WO2023067815A1

WO2023067815A1 - Network node and communication method

Info

Publication number: WO2023067815A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/039175
Authority: WO
Inventors: 淳巳之口; スリサクルタコルスリ; マラレディサマ
Original assignee: 株式会社Ｎｔｔドコモ
Priority date: 2021-10-22
Filing date: 2021-10-22
Publication date: 2023-04-27

Abstract

This network node includes: a reception unit that receives, from unified data management (UDM), a notification indicating updating of subscriber information which includes information indicating a network slice associated with information indicating a provision period for the network slice; and a control unit that determines, on the basis of the information indicating the provision period, whether or not a protocol data unit (PDU) session associated with the network slice is being activated. The control unit releases the PDU session if the PDU session is not activated, without releasing the PDU session if the PDU session is activated.

Description

Network node and communication method

The present invention relates to a network node and communication method in a communication system.

In the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 5G or NR (New Radio) and NR (New Radio) are being used in order to further increase the system capacity, further increase the data transmission speed, and further reduce the delay in the wireless section. A wireless communication system called "5G" (hereinafter, the wireless communication system is referred to as "5G" or "NR") is under study. In 5G, various radio technologies are being studied in order to meet the requirements of realizing a throughput of 10 Gbps or more and keeping the delay in the radio section to 1 ms or less.

In NR, 5GC (5G Core Network) corresponding to EPC (Evolved Packet Core) which is the core network in LTE (Long Term Evolution) network architecture and E-UTRAN (RAN (Radio Access Network) in LTE network architecture ( A network architecture including NG-RAN (Next Generation-Radio Access Network) corresponding to Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) is under consideration (for example, Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2).

When telecommunications carriers operate network slices to provide services to users, it is necessary to temporarily or permanently terminate the provision of network slices. Here, in the conventional network operation, when the subscriber information related to the network slice is updated, the PDU session is immediately released, which poses a problem in terms of service quality provided to the user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to control processing related to suspension of provision of network slices in a communication system.

According to the disclosed technology, a receiving unit that receives from UDM (Unified Data Management) a notification indicating an update of subscriber information including information indicating the network slice associated with information indicating a network slice provision period, and the provision a control unit that determines whether a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session associated with the network slice is being activated based on information indicating a period, and the control unit determines whether the PDU session is activated A network node is provided that does not release the PDU session if it is in progress and releases the PDU session if the PDU session is not active.

According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to control processing related to suspension of provision of network slices in a communication system.

1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system; FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system in a roaming environment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example in which AMF updates UE settings; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example (1) of SMF operation in the embodiment of the present invention; 9 is a flowchart for explaining example (2) of SMF operation in the embodiment of the present invention; 9 is a flow chart for explaining example (3) of SMF operation in the embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart for explaining an example of AMF operation in the embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of base station 10 in an embodiment of the invention. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of hardware configurations of base station 10 and terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure showing an example of composition of vehicles 2001 in an embodiment of the invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiment described below is an example, and the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the following embodiment.

Existing technologies are appropriately used for the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. However, the existing technology is, for example, existing LTE, but is not limited to existing LTE. In addition, the term "LTE" used in this specification, unless otherwise specified, has a broad meaning including LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced and later systems (eg: NR), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). shall have

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, "configuring" the wireless parameters and the like may mean that predetermined values are set in advance (pre-configure), or the network node 30 or A wireless parameter notified from the terminal 20 may be set.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system. As shown in FIG. 1 , a communication system consists of a UE, which is a terminal 20 , and a plurality of network nodes 30 . Hereinafter, one network node 30 corresponds to each function, but one network node 30 may realize a plurality of functions, or a plurality of network nodes 30 may realize one function. . Also, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

A RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network node 30 having a radio access function, may include a base station 10, and is connected with a UE, an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and a UPF (User plane function). The AMF is a network node 30 having functions such as RAN interface termination, NAS (Non-Access Stratum) termination, registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node 30 that has functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside that interconnects with a DN (Data Network), packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. UPF and DN constitute a network slice. A plurality of network slices may be constructed in the wireless communication network according to the embodiment of the present invention.

AMF is UE, RAN, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function) and AF (Application Function) are connected. AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, AF are interconnected via respective service-based interfaces Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, Naf. network node 30 .

The SMF is a network node 30 that has functions such as session management, UE IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming function. A NEF is a network node 30 that has the function of notifying other NFs (Network Functions) of capabilities and events. NSSF selects the network slice to which the UE connects, determines the allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determines the NSSAI to be set, determines the AMF set to which the UE connects. be. A PCF is a network node 30 having a function of performing network policy control. AF is a network node 30 having the function of controlling an application server. An NRF is a network node 30 that has the ability to discover NF instances that provide services. A UDM is a network node 30 that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM is connected to a UDR (User Data Repository) that holds the data.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in FIG. 2, the network consists of a UE, which is a terminal 20 , and a plurality of network nodes 30 . Hereinafter, one network node 30 corresponds to each function, but one network node 30 may realize a plurality of functions, or a plurality of network nodes 30 may realize one function. . Also, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

RAN is a network node 30 with radio access functionality and is connected with UE, AMF and UPF. The AMF is a network node 30 having functions such as RAN interface termination, NAS termination, registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. A UPF is a network node 30 that has functions such as PDU session point to the outside world interconnecting DNs, packet routing and forwarding, user plane QoS handling, and so on. UPF and DN constitute a network slice. A plurality of network slices are constructed in the wireless communication network according to the embodiment of the present invention.

AMF is connected to UE, RAN, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, AF, and SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy). AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, AF are interconnected via respective service-based interfaces Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, Naf. network node 30 .

The SMF is a network node 30 that has functions such as session management, UE IP address allocation and management, DHCP function, ARP proxy, roaming function, and the like. A NEF is a network node 30 that has the function of notifying other NFs of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node 30 that has functions such as selecting a network slice to which the UE connects, determining allowed NSSAIs, determining configured NSSAIs, determining the AMF set to which the UE connects, and so on. A PCF is a network node 30 having a function of performing network policy control. AF is a network node 30 having the function of controlling an application server. An NRF is a network node 30 that has the ability to discover NF instances that provide services. SEPP is a non-transparent proxy that filters control plane messages between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). The vSEPP shown in FIG. 2 is the SEPP in the visited network, and the hSEPP is the SEPP in the home network.

As shown in FIG. 2, the UE is in a roaming environment connected with RAN and AMF in VPLMN (Visited PLMN). VPLMN and HPLMN (Home PLMN) are connected via vSEPP and hSEPP. The UE can, for example, communicate with the HPLMN's UDM via the VPLMN's AMF.

Here, the time during which network slices are put into operation is shorter than the time during which conventional networks are put into operation. For example, carriers use the same physical resources they have to reconfigure the set of network slices they serve. Also, network slices may be temporarily unavailable for maintenance reasons.

When terminating or suspending the provision of network slices as described above, there are points to consider in the current process. Carriers do not want to immediately disconnect communications or active PDU sessions on that network slice. For example, if an active PDU session of a priority user (eg, police, fire, etc.) is disconnected, protection of critical communications is compromised. Also, even general users do not give a good impression when an active PDU session is disconnected.

However, according to the current network specifications, SMF immediately releases the PDU session. For example, when reconfiguring a set of network slices to be used by a telecommunications carrier, it is assumed that the operation of deleting the network slices from the subscriber information is executed. Immediately release the PDU session on the slice. Therefore, a mechanism may be introduced in which the SMF does not immediately release the active PDU session.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example in which the AMF updates the UE settings. In step S101, the AMF 30A receives update information of subscriber information related to network slices, for example, from the UDM 30C, and determines update or re-registration of the UE settings. In subsequent step S102, AMF 30A transmits a UE setting update instruction to UE 20. FIG. In subsequent step S103, the UE 20 transmits a UE setting update completion to the AMF 30A. In subsequent step S104, AMF 30A transmits message Nudm_SDM_Info service to UDM 30C. In subsequent step S105, the AMF 30A sends the RAN update to the (R)AN 10.

In step S106, the UE 20 notifies the lower layer. For example, a newly acquired 5G-GUTI (5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) may be notified.

In step S107, if only updatable NAS parameters are set without transitioning to CM-IDLE, the UE 20 starts the registration procedure and skips steps S108, S109 and S110.

In step S108, the UE 20 and AMF 30A perform operations when the change does not affect connections to existing network slices, skipping steps S109 and S110.

In step S109, the UE 20 and the AMF 30A perform operations when the change affects connections to existing network slices. In the following step S110, AMF 20A triggers AN release procedure unless there is a PDU session associated with a priority call or emergency call, and UE 20 starts registration procedure after transitioning to CM-IDLE.

As described above, even if update information of subscriber information related to network slices is received from UDM 30C, if there is a PDU session associated with a priority call or an emergency call, AMF 30A and UE 20 do not release the PDU session.

However, when receiving update information of subscriber information related to network slices from UDM 30C, AMF 30A and UE 20 immediately release the PDU session associated with the general call.

On the other hand, if the SMF receives a request from the UDM, for example, by changing subscriber information, it immediately triggers the release of the PDU session in any case.

Therefore, even if information indicating the network slice provision period is associated with S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) scheduled to be deleted in the subscriber information for SMF (that is, the array of SessionManagementSubscriptionData) and newly set good. Information indicating the provision period of the network slice may be information shown in A) to C) below.

A) To be terminated in due time
B) Delete time [time]
C) Maintenance period [start time: end time]

For example, if the time is 3:15:00 am in B) above, "deletion time [031500]" may be used as information indicating the network slice provision period. Incidentally, in the above B) and C), the year, month and day may be specified in addition to the time.

Also, a new list of S-NSSAIs with information indicating the network slice provision period may be created in the NSSAIs in the subscriber information for AMF (that is, AccessAndMobilitySubscriptionData). The information indicating the provision period of the network slice may be the information indicated in A) to C) above.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example (1) of SMF operation according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step S201, the UDM notifies the SMF of updating the subscriber information associated with the information indicating the network slice provision period to the S-NSSAI to be deleted. At subsequent step S202, the SMF determines whether the PDU session associated with the S-NSSAI is active. If the PDU session associated with the S-NSSAI is being activated (YES in S202), proceed to step S203; if the PDU session associated with the S-NSSAI is not being activated (NO in S202), step S204. proceed to

In step S203, the SMF does not release the PDU session, but releases the PDU session at the end of activation. Meanwhile, in step S204, the SMF releases the PDU session.

In addition, depending on the communication carrier, referring to the emergency call indication and the priority call indication indicating that the call is originating and receiving from a priority user, if the emergency call indication and the priority call indication are associated with the PDU session, If the PDU session is not released and the PDU session is for a general call other than emergency call indication and priority call indication, the PDU session may be released immediately. Also, if the PDU session is for an emergency call, the PDU session may be held for a certain period of time to prepare for call back.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining example (2) of SMF operation in the embodiment of the present invention. In step S301, the UDM notifies the SMF of updating the subscriber information associated with the information indicating the network slice provision period to the S-NSSAI to be deleted. In the following step S302, if the UE requests establishment of a new PDU session associated with that S-NSSAI, the SMF rejects the request. In step S302, the SMF may receive a new PDU session establishment request from the UE via the AMF.

If the network slice cannot be used temporarily for maintenance reasons, that is, if the information indicating the network slice provision period is "C) maintenance period [start time: end time]", in step S302, the SMF sends the S- A backoff timer associated with the NSSAI may be sent to the UE. Note that in step S302, the SMF may send the backoff timer associated with the S-NSSAI to the UE via the AMF. For example, the backoff timer may be a timer that expires when the maintenance period ends.

It should be noted that in step S302, it may be determined that there is time until the end of network slicing, and the SMF may permit establishment of a PDU session for an emergency call or priority call for a certain period of time.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining example (3) of SMF operation in the embodiment of the present invention. In step S401, the UDM notifies the SMF of updating the subscriber information associated with the information indicating the network slice provision period to the S-NSSAI to be deleted. In subsequent step S402, when all the PDU sessions associated with the S-NSSAI have been released, the SMF informs the UDM that all the PDU sessions associated with the S-NSSAI have been released.

Also, if the information indicating the network slice provision period is "A) Delete when the time comes", the following operations 1) to 4) may be performed.

1) UDM recognizes that multiple SMFs may be used in this S-NSSAI per UE.
2) The UDM deletes the S-NSSAI associated with “A) Delete when the time comes” from the subscriber information when the UDM receives the notification of PDU session release completion from the SMFs in the S-NSSAI.
3) The UDM notifies the SMF of the subscriber information that deleted the S-NSSAI associated with “A) Delete when the time comes”.
4) Upon completion of release of all associated PDU sessions for all UEs involved with the S-NSSAI, the carrier may perform network slice termination for the S-NSSAI.

Also, if the information indicating the network slice provision period is "B) Deletion time [time]", the following operations 1) and 2) may be performed.

1) At that time, the UDM notifies the SMF of the subscriber information that deleted the S-NSSAI associated with 'B) Delete time [time]'.
2) The carrier may perform network slicing termination for that S-NSSAI.

Also, if the information indicating the network slice provision period is "C) maintenance period [start time: end time]", the following operations 1) and 2) may be performed.

1) At the start time, the carrier may terminate the network slice.
2) At the end time, the UDM notifies the SMF of the subscriber information from which the “C) maintenance period [start time:end time]” indication has been deleted.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of AMF operation in the embodiment of the invention.
In step S501, the UDM notifies the AMF of updating the subscriber information associated with the information indicating the network slice provision period to the S-NSSAI to be deleted. In subsequent step S502, the AMF determines whether the termination of provision of the network slice is temporary. If the end of provision of the network slice is temporary (YES in S502), the process proceeds to step S503, and if the end of provision of the network slice is not temporary (NO in S502), the process proceeds to step S504. Note that the case where the provision of the network slice is temporarily terminated may be the case where the network slice is terminated for maintenance.

In step S503, the AMF does not change the settings related to the NSSAI for UE. Meanwhile, in step S504, the AMF updates the settings related to the NSSAI for the UE.

The AMF may also determine whether all PDU sessions of the UE are active. If there is no active PDU session, the AMF will send a message to the UE to re-register and then perform NAS connection release. If there is an active PDU session, the AMF will send a message to the UE to prompt it to re-register. Note that if there is no emergency call or priority call, the AMF may perform NAS connection release even if there is an active PDU session. The above message may be superimposed on a message (for example, UE Configuration Update Command) for updating settings related to NSSAI.

Also, if the UE requests establishment of a new PDU session related to S-NSSAI associated with information indicating the network slice provision period, the AMF may reject the request. If the network slice is temporarily unavailable for maintenance reasons, i.e., if the information indicating the network slice provision period is "C) maintenance period [start time: end time]", the AMF is associated with the S-NSSAI. A backoff timer may be sent to the UE. For example, the backoff timer may be a timer that expires when the maintenance period ends. Note that the AMF may determine that there is time until the end of the network slice, and allow the establishment of a PDU session for an emergency call or priority call for a certain period of time.

When the UE receives a message to update the NSSAI configuration from the AMF, the UE may keep the active PDU session associated with the deleted S-NSSAI until the PDU session becomes inactive. .

When the UE receives a message prompting re-registration from the AMF, if there is an active PDU session, the UE may perform re-registration after the PDU session becomes inactive and the UE transitions to idle mode. If there is no emergency or priority call, the UE may perform NAS connection release even if there is an active PDU session.

The UDM may notify the AMF of the update of the subscriber information at the same time as notifying the SMF of the update of the subscriber information that finally deleted the S-NSSAI.

Regarding policy control of terminals, PCF and UDR are not temporary when network slice provision termination is not temporary, such as when a carrier reconfigures a set of network slices for operation using the same physical resources it owns. A terminal policy (for example, URSP (UE Route Selection Policy)) may be changed. Also, the PCF may transmit the terminal policy to the UE via the AMF (see Non-Patent Document 2).

Also, with regard to terminal policy control, if the network slice is temporarily unusable for maintenance reasons, or if the end of the network slice provision is temporary, the PCF and UDR do not have to change the terminal policy.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, OAM (Operations Administration and Maintenance) may directly cooperate with SMF, AMF and PCF instead of UDM.

It should be noted that the AMF may determine whether the PDU session release process is necessary. The SMF may decide not to release the PDU session at its own discretion. The AMF may notify the SMF of whether or not the release process is required, and the SMF may perform the PDU session release process. Also, the UDM may not notify the SMF of the change of subscriber information. Also, the SMF may not initiate the PDU session release procedure upon receiving the subscriber information change.

According to the above-described embodiment, when the provision of the network slice is terminated, the PDU session can be maintained as necessary to improve the quality of service provided to the user.

That is, in the communication system, it is possible to control the processing related to suspension of network slice provision.

(Device configuration)
Next, functional configuration examples of the base station 10, the network node 30, and the terminal 20 that perform the processes and operations described above will be described. The base station 10, network node 30 and terminal 20 include functionality to implement the embodiments described above. However, each of the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 may have only part of the functions in the embodiments.

<Base station 10 and network node 30>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8 , the base station 10 has a transmitter 110 , a receiver 120 , a setter 130 and a controller 140 . The functional configuration shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example. As long as the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention can be performed, the functional division and the names of the functional units may be arbitrary. Note that the network node 30 may have a functional configuration similar to that of the base station 10 . Also, the network node 30 having multiple different functions on the system architecture may be composed of multiple network nodes 30 separated for each function.

The transmission unit 110 includes a function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or another network node 30 and transmitting the signal by wire or wirelessly. The receiving unit 120 includes a function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or other network nodes 30 and acquiring, for example, higher layer information from the received signals.

The setting unit 130 stores preset setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in the storage device, and reads them from the storage device as necessary. The contents of the setting information are, for example, settings related to network slices.

The control unit 140 performs processing related to network slices in the network, as described in the embodiment. Also, the control unit 140 performs processing related to communication with the terminal 20 . A functional unit related to signal transmission in control unit 140 may be included in transmitting unit 110 , and a functional unit related to signal reception in control unit 140 may be included in receiving unit 120 .

<Terminal 20>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the terminal 20 has a transmitting section 210, a receiving section 220, a setting section 230, and a control section 240. The functional configuration shown in FIG. 9 is merely an example. As long as the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention can be performed, the functional division and the names of the functional units may be arbitrary.

The transmission unit 210 creates a transmission signal from the transmission data and wirelessly transmits the transmission signal. The receiving unit 220 wirelessly receives various signals and acquires a higher layer signal from the received physical layer signal. The receiving unit 220 also has a function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL/UL control signals, reference signals, etc. transmitted from the network node 30 .

The setting unit 230 stores various types of setting information received from the network node 30 by the receiving unit 220 in the storage device, and reads them from the storage device as necessary. The setting unit 230 also stores preset setting information. The contents of the setting information are, for example, settings related to network slices.

The control unit 240 performs processing related to connection control to networks and network slices, as described in the embodiments. A functional unit related to signal transmission in control unit 240 may be included in transmitting unit 210 , and a functional unit related to signal reception in control unit 240 may be included in receiving unit 220 .

(Hardware configuration)
The block diagrams (FIGS. 8 and 9) used to describe the above embodiments show blocks in functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Also, the method of implementing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be implemented using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or directly or indirectly using two or more devices that are physically or logically separated (e.g. , wired, wireless, etc.) and may be implemented using these multiple devices. A functional block may be implemented by combining software in the one device or the plurality of devices.

Functions include judging, determining, determining, calculating, calculating, processing, deriving, investigating, searching, checking, receiving, transmitting, outputting, accessing, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, assuming, expecting, assuming, Broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, assigning, etc. can't For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. In either case, as described above, the implementation method is not particularly limited.

For example, the network node 30, the terminal 20, etc. according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may function as computers that perform processing of the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware configurations of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 30 may have hardware configuration similar to that of the base station 10 . The base station 10 and terminal 20 described above are physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like. good too.

In the following explanation, the term "apparatus" can be read as a circuit, device, unit, or the like. The hardware configuration of the base station 10 and terminal 20 may be configured to include one or more of each device shown in the figure, or may be configured without some devices.

Each function of the base station 10 and the terminal 20 is performed by the processor 1001 performing calculations and controlling communication by the communication device 1004 by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and the storage device 1002. or by controlling at least one of data reading and writing in the storage device 1002 and the auxiliary storage device 1003 .

The processor 1001, for example, operates an operating system and controls the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be configured with a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic device, registers, and the like. For example, the control unit 140 , the control unit 240 and the like described above may be implemented by the processor 1001 .

In addition, the processor 1001 reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 to the storage device 1002, and executes various processes according to them. As the program, a program that causes a computer to execute at least part of the operations described in the above embodiments is used. For example, control unit 140 of base station 10 shown in FIG. 8 may be implemented by a control program stored in storage device 1002 and operated by processor 1001 . Also, for example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in FIG. 9 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001 . Although it has been explained that the above-described various processes are executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. FIG. Processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. Note that the program may be transmitted from a network via an electric communication line.

The storage device 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. may be configured. The storage device 1002 may also be called a register, cache, main memory (main storage device), or the like. The storage device 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc. for implementing a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The auxiliary storage device 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (for example, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu -ray disk), smart card, flash memory (eg, card, stick, key drive), floppy disk, magnetic strip, and/or the like. The storage medium described above may be, for example, a database, server, or other suitable medium including at least one of storage device 1002 and secondary storage device 1003 .

The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting/receiving device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like. The communication device 1004 includes a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to realize at least one of, for example, frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). may consist of For example, a transmitting/receiving antenna, an amplifier section, a transmitting/receiving section, a transmission line interface, etc. may be implemented by the communication device 1004 . The transceiver may be physically or logically separate implementations for the transmitter and receiver.

The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. Note that the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated (for example, a touch panel).

Each device such as the processor 1001 and the storage device 1002 is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between devices.

In addition, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 include hardware such as microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). , and part or all of each functional block may be implemented by the hardware. For example, processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

A configuration example of the vehicle 2001 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, a vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029. , an information service unit 2012 and a communication module 2013 . Each aspect/embodiment described in the present disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on vehicle 2001, and may be applied to communication module 2013, for example.

The driving unit 2002 is configured by, for example, an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of the engine and the motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also referred to as steering wheel), and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel operated by the user.

The electronic control unit 2010 is composed of a microprocessor 2031 , a memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 and a communication port (IO port) 2033 . Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 provided in the vehicle 2001 are input to the electronic control unit 2010 . The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

The signals from the various sensors 2021 to 2029 include the current signal from the current sensor 2021 that senses the current of the motor, the rotation speed signal of the front and rear wheels acquired by the rotation speed sensor 2022, and the front wheel acquired by the air pressure sensor 2023. and rear wheel air pressure signal, vehicle speed signal obtained by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signal obtained by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression amount signal obtained by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal sensor 2026 obtained by There are a brake pedal depression amount signal, a shift lever operation signal acquired by the shift lever sensor 2027, and a detection signal for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. acquired by the object detection sensor 2028, and the like.

The information service unit 2012 includes various devices such as car navigation systems, audio systems, speakers, televisions, and radios for providing various types of information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, and one or more devices for controlling these devices. ECU. The information service unit 2012 uses information acquired from an external device via the communication module 2013 or the like to provide passengers of the vehicle 2001 with various multimedia information and multimedia services.

Driving support system unit 2030 includes millimeter wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), camera, positioning locator (e.g., GNSS, etc.), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) map, automatic driving vehicle (AV) map, etc. ), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System), etc.), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, AI processors, etc., to prevent accidents and reduce the driver's driving load. and one or more ECUs for controlling these devices. In addition, the driving support system unit 2030 transmits and receives various information via the communication module 2013, and realizes a driving support function or an automatic driving function.

The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via communication ports. For example, the communication module 2013 communicates with the vehicle 2001 through the communication port 2033, the drive unit 2002, the steering unit 2003, the accelerator pedal 2004, the brake pedal 2005, the shift lever 2006, the front wheels 2007, the rear wheels 2008, the axle 2009, the electronic Data is transmitted and received between the microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the control unit 2010 and the sensors 2021-29.

The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with an external device. For example, it transmits and receives various information to and from an external device via wireless communication. Communication module 2013 may be internal or external to electronic control unit 2010 . The external device may be, for example, a base station, a mobile station, or the like.

The communication module 2013 transmits the current signal from the current sensor input to the electronic control unit 2010 to an external device via wireless communication. In addition, the communication module 2013 receives the rotation speed signal of the front and rear wheels obtained by the rotation speed sensor 2022, the air pressure signal of the front and rear wheels obtained by the air pressure sensor 2023, and the vehicle speed sensor. 2024, an acceleration signal obtained by an acceleration sensor 2025, an accelerator pedal depression amount signal obtained by an accelerator pedal sensor 2029, a brake pedal depression amount signal obtained by a brake pedal sensor 2026, and a shift lever. A shift lever operation signal obtained by the sensor 2027 and a detection signal for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. obtained by the object detection sensor 2028 are also transmitted to an external device via wireless communication.

The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, inter-vehicle information, etc.) transmitted from external devices, and displays it on the information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001 . Communication module 2013 also stores various information received from external devices in memory 2032 available to microprocessor 2031 . Based on the information stored in the memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 controls the drive unit 2002, the steering unit 2003, the accelerator pedal 2004, the brake pedal 2005, the shift lever 2006, the front wheels 2007, the rear wheels 2008, and the axle 2009 provided in the vehicle 2001. , sensors 2021 to 2029 and the like may be controlled.

(Summary of embodiment)
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a notification indicating update of subscriber information including information indicating the network slice associated with information indicating the provision period of the network slice is sent to UDM (Unified Data Management ), and a control unit that determines whether a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session associated with the network slice is being activated based on the information indicating the provision period, and the A control unit is provided for a network node for not releasing the PDU session if the PDU session is active and for releasing the PDU session if the PDU session is not active.

With the above configuration, when the provision of the network slice ends, the PDU session can be maintained as necessary and the quality of service provided to the user can be improved. That is, in the communication system, it is possible to control the processing related to suspension of provision of network slices.

It may further include a transmitter that notifies the UDM that all PDU sessions associated with the network slice have been released when the controller has released all PDU sessions associated with the network slice. With such a configuration, the PDU session can be maintained or released as needed when the network slice is finished serving, and the quality of service provided to the user can be improved.

The information indicating the provision period may be any of information indicating that it will be deleted when the time comes, information indicating the deletion time, or information indicating the time to start maintenance and the time to end maintenance. With such a configuration, the PDU session can be maintained or released as needed when the network slice is finished serving, and the quality of service provided to the user can be improved.

When the receiving unit receives a new PDU session establishment request associated with the network slice from another network node, the control unit may reject the new PDU session establishment request. With this configuration, by rejecting a new PDU session establishment request when the provision of the network slice ends, it is possible to prevent disconnection during communication and improve the quality of service provided to users.

When the information indicating the provision period is information indicating the time to start maintenance and the time to end maintenance, the transmitting unit sets the timer associated with the network slice that expires at the time to end maintenance to the other It may be sent to a network node. With this configuration, when the provision of network slices is terminated due to maintenance, by indicating the time when the maintenance is terminated, the quality of service provided to the user can be improved.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, receiving from UDM (Unified Data Management) a notification indicating update of subscriber information including information indicating the network slice associated with information indicating the provision period of the network slice A procedure, a control procedure for determining whether a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session associated with the network slice is being activated based on the information indicating the provision period, and the PDU session being activated A communication method is provided in which a network node performs a procedure of not releasing said PDU session if said PDU session is not active and releasing said PDU session if said PDU session is not active.

(Supplement to the embodiment)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art can understand various modifications, modifications, alternatives, replacements, and the like. be. Although specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, these numerical values are merely examples and any appropriate values may be used unless otherwise specified. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention, and the items described in two or more items may be used in combination as necessary, and the items described in one item may be used in another item. may apply (unless inconsistent) to the matters set forth in Boundaries of functional or processing units in functional block diagrams do not necessarily correspond to boundaries of physical components. The operations of a plurality of functional units may be physically performed by one component, or the operations of one functional unit may be physically performed by a plurality of components. As for the processing procedures described in the embodiments, the processing order may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. Although the network node 30 and terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams for convenience of process description, such devices may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the network node 30 according to the embodiment of the invention and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the invention are respectively stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory. (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or any other appropriate storage medium.

Also, notification of information is not limited to the aspects/embodiments described in the present disclosure, and may be performed using other methods. For example, notification of information includes physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, It may be implemented by broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or a combination thereof.In addition, RRC signaling may also be called an RRC message, for example, RRC It may be a connection setup (RRC Connection Setup) message, an RRC connection reconfiguration message, or the like.

Each aspect/embodiment described in the present disclosure includes LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system) system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) )), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and other suitable systems and extended It may be applied to at least one of the next generation systems. Also, a plurality of systems may be applied in combination (for example, a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A and 5G, etc.).

Each aspect/embodiment described in the present disclosure includes LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system) system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (x is, for example, an integer, a decimal number)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access ( NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802 .16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and other suitable systems, and any extensions, modifications, creations, and provisions based on these systems. It may be applied to at least one of the next generation systems. Also, a plurality of systems may be applied in combination (for example, a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A and 5G, etc.).

The order of the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect/embodiment described in this specification may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of the various steps using a sample order, and are not limited to the specific order presented.

A specific operation performed by the network node 30 in this specification may be performed by its upper node in some cases. In a network of one or more network nodes, including network node 30, various operations performed for communication with terminal 20 may be network node 30 and other network nodes other than network node 30 ( (eg, but not limited to MME or S-GW). Although the above example illustrates the case where there is one network node other than the network node 30, the other network node may be a combination of a plurality of other network nodes (for example, MME and S-GW). .

Information, signals, etc. described in the present disclosure may be output from a higher layer (or a lower layer) to a lower layer (or a higher layer). It may be input and output via multiple network nodes.

Input/output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or managed using a management table. Input/output information and the like can be overwritten, updated, or appended. The output information and the like may be deleted. The entered information and the like may be transmitted to another device.

The determination in the present disclosure may be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), may be performed by a boolean value (Boolean: true or false), or may be performed by comparing numerical values (e.g. , comparison with a predetermined value).

Software, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language or otherwise, includes instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, and software modules. , applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, and the like.

In addition, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, the software uses at least one of wired technology (coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), etc.) and wireless technology (infrared, microwave, etc.) to website, Wired and/or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission medium when sent from a server or other remote source.

The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may refer to voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or photons, or any of these. may be represented by a combination of

The terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, the channel and/or symbols may be signaling. A signal may also be a message. A component carrier (CC) may also be called a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, or the like.

The terms "system" and "network" used in this disclosure are used interchangeably.

In addition, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information. may be represented. For example, radio resources may be indexed.

The names used for the parameters described above are not restrictive names in any respect. Further, the formulas, etc., using these parameters may differ from those expressly disclosed in this disclosure. Since the various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are in no way restrictive names. isn't it.

In the present disclosure, "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "base station device", "fixed station", "NodeB", "eNodeB (eNB)", "gNodeB (gNB)", "access point", "transmission point", "reception point", "transmission/reception point", "cell", "sector", Terms such as "cell group," "carrier," and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. A base station may also be referred to by terms such as macrocell, small cell, femtocell, picocell, and the like.

A base station can accommodate one or more (eg, three) cells. When a base station accommodates multiple cells, the overall coverage area of the base station can be partitioned into multiple smaller areas, each smaller area being associated with a base station subsystem (e.g., an indoor small base station (RRH: The term "cell" or "sector" refers to part or all of the coverage area of at least one of the base stations and base station subsystems serving communication services in this coverage. point to

In the present disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)", "user terminal", "User Equipment (UE)", "terminal", etc. may be used interchangeably. .

A mobile station is defined by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless It may also be called a terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term.

At least one of the base station and mobile station may be called a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, or the like. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device mounted on a mobile object, the mobile object itself, or the like. The mobile object may be a vehicle (e.g., car, airplane, etc.), an unmanned mobile object (e.g., drone, self-driving car, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned ). Note that at least one of the base station and the mobile station includes devices that do not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

Also, the base station in the present disclosure may be read as a user terminal. For example, communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals 20 (for example, D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.) Regarding the configuration, each aspect/embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied. In this case, the terminal 20 may have the functions of the network node 30 described above. Also, words such as "up" and "down" may be replaced with words corresponding to inter-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. may be read as side channels.

Similarly, user terminals in the present disclosure may be read as base stations. In this case, the base station may have the functions that the above-described user terminal has.

The terms "determining" and "determining" used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Judgement" and "determination" are, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (eg, lookup in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining as "judged" or "determined", and the like. Also, "judgment" and "determination" are used for receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., transmitting information), input, output, access (accessing) (for example, accessing data in memory) may include deeming that a "judgment" or "decision" has been made. In addition, "judgment" and "decision" are considered to be "judgment" and "decision" by resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. can contain. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" may include considering that some action is "judgment" and "decision". Also, "judgment (decision)" may be read as "assuming", "expecting", "considering", or the like.

The terms "connected", "coupled", or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, It can include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements being "connected" or "coupled." Couplings or connections between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connection" may be read as "access". As used in this disclosure, two elements are defined using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections and, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples, in the radio frequency domain. , electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the microwave and optical (both visible and invisible) regions, and the like.

The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may also be called Pilot depending on the applicable standard.

The term "based on" as used in this disclosure does not mean "based only on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

Any reference to elements using the "first," "second," etc. designations used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, reference to a first and second element does not imply that only two elements can be employed or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

"Means" in the configuration of each device described above may be replaced with "unit", "circuit", "device", or the like.

Where "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are inclusive, as is the term "comprising." is intended. Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive OR.

In this disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are plural.

In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean that "A and B are different from C". Terms such as "separate," "coupled," etc. may also be interpreted in the same manner as "different."

Each aspect/embodiment described in the present disclosure may be used alone, may be used in combination, or may be used by switching along with execution. In addition, the notification of predetermined information (for example, notification of “being X”) is not limited to being performed explicitly, but may be performed implicitly (for example, not notifying the predetermined information). good too.

In addition, in the present disclosure, S-NSSAI is an example of information indicating a network slice.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be practiced with modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes and is not meant to be limiting in any way.

10 base station 110 transmitting unit 120 receiving unit 130 setting unit 140 control unit 20 terminal 210 transmitting unit 220 receiving unit 230 setting unit 240 control unit 30 network node 1001 processor 1002 storage device 1003 auxiliary storage device 1004 communication device 1005 input device 1006 output device 2001 Vehicle 2002 Drive unit 2003 Steering unit 2004 Accelerator pedal 2005 Brake pedal 2006 Shift lever 2007 Front wheel 2008 Rear wheel 2009 Axle 2010 Electronic control unit 2012 Information service unit 2013 Communication module 2021 Current sensor 2022 Revolution sensor 2023 Air pressure sensor 2024 Vehicle speed sensor 2025 Acceleration Sensor 2026 Brake pedal sensor 2027 Shift lever sensor 2028 Object detection sensor 2029 Accelerator pedal sensor 2030 Driving support system unit 2031 Microprocessor 2032 Memory (ROM, RAM)
2033 communication port (IO port)

Claims

A receiving unit that receives from a UDM (Unified Data Management) a notification indicating an update of subscriber information including information indicating the network slice associated with information indicating a network slice provision period;
a control unit that determines whether a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session associated with the network slice is being activated based on the information indicating the provision period;
A network node, wherein the controller does not release the PDU session if the PDU session is active and releases the PDU session if the PDU session is not active.
The network node according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitter that notifies said UDM that all PDU sessions associated with said network slice have been released when said controller has released all PDU sessions associated with said network slice.
3. The information indicating the provision period is any one of information indicating deletion when the time comes, information indicating deletion time, or information indicating maintenance start time and maintenance end time. network node.
The network node according to claim 3, wherein, when the receiving unit receives a new PDU session establishment request associated with the network slice from another network node, the control unit rejects the new PDU session establishment request.
When the information indicating the provision period is information indicating the time to start maintenance and the time to end maintenance, the transmitting unit sets the timer associated with the network slice that expires at the time to end maintenance to the other 5. A network node according to claim 4, transmitting to the network node.
A reception procedure for receiving from UDM (Unified Data Management) a notification indicating an update of subscriber information including information indicating the network slice associated with information indicating a network slice provision period;
A control procedure for determining whether a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session associated with the network slice is being activated based on the information indicating the provision period;
A communication method, wherein a network node performs a procedure of not releasing the PDU session if the PDU session is active and releasing the PDU session if the PDU session is not active.