between the partition identifier and the service area indicated by the partition identifier, but the AMF network element may not know which service areas of the UPF network element are formed by the service area indicated by the partition identifier. of.

It should be noted that, when the categories of the two UPF network elements are the same, the service areas of the two UPF network elements are the same, or the service areas of the two UPF network elements have an intersection. When the two types of the UPF network elements are the same, the two UPF network elements may have other identical or similar features, and details are not described herein again.

In this embodiment, the corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element may be pre-configured in the AMF network element. Specifically, the SMF network element may send the service area of the UPF network element and the service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element to the AMF network element. After receiving the service area of the UPF network element and the service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element, the AMF network element saves the correspondence between the service area and the service area identifier of each UPF network element, thereby implementing the AMF network element. Correspondence between the pre-configured service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element.

For example, when the service area identifier is the partition identifier, the SMF network element may send the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element to the AMF network element, and the partition of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element. Identifies the area indicated. The AMF network element receives and saves the correspondence between the partition identifier and the area indicated by the partition identifier, so as to implement the correspondence between the pre-configured partition identifier and the area indicated by the partition identifier in the AMF network element.

It should be noted that, in this scenario, the AMF cannot determine the specific location of the service area of the UPF, but may determine that the service area including at least one UPF in the area indicated by each partition identifier, when the AMF receives the partition in step 403. When marking, it may be determined that the service area of the UPF serving as the terminal service is located in the area indicated by the partition identifier.

For example, when the service area identifier is the UPF network element, the SMF network element may send the UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element to the AMF network element, and the UPF network element corresponding to each UPF identifier. Service Area. The AMF network element receives and stores the correspondence between the UPF identifier and the service area of the UPF network element, so as to implement the correspondence between the UPF identifier and the service area of the UPF network element in the AMF network element.

It should be noted that the SMF network element may send the service area and the service area identifier of the UPF network element to the AMF network element through the N11 request message, or may send the message through other messages. Correspondingly, after receiving the N11 request message, the AMF network element may return an N11 request response message.

In step 401, before the SMF network element determines the service area identifier, the following interaction message may exist between the SMF network element and the AMF network element:

The AMF network element receives the first request message; the first request message may be a registration request message or a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session related request message sent by the terminal (the PDU session related request message includes the establishment of the PDU session, the PDU) The session modification, etc., etc., or the first request message may also be a request message such as a handover request message sent by the AN network element.

The AMF network element selects an SMF network element for the terminal according to the received first request message, and sends a second request message including a PDU session related request message to the selected SMF network element, where the second request message is used to request the PDU session management. Information or provide information for PDU session management. The second request message further includes information such as a session policy, a contract information session, and a Service Continuity (SSC) mode (Mode) of the terminal.

In the embodiment of the present application, the AMF network element may be pre-configured with an RA list that the AMF network element can serve. The AMF network element can determine, by using the RA list, which SMF network elements can be managed by the AMF network element, and the registration area allocated for the terminal. The range, which is the range of the RA list. The specific configuration method of the RA list is not limited in this embodiment of the present application, and details are not described herein again.

It should be noted that, when the AMF network element selects the SMF network element for the terminal according to the received first request message, the following factors may be considered:

- Selected Data Network Name (DNN).

- Local carrier strategy for terminal services.

- Load conditions of candidate SMF network elements.

Certainly, the specific method of selecting the SMF network element by the AMF network element is not limited in the embodiment of the present application, and details are not repeatedly described herein.

After receiving the second request message, the SMF network element determines the UPF network element that provides the service for the terminal according to the session policy, the subscription information, the SSC mode, and the like included in the second request message, thereby determining the UPF network element. The service area ID of the service area. The SMF network element is specifically determined according to the session policy, the subscription information, the SSC mode, and the like of the terminal, and the UPF network element is served by the terminal. The embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto, and may be determined according to actual conditions. No longer.

It should be noted that the type of the second request message may be an N11 request message.

In step 402, the SMF network element may send the service area identifier to the AMF network element by using the N11 request response message, and the N11 request response message may further include information such as a PDU session response.

Optionally, the SMF network element may further send a multi-layer registration area (RA) identifier to the AMF network element, and the multi-layer RA identifier indicates that the UPF network element selected by the terminal may provide the division of the multi-layer RA. The SMF network element sends a multi-layer RA identifier to the AMF network element, which means that the SMF network element supports the hierarchical RA of the topology of the UPF network element selected by the terminal, that is, the AMF network element allocates a layered RA to the terminal, and the terminal determines The RA list that is assigned to itself is hierarchical.

In step 403, for any one of the N service area identifiers, the service area identifier may be in a UPF network element managed by an SMF network element that sends the service area identifier, and provide services for the terminal. The partition ID of the UPF network element.

Or, for any one of the N service area identifiers, the service area identifier is a UPF network that provides services for the terminal in a UPF network element managed by an SMF network element that sends the service area identifier. The UPF logo of the meta.

Before receiving the N service area identifiers, the AMF network element may receive a registration request message or a PDU session related request message initiated by the terminal, or receive a request message such as a handover request message initiated by the AN network element, and then select N services for the terminal service. An SMF network element, thereby transmitting an N11 request message including a PDU session related request message to the N SMF network elements, respectively.

In step 404, the AMF network element may first determine an area corresponding to the N service area identifiers according to a correspondence between the service area identifier and a service area of the UPF network element, and then determine an intersection area of the N areas, and The registration area list is determined according to the intersection area. Wherein, for any one of the N areas, the area includes at least one service area of a UPF network element serving the terminal.

In the embodiment of the present application, the AMF network element may directly determine the intersection area as a registration area of the terminal, thereby determining the registration area list.

For example, the service area identifier is a partition identifier. The AMF network element may determine, according to the correspondence between the partition identifier and the service area of the UPF network element, an area indicated by the N partition identifiers, where the area indicated by each partition identifier includes a service area of the UPF network element corresponding to the partition identifier. The AMF network element determines an intersection area of the area indicated by the N partition identifiers as a registration area of the terminal.

For example, the service area identifier is a UPF identifier. The AMF network element may determine, according to the correspondence between the UPF identifier and the service area of the UPF network element, an area indicated by the N UPF identifiers, where the area indicated by each UPF identifier is a service area of the UPF network element corresponding to the UPF identifier. The AMF network element determines an intersection area of the area indicated by the N UPF identifiers as a registration area of the terminal.

It should be noted that the corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element may be pre-configured. For the specific pre-configuration process, reference may be made to the foregoing description, and details are not described herein.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is a schematic diagram of a service area of a UPF network element provided by an embodiment of the present application.

In FIG. 5, the service area of the UPF1 includes the coverage area of the base station 1 to the base station 3; the service area of the UPF 2 includes the coverage area of the base station 2 to the base station 4; and the service area of the UPF 3 includes the coverage area of the base station 3 to the base station 4. After the SMF network element selects UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3 to provide services for the terminal, the SMF network element sends the service area identifier of the service area of the UPF1, the service area identifier of the service area of the UPF2, and the service area identifier of the service area of the UPF3 to the AMF network element. . The AMF network element can determine the coverage area of the base station 2 and the coverage area of the base station 3 as the intersection area of the area corresponding to the identifier according to the foregoing identifier, so that the intersection area can be determined as the registration area of the terminal. In the registration area, each UPF network element serving the terminal can provide services for the terminal. If the terminal moves out of the registration area, it means that the network needs to be replaced with a UPF network element of the terminal service. Of course, when the terminal moves out of the registration area, the terminal can still be paged by a part of the UPF network element, so the terminal can not immediately send an update request.

Optionally, the AMF network element may further receive the multi-layer RA identifier sent by the SMF network element, and send the multi-layer RA identifier to the terminal.

The foregoing process will be described below by way of specific embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application.

Step 601: The SMF network element configures a service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element, and a partition identifier of the service area of each UPF network element.

Step 602: The SMF network element sends an N11 request message to the AMF network element, where the N11 request message includes a correspondence between the service area of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and the partition identifier.

Step 603: The AMF network element saves the correspondence between the service area and the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the received SMF network element.

The above steps 601 to 603 do not need to be executed every time, and only need to be executed at least once.

It should be noted that the AMF network element may also configure the service area information of the UPF in other manners, such as the manual configuration mode, and details are not described herein again.

Step 604: The terminal sends a first request message to the AMF network element, where the first request message may be a registration request message or a PDU session related request message.

Certainly, the step may also be a request message for the AN network element to initiate a handover request message to the AMF network element, where the handover request message is used to initiate a handover request for the terminal.

Step 605: The AMF network element selects an SMF network element serving as a terminal according to the received first request message.

Step 606: The AMF network element sends a second request message to the selected SMF network element, where the second request message includes a PDU session related request.

Step 607: The SMF network element determines the UPF network element serving as the terminal according to the session policy, the subscription information, and the SSC mode of the terminal.

Step 608: The SMF network element sends the partition identifier of the service area of the UPF network element served by the terminal to the AMF network element.

Optionally, the SMF network element may also send information such as a PDU session response to the AMF network element at the same time.

Optionally, the SMF network element may simultaneously send the multi-layer RA identifier to the SMF network element.

Step 609: The AMF network element determines the registration area list according to the partition identifier of the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal and the corresponding relationship between the partition identifier and the service area of the UPF network element.

Step 610: The AMF network element sends the registration area list to the terminal.

The AMF network element may send the registration area list through a registration response message or a PDU session related response message.

Optionally, the AMF network element can simultaneously send the multi-layer RA identifier to the terminal.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application.

Step 701: The SMF network element configures a service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element, and a UPF identifier of the service area of each UPF network element.

Step 702: The SMF network element sends an N11 request message to the AMF network element, where the N11 request message includes a correspondence between the service area of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and the UPF identifier.

Step 703: The AMF network element saves the correspondence between the service area of the UPF network element managed by the received SMF network element and the UPF identifier.

The above steps 701 to 703 do not need to be executed every time, and only need to be executed at least once.

It should be noted that the AMF network element may also configure the service area information of the UPF network element in other manners, such as the manual configuration mode, and details are not described herein again.

Step 704: The AN network element sends a first request message to the AMF network element, where the first request message may be a handover request message, and the handover request message is used to initiate a handover request for the terminal.

Certainly, this step may also send a request message such as a registration request message or a PDU session related request message sent by the terminal to the AMF network element.

Step 705: The AMF network element selects an SMF network element serving as a terminal according to the received first request message.

Step 706: The AMF network element sends a second request message to the selected SMF network element, where the second request message includes a PDU session related request.

Step 707: The SMF network element determines the UPF network element serving as the terminal according to the session policy, the subscription information, and the SSC mode of the terminal.

Step 708: The SMF network element sends the UPF identifier of the service area of the UPF network element served by the terminal to the AMF network element.

Step 709: The AMF network element determines the registration area list according to the UPF identifier of the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal and the corresponding relationship between the UPF identifier and the service area of the UPF network element.

Step 710: The AMF network element sends the registration area list to the terminal.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application.

Step 801: The SMF network element determines a service area list. The service area list includes a service area of the UPF network element that provides services for the terminal in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.

It should be noted that the service area list includes at least one service area of the UPF network element, and the service area of each UPF network element may be indicated by the location information of the service area of the UPF network element, or may be served by the UPF network element. The identifier of the n base stations included in the area indicates that n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and may also be indicated by a cell identifier of m cells included in a service area of the UPF network element, where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. . Of course, the above is only an example, and the service area can also be indicated by other means, and will not be illustrated one by one here.

Step 802: The SMF network element sends the service area list to an AMF network element.

Step 803: The AMF network element receives N service area lists, where each service area list includes a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, and the N service area lists are sent by M SMF network elements, N M is a positive integer greater than zero.

It should be noted that, in step 803, the AMF network element receives a total of N service area lists sent by M SMF network elements; M may be equal to N, that is, each SMF network element sends a service area list; M may also be smaller than N. That is, each SMF network element sends at least one service area list.

Step 804: The AMF network element determines a registration area list according to the N service area lists, and the AMF network element sends the registration area list to the terminal.

Before the step 801, the SMF network element may pre-configure the service area of each of the UPF network elements that it manages, and the specific configuration method is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In step 801, before the SMF network element determines the service area list, the AMF network element may receive the first request message, where the first request message may be a registration request message or a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session related request sent by the terminal. The message (the PDU session related request message includes the establishment of the PDU session, the PDU session modification, etc.), or the like, or the first request message may also be a request message such as a handover request message sent by the AN network element.

The AMF network element selects an SMF network element for the terminal according to the received first request message, and the AMF network element sends a second request message including a PDU session related request message to the selected SMF network element, where the second request message is used to request the PDU. Provide session information or provide information for PDU session management. The second request message further includes information such as a session policy, a subscription information, and an SSC mode of the terminal.

It should be noted that, in the AMF network element, the RA list that the AMF network element can serve can be pre-configured, and the AMF network element can determine, by using the RA list, which SMF network elements can be managed by the AMF network element, and the registration area allocated for the terminal. The range, which is the range of the RA list. The specific configuration method of the RA list is not limited in this embodiment of the present application, and details are not described herein again.

After receiving the second request message, the SMF network element determines the UPF network element serving as the terminal according to the session policy, the subscription information, and the SSC mode of the terminal, thereby determining the service area of the UPF network element.

In step 802, the SMF network element may send the service area list to the AMF network element by using the N11 request response message, and the N11 request response message may further include information such as a PDU session response.

It should be noted that the SMF network element sends the service area of each UPF network element in the service area list to the AMF network element. Specifically, the SMF network element may send the location information of the service area indicating the UPF network element to the The AMF network element, so that the AMF network element determines the service area of the UPF network element.

In step 803, after the AMF network element receives the N service area lists, the service area of the UPF network element included in each service area list may be determined.

In step 804, the AMF network element may first determine an intersection area of the area indicated by the N service area lists, and then determine the registration area list according to the intersection area. In a possible implementation manner, the AMF network element may directly determine the intersection area as a registration area of the terminal, thereby determining the registration area list.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a registration area list according to an embodiment of the present application.

Step 901: The SMF network element configures a service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.

Step 902: Pre-configure the RA list that the AMF network element can serve in the AMF network element.

The above steps 901 to 902 do not need to be executed every time, and only need to be executed at least once.

Step 903: The AN network element sends a first request message to the AMF network element, where the first request message may be a handover request message, and the handover request message is used to initiate a handover request for the terminal.

Step 904: The AMF network element selects an SMF network element serving as a terminal according to the received first request message.

Step 905: The AMF network element sends a second request message to the selected SMF network element, where the second request message includes a PDU session related request.

Step 906: The SMF network element determines, according to the session policy, the subscription information, the SSC mode, and the like of the terminal, the UPF network element serving as the terminal.

Step 907: The SMF network element sends a service area list of the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal to the AMF network element.

Step 908: The AMF network element determines the registration area list according to the received service area list.

Step 909: The AMF network element sends the registration area list to the terminal.

Based on the same technical concept, the embodiment of the present application further provides a registration area list determining apparatus, which can execute the foregoing method embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 10, a schematic structural diagram of a registration area list determining apparatus is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the device may be an AMF network element.

Referring to Figure 10, the apparatus 1000 includes:

The transceiver unit 1001 is configured to receive N service area identifiers, where each of the service area identifiers corresponds to a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area identifiers are managed by M sessions. The function SMF network element sends, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

The processing unit 1002 is configured to determine, according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element that provides the service for the terminal, the registration area list;

The transceiver unit 1001 is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.

In an optional implementation, the processing unit 1002 is specifically configured to:

And determining, according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element, N areas corresponding to the N service area identifiers; and for any one of the N areas, the area includes at least one terminal The service area of the UPF network element that provides the service;

Determining an intersection area of the N areas, and determining the registration area list according to the intersection area.

In an optional implementation, the transceiver unit 1001 is further configured to:

Obtaining, by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element in the M SMF network elements, and the area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element.

And obtaining a UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by each of the SMF network elements and a service area of the UPF network element corresponding to each UPF identifier.

As shown in FIG. 11, a schematic structural diagram of a registration area list determining apparatus is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the device may be an SMF network element.

Referring to Figure 11, the apparatus 1100 includes:

The processing unit 1101 is configured to determine a service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the user plane function UPF network element that provides the service for the terminal, and the corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element. of;

The transceiver unit 1102 is configured to send the service area identifier to the access and mobility management function AMF network element.

In an optional implementation, the transceiver unit 1102 is further configured to:

Transmitting, by the AMF network element, a partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and an area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.

Sending, to the AMF network element, a UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and a service area of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.

Obtaining a service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.

As shown in FIG. 12, a schematic structural diagram of a registration area list determining apparatus is provided in this embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the device may be an AMF network element.

Referring to Figure 12, the apparatus 1200 includes:

The transceiver unit 1201 is configured to receive N service area lists, where the service area list includes a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area lists are composed of M session management functions SMF. The network element sends, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0.

The processing unit 1202 is configured to determine, according to the N service area lists, a registration area list;

The transceiver unit 1201 is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.

In an optional implementation, the processing unit 1202 is specifically configured to:

Determining an intersection area of the area indicated by the N service area lists, and determining the registration area list according to the intersection area.

As shown in FIG. 13, a schematic structural diagram of a registration area list determining apparatus is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the device may be an AMF network element.

Referring to FIG. 13, the apparatus 1300 includes: a processor 1301, a transceiver 1302, and a memory 1303. The processor 1301, the transceiver 1302, and the memory 1303 are connected to each other through a bus 1304.

The bus 1304 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus or the like. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of representation, only one thick line is shown in FIG. 13, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

The memory 1303 may include a volatile memory such as a random-access memory (RAM); the memory may also include a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. A hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD); the memory 1303 may also include a combination of the above types of memories.

The processor 1301 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor 1301 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

The transceiver 1302 is configured to receive N service area identifiers, where each of the service area identifiers corresponds to a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area identifiers are managed by M sessions. The function SMF network element sends, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

The memory 1303 can also be used to store program instructions. The processor 1301 invokes the program instructions stored in the memory 1303, and can perform the following steps: corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal according to the service area identifier. Relationship determines the list of registration areas;

The transceiver 1302 is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.

In an optional implementation, the processor 1301 is specifically configured to:

In an optional implementation, the transceiver 1302 is further configured to:

As shown in FIG. 14, a schematic structural diagram of a registration area list determining apparatus is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the device may be an AMF network element.

Referring to FIG. 14, the device 1400 includes: a processor 1401, a transceiver 1402, and a memory 1403. The processor 1401, the transceiver 1402, and the memory 1403 are connected to each other through a bus 1404. For details of the foregoing modules, reference may be made to the foregoing description. This will not be repeated here.

The memory 1403 can also be used to store program instructions. The processor 1401 invokes the program instructions stored in the memory 1403, and can perform the following steps: determining the service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element of the user plane function serving the terminal. Corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element;

The transceiver 1402 is configured to send the service area identifier to the access and mobility management function AMF network element.

In an optional implementation, the transceiver 1402 is further configured to:

As shown in FIG. 15, a schematic structural diagram of a registration area list determining apparatus is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the device may be an AMF network element.

Referring to FIG. 15, the device 1500 includes: a processor 1501, a transceiver 1502, and a memory 1503. The processor 1501, the transceiver 1502, and the memory 1503 are connected to each other through a bus 1504. For details of the foregoing modules, reference may be made to the foregoing description. This will not be repeated here.

The transceiver 1502 is configured to receive N service area lists, where the service area list includes a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area lists are composed of M session management functions SMF. The network element sends, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0.

The memory 1503 can also be used to store program instructions. The processor 1501 invokes the program instructions stored in the memory 1503, and can perform the following steps: determining a registration area list according to the N service area lists;

The transceiver 1502 is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.

In an optional implementation, the processor 1501 is specifically configured to:

The embodiment of the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium for storing computer software instructions required to execute the above-mentioned processor, which includes a program for executing the above-mentioned processor.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Thus, the present application can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination of software and hardware. Moreover, the application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, optical storage, etc.) including computer usable program code.

The present application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of the method, apparatus (system), and computer program product according to the present application. It will be understood that each flow and/or block of the flowchart illustrations and/or FIG. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine for the execution of instructions for execution by a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device. Means for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flow or in a block or blocks of the flow chart.

The computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising the instruction device. The apparatus implements the functions specified in one or more blocks of a flow or a flow and/or block diagram of the flowchart.

These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device such that a series of operational steps are performed on a computer or other programmable device to produce computer-implemented processing for execution on a computer or other programmable device. The instructions provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flow or in a block or blocks of a flow diagram.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the present invention.

Claims

A registration area list determining method, the method comprising:

The access and mobility management function AMF network element receives N service area identifiers, each of the service area identifiers corresponding to a service area of a user plane function UPF network element serving the terminal, the N service area identifiers being M session management functions are sent by the SMF network element, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

The AMF network element determines a registration area list according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal, and the AMF network element sends the registration area list to the terminal.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the AMF network element determines the registration area list according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element that provides the service for the terminal, including:

Determining, by the AMF network element, the N areas corresponding to the N service area identifiers according to the corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element; for any one of the N areas, the area Include at least one service area of a UPF network element that provides services for the terminal;

The AMF network element determines an intersection area of the N areas, and determines the registration area list according to the intersection area.
The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the service area identifier is a partition of a UPF network element that provides services for the terminal in a UPF network element managed by an SMF network element that sends the service area identifier. The area indicated by each partition identifier includes a service area of at least one UPF network element, and the at least one UPF network element belongs to the same SMF network element management and the at least one UPF network element has the same category.
The method according to claim 3, wherein before the AMF network element receives the N service area identifiers, the method further includes:

The AMF network element acquires the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element in the M SMF network elements and the area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the service area identifier is a UPF identifier of a UPF network element serving the terminal in a UPF network element managed by an SMF network element that sends the service area identifier.
The method according to claim 5, wherein before the AMF network element receives the N service area identifiers, the method further includes:

The AMF network element acquires the UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element of the M SMF network elements and the service area of the UPF network element corresponding to each UPF identifier.
A registration area list determining method, the method comprising:

The session management function SMF network element determines the service area identifier corresponding to the service area of the UPF network element of the user plane function serving the terminal; the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element. of;

The SMF network element sends the service area identifier to an access and mobility management function AMF network element.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the service area identifier is a partition identifier of a UPF network element serving the terminal in a UPF network element managed by the SMF network element, and each partition identifier is The indicated area includes a service area of at least one UPF network element, and the at least one UPF network element belongs to the same SMF network element management and the at least one UPF network element has the same category.
The method according to claim 8, wherein before the SMF network element determines the service area identifier, the method further includes:

The SMF network element sends the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and the area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element to the AMF network element.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the service area identifier is a UPF identifier of a UPF network element serving the terminal in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.
The method according to claim 10, wherein before the SMF network element determines the service area identifier, the method further includes:

The SMF network element sends the UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and the service area of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element to the AMF network element.
The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein before the SMF network element determines the service area identifier, the method further includes:

The SMF network element acquires a service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.
A registration area list determining method, the method comprising:

The access and mobility management function AMF network element receives N service area lists, each of the service area lists includes a service area of a user plane function UPF network element serving the terminal, and the N service area lists are composed of M The session management function sends the SMF network element, where N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

Determining, by the AMF network element, a registration area list according to the N service area lists;

The AMF network element sends the registration area list to the terminal.
The method according to claim 13, wherein the AMF network element determines the registration area list according to the N service area lists, including:

The AMF network element determines an intersection area of the area indicated by the N service area lists, and determines the registration area list according to the intersection area.
A registration area list determining device, wherein the device comprises:

The transceiver unit is configured to receive N service area identifiers, where each of the service area identifiers corresponds to a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, and the N service area identifiers are configured by M session management functions. The SMF network element sends, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

a processing unit, configured to determine a registration area list according to a correspondence between the service area identifier and a service area of the UPF network element serving the terminal;

The transceiver unit is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.
The device according to claim 15, wherein the processing unit is specifically configured to:

And determining, according to the correspondence between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element, N areas corresponding to the N service area identifiers; and for any one of the N areas, the area includes at least one terminal The service area of the UPF network element that provides the service;

Determining an intersection area of the N areas, and determining the registration area list according to the intersection area.
The device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the service area identifier is a partition of a UPF network element that provides services for the terminal in a UPF network element managed by an SMF network element that sends the service area identifier. The area indicated by each partition identifier includes a service area of at least one UPF network element, and the at least one UPF network element belongs to the same SMF network element management and the at least one UPF network element has the same category.
The device according to claim 17, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to:

Obtaining, by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element in the M SMF network elements, and the area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element.
The device according to claim 15, wherein the service area identifier is a UPF identifier of a UPF network element serving the terminal in a UPF network element managed by an SMF network element that sends the service area identifier.
The device according to claim 19, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to:

And obtaining a UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by each of the SMF network elements and a service area of the UPF network element corresponding to each UPF identifier.
A registration area list determining device, wherein the device comprises:

a processing unit, configured to determine a service area identifier corresponding to a service area of a user plane function of the UPF network element, and a corresponding relationship between the service area identifier and the service area of the UPF network element is pre-configured in the SMF network element ;

The transceiver unit is configured to send the service area identifier to the access and mobility management function AMF network element.
The device according to claim 21, wherein the service area identifier is a partition identifier of a UPF network element serving the terminal in a UPF network element managed by the SMF network element, and each partition identifier is The indicated area includes a service area of at least one UPF network element, and the at least one UPF network element belongs to the same SMF network element management and the at least one UPF network element has the same category.
The device according to claim 22, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to:

Transmitting, by the AMF network element, a partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and an area indicated by the partition identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.
The device according to claim 21, wherein the service area identifier is a UPF identifier of a UPF network element serving the terminal in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.
The device according to claim 24, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to:

Sending, to the AMF network element, a UPF identifier of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element and a service area of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.
The device according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to:

Obtaining a service area of each UPF network element in the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element.
A registration area list determining device, wherein the device comprises:

a transceiver unit, configured to receive N service area lists, each of the service area lists includes a service area of a user plane function UPF network element that provides services for the terminal, where the N service area lists are composed of M session management functions SMF network The element is sent, and N and M are positive integers greater than 0;

a processing unit, configured to determine, according to the N service area lists, a registration area list;

The transceiver unit is configured to send the registration area list to the terminal.
The device according to claim 27, wherein the processing unit is specifically configured to:

Determining an intersection area of the area indicated by the N service area lists, and determining the registration area list according to the intersection area.
A computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable instructions for causing a computer to perform the method of any of claims 1-14 when the computer reads and executes the computer readable instructions.
A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when read and executed by a computer, cause a computer to perform the method of any of claims 1-14.