WO2023103585A1 - 切换网络切片的方法和装置 - Google Patents

切换网络切片的方法和装置 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023103585A1
WO2023103585A1 PCT/CN2022/125306 CN2022125306W WO2023103585A1 WO 2023103585 A1 WO2023103585 A1 WO 2023103585A1 CN 2022125306 W CN2022125306 W CN 2022125306W WO 2023103585 A1 WO2023103585 A1 WO 2023103585A1
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Prior art keywords
network slice
slice
network
original
network element
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PCT/CN2022/125306
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
行骁程
苏子剑
贾晓倩
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华为技术有限公司
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Publication of WO2023103585A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023103585A1/zh

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/14—Reselecting a network or an air interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/0005—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off
    • H04W36/0055—Transmission or use of information for re-establishing the radio link
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/24—Reselection being triggered by specific parameters
    • H04W36/30—Reselection being triggered by specific parameters by measured or perceived connection quality data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/34—Reselection control

Definitions

  • the present application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a method and device for switching network slices.
  • Network slice is one of the key technologies of the fifth generation mobile communication (5th Generation, 5G) system. It is a complete instantiated logical network composed of a group of network functions (network function, NF). It is intended to use optimized resource allocation to more efficiently address the special needs of vertical services (such as high-definition video services with high bandwidth requirements, game services with high latency requirements, etc.).
  • Network slicing enables operators to build multiple end-to-end, virtual, isolated, and on-demand dedicated logical networks on a physical network. Each logical network has different network functions, so as to better adapt to the differentiated requirements of different vertical services.
  • the UE can be switched to other network slices to ensure service continuity. For example, in industrial scenarios, due to the high availability requirements for network services, when industrial terminals connect to 5G slices, they may need to back up 5G slices under the same operator or other operators to prevent connection problems in the current slice. The UE is switched to the backup network slice, and the backup network slice continues to provide services for the UE, thereby ensuring service continuity.
  • the present application provides a method and device for switching network slices, which can guarantee service experience of terminal equipment after network slice switching.
  • a method for switching network slices comprising: a network element selecting a slice receives resource information of an original network slice from a network element with a network slice management function, and the resource information of the original network slice includes the following information One or more: the performance index of the original network slice, the alarm information of the original network slice, the analysis report for the original network slice; the network element selection of the slice is based on the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice switching strategy, Determine whether to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice, the network slice switching policy includes the trigger condition for switching the network slice, the identity of the target network slice, the identity of the original network slice, and the The ID and/or application ID of the terminal device.
  • the slice selection network element can decide whether to perform network slice switching for terminal devices on the original network slice according to the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice switching policy, so as to ensure the service experience of the terminal devices after switching.
  • the slice selection network element determines whether to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network according to the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice switching policy Slicing, including: the network element selected by the slice determines whether the resource information of the network slice satisfies the trigger condition of the network slice for switching; when the resource information of the network slice satisfies the trigger condition of the network slice for switch, the slice selects the network element It is determined to switch the terminal device on the network slice to the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element determines to switch the terminal device on the network slice to the target network slice, that is, the slice selection network element can Determine the timing of network slice switching, so that slice selection network elements can switch network slices for terminal devices on the original network slice that meet the trigger conditions in a timely manner, avoiding the impact on the service experience of terminal devices caused by untimely network slice switching.
  • the method further includes: the slice selection network element receiving resource information of a target network slice from the network slice management function network element; the slice selection network element determining the The resource information of the target network slice does not meet the trigger condition.
  • the slice selection network element determines that the terminal equipment on the network slice can be switched to the target network slice. That is to say, when the original network slice cannot meet the requirements, but the target network slice can meet the requirements, the terminal devices on the original network slice can be switched to the target network slice, so as to ensure the security of the terminal devices by switching the network slices of the terminal devices. business experience.
  • the trigger condition for switching the network slice includes one or more of the following: the performance index of the network slice is greater than or equal to the first threshold, or less than or equal to the second threshold Threshold; the network element selected for the slice receives the alarm information of the network slice and/or the performance index of the network slice; the network element selected for the slice receives the alarm information of the original network slice, and the alarm information is a high-priority alarm information ; The analysis report of the network slice satisfies the switching condition.
  • the first threshold and the second threshold here can be thresholds representing different meanings, for example, the first threshold is the delay threshold, the second threshold is the bandwidth threshold, the performance index corresponding to the first threshold is delay, and the second threshold corresponds to The performance metric is bandwidth. That is to say, the trigger condition for switching the network slice may include: the delay of the network slice is greater than or equal to the delay threshold, or the bandwidth of the network slice is less than or equal to the bandwidth threshold.
  • the slice selection network element can switch the terminal equipment on the network slice To the target network slice, that is to say, the slice selection network element can switch the terminal devices on the original network slice to the target network slice in time when the original network slice meets any of the above conditions, so as to avoid the loss of The impact caused by the service experience of terminal equipment.
  • the method further includes: the slice selection network element sends a subscription request message to the network slice management function network element, and the subscription request message includes the identifier of the original network slice , the subscription request message is used to subscribe to the resource information of the original network slice.
  • the slice selection network element can subscribe the resource information of the original network slice to the network slice management function network element, so that the slice selection network element can judge whether the resource information of the original network When the resource information meets the trigger condition, the terminal device on the original network slice is switched to the target network slice in time.
  • the method further includes: the slice Selecting the network element to send a network slice configuration request message to the network element providing the network slice capability management service, the network slice configuration request message includes the identifier of the target network slice, and the identifier of the terminal device and/or the application identifier on the original network slice, The network slice configuration request message is used to request to configure the target network slice for the terminal device on the network slice.
  • the slice selecting network element can request the network slice capability management service providing network element to configure the target network slice for the terminal device on the original network slice , so as to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice to ensure the service experience of the terminal device.
  • the method further includes: the network slice selecting network element receiving a network slice configuration response message from the network slice capability management service providing network element, the network slice configuration response message It is used to indicate that the target network slice is successfully configured for the terminal device; according to the network slice configuration response message, the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration feedback message to the application server, and the network slice configuration feedback message includes the identifier of the target network slice and the identity of the terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the slice selection network element when the slice selection network element determines that the terminal device on the original network slice has successfully switched to the target network slice according to the network slice configuration response message provided by the network slice capability management service network element, the slice selection network element can send a The identification of the target network slice and the identification of the terminal device on the original network slice, to indicate that the terminal device on the original network slice has switched to the target network slice.
  • the application server after the application server receives the identification of the target network slice and the identification of the original network slice from the slice selection network element, it can modify or reconfigure the network slice switching strategy.
  • the method further includes: the slice Selecting the network element to send a network slice configuration feedback message to the application server, the network slice configuration feedback message includes the identifier of the original network slice, and the network slice configuration feedback message is used to indicate whether to switch the network slice for the terminal device on the network slice success.
  • the slice selection network element when the slice selection network element does not switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice, the slice selection network element can indicate to the application server, so that the application server can determine that the network slice switching of the terminal equipment fails
  • the application server when the application server determines that the network slice switching of the terminal device fails, the application server can formulate a countermeasure, for example, re-modify the network slice switching strategy so that the resource information of the original network slice meets the triggering conditions for switching network slices , the terminal device on the original network slice can be successfully handed over to the target network, so as to ensure the service experience of the terminal device after the handover.
  • a countermeasure for example, re-modify the network slice switching strategy so that the resource information of the original network slice meets the triggering conditions for switching network slices , the terminal device on the original network slice can be successfully handed over to the target network, so as to ensure the service experience of the terminal device after the handover.
  • the network configuration feedback message further includes a cause value and/or suggested behavior indication information, where the cause value is used to indicate not to switch the terminal device on the network slice to The reason on the target network slice, the suggested behavior indication information is used to indicate the operation performed by the application server.
  • the slice selection network element when the slice selection network element does not switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice, the slice selection network element can indicate to the application server, and indicate the cause value and/or suggested behavior indication information, so that The application server can formulate countermeasures based on the cause value and/or suggested behavior. For example, if the reason value indicates that the failure reason is that the resource utilization of the target network slice is greater than the set threshold, the application server can modify or add the target network slice in the network slice switching policy.
  • the method further includes: the slice selecting network element receiving a policy configuration request message from the network slice capability management service consuming network element or an application server, the policy configuration request The message includes the network slice switching strategy; the slice selection network element saves the network slice switching strategy.
  • the network slice capability management service consumer network element or the application server can configure the network slice switching policy to the slice selection network element, and the slice selection network element can determine the target network slice and the trigger condition for switching the network slice according to the network slice switching policy. And the identification of the terminal device on the original network slice, so that when the original network slice meets the trigger conditions for switching network slices, the terminal device on the original network slice can be switched to the target network slice, so as to ensure the service experience of the terminal device after switching .
  • the method further includes: the slice selecting network element receives a policy modification request message from the network slice capability management service consuming network element or an application server, and the policy modification request The message includes policy modification information, and the policy modification information is used to indicate the modification of the network slice handover policy; the slice selection network element modifies the network slice handover policy according to the policy modification information.
  • the slice selection network element can modify the network slice switching strategy according to the request or instruction of the network slice capability management service consumption network element or the application server. For example, when the network slice switching of terminal devices on the original network slice fails, the network slice capability management service consumer network element or application server can modify the network slice switching policy so that the terminal devices on the original network slice can switch to the target network slice , so as to ensure the service experience of terminal equipment.
  • the method further includes: the slice selecting network element receives a policy deletion request message from the network slice capability management service consuming network element or an application server, and the policy deletion request The message is used to indicate that the network slice switching policy is to be deleted; the slice selection network element deletes the network slice switching policy.
  • the slice selection network element can delete the network slice switching policy according to the request or instruction of the network slice capability management service consumption network element or the application server.
  • the method further includes: the slice selecting network element locally updating the association relationship between the identifier of the target network slice and the identifier of the terminal device.
  • the slice selection network element determines that the terminal device on the original network slice has successfully switched to the target network slice according to the network slice configuration response message provided by the network slice capability management service network element, the slice selection network element can update the target network slice The association between the ID of the terminal device and the ID of the terminal device is used in subsequent processes.
  • a method for selecting a network slice comprising: an application server receives a network slice configuration feedback message from a slice selection network element, the network slice configuration feedback message includes an identifier of the original network slice, and the network slice configuration The feedback message is used to indicate that the switchover of the network slice for the terminal device on the original network slice is not successful; the application server determines a modification scheme for the network slice switchover strategy according to the network slice configuration feedback message; The unit sends a network slice switching policy modification request message, the network slice switching policy modification request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching policy, and policy modification information, where the policy modification information is used to indicate the modification scheme.
  • the application server when the application server determines that the terminal device on the original network slice fails to switch to the target network slice, the application server can modify the network slice switching policy so that when the original network slice meets the trigger conditions for switching network slices, it can Perform network slicing switching on terminal devices to ensure service experience of terminal devices.
  • the network slice configuration feedback message includes a cause value and/or suggested behavior indication information, where the cause value is used to indicate not to switch the terminal device on the network slice to The reason on the target network slice, the suggested behavior indication information is used to indicate the operation performed by the application server; the application server determines a modification plan for the network slice switching strategy according to the network slice configuration feedback message, including: the application server according to the The cause value and/or the suggested behavior indication information determine a modification scheme for the network slice switching policy.
  • the application server can determine a modification plan for the network slice switching strategy based on the cause value, so that the modified network slice switching strategy can allow the terminal device on the original network Service experience after network slicing switchover.
  • the method further includes: the application server sends a policy configuration request message to the slice selection network element, the policy configuration request message includes the network slice switching policy, the policy The configuration request message is used to request configuration of the network slice switching policy.
  • the application server can configure the network slice switching policy for the slice selection network element, so that the slice selection network element can determine whether the terminal device on the original network slice can be switched to the target network slice according to the network slice switching policy, thereby ensuring terminal Device service experience.
  • the method further includes: the application server sends a policy deletion request message to the application server, the policy deletion request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching policy, and the policy deletion request The message is used to indicate to delete the network slice switching policy.
  • the application server may instruct the slice selection network element to delete the network slice switching policy, so as to save resources when there is no need to switch network slices.
  • the method further includes: the application server sends a policy query request message to the application server, the policy query request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching policy, and the policy deletion request The message is used to indicate to delete the network slice switching policy.
  • the application server can query the network slice selection network element for the network slice handover policy.
  • an apparatus for switching network slices is provided, and the apparatus is used to execute the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect.
  • the apparatus may include a unit and/or module for executing the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect, such as a processing unit and/or a communication unit.
  • the device selects a network element for a slice.
  • the communication unit may be a transceiver, or an input/output interface;
  • the processing unit may be a processor.
  • the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit used in a slice selection network element.
  • the communication unit may be an input/output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin or related circuit on the chip, chip system or circuit etc.;
  • the processing unit may be a processor, a processing circuit or a logic circuit and the like.
  • the device selects a chip, a chip system or a circuit in a network element for a slice.
  • the device may include units and/or modules for performing the method provided by the first aspect, such as a processing unit and/or a communication unit.
  • the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit in the application server.
  • the device may include units and/or modules for performing the method provided by the second aspect, such as a processing unit and/or a communication unit.
  • the above-mentioned transceiver may be a transceiver circuit.
  • the above input/output interface may be an input/output circuit.
  • a device for switching network slices comprising: a memory for storing programs; a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory, and when the programs stored in the memory are executed, the processor is used for executing the above-mentioned first The method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect.
  • the present application provides a processor configured to execute the method provided in the foregoing aspects.
  • the process of sending the above information and obtaining/receiving the above information in the above method can be understood as the process of outputting the above information by the processor and the process of receiving the input of the above information by the processor.
  • the processor When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver for transmission by the transceiver. After the above information is output by the processor, other processing may be required before reaching the transceiver.
  • the transceiver acquires/receives the above-mentioned information and inputs it to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed before being input to the processor.
  • the receiving request message mentioned in the foregoing method may be understood as the processor receiving input information.
  • processor For the operations of transmitting, sending, and acquiring/receiving involved in the processor, if there is no special description, or if it does not conflict with its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, it can be understood more generally as the processor Output and receive, input and other operations, rather than the transmission, transmission and reception operations performed directly by radio frequency circuits and antennas.
  • the above-mentioned processor may be a processor dedicated to performing these methods, or may be a processor that executes computer instructions in a memory to perform these methods, such as a general-purpose processor.
  • the above-mentioned memory can be a non-transitory (non-transitory) memory, such as a read-only memory (read only memory, ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or can be respectively arranged on different chips.
  • ROM read-only memory
  • a computer-readable storage medium stores program code for execution by a device, and the program code includes a method for executing the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect.
  • a computer program product containing instructions is provided, and when the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is made to execute the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect.
  • a chip in an eighth aspect, includes a processor and a communication interface, and the processor reads instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface, and executes the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect above.
  • the chip may further include a memory, the memory stores instructions, the processor is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory, and when the instructions are executed, the processor is configured to execute the above-mentioned first The method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to this embodiment of the application.
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another network architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present application.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart of network slice adaptation.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a network system provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for switching network slices.
  • Fig. 7 shows a schematic flowchart of another method for switching network slices.
  • Fig. 8 shows a schematic flowchart of another method for switching network slices.
  • Fig. 9 shows a schematic flowchart of another method for switching network slices.
  • Fig. 10 shows a schematic flowchart of another method for switching network slices.
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • Fig. 12 is another schematic block diagram of the device provided by the embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 100 of a service enabler architecture layer for verticals (SEAL) applicable to an embodiment of the present application.
  • the VAL client VALclient
  • the VAL server VALserver
  • the VAL-UU interface supports two information transmission modes: unicast and multicast.
  • the vertical industry service enablement layer service enabler architecture layer for verticals, SEAL
  • SEAL SEAL client
  • SEAL server SEAL server
  • SEAL can provide service enabler layer support functions (the service enabler layer support functions) to the VAL client through the SEAL-C interface; the VAL server can communicate with the SEAL server through the SEAL-S interface.
  • the SEAL server can communicate with the 3GPP network through the network interface provided by 3GPP, including the N33 interface provided by the core network element network capability exposure function (network exposure function, NEF), and the service interface provided by OAM.
  • the vertical industry application layer supports the following SEAL services:
  • VAL Server can call one or more capabilities in the above SEAL to realize the use of 3GPP network capabilities.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture 200 applicable to network slice capability management (network slice capability management, NSCM) according to the embodiment of the present application.
  • the network architecture 200 is used to support network slicing capability management for vertical applications.
  • the network slice capability management function server network slice capability management function server, NSCMserver
  • the network slice capability management function client network slice capability management function client, NSCMclient
  • NSCMclient can interact with NSCMserver to trigger network slice adaptation (adaptation) caused by changes in application requirements.
  • NSCM client can receive network slicing/DNN remapping notifications from NSCM server.
  • NSCMclient communicates with NSCMserver through the NSCM-UU interface.
  • the network slicing capability management client provides support for the network slicing capability management function to VALclient through the NSCM-C interface.
  • VALserver communicates with NSCMserver through the NSCM-S interface. Assuming that NSCMserver is deployed in the 5G system domain, NSCMserver acts as an AF and can communicate with 5G core network functions through the NEF (N33) reference point (used to interact with PCF).
  • NEF N33
  • the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute limitations on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application.
  • the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.
  • computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, or tape, etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact disc (compact disc, CD), digital versatile disc (digital versatile disc, DVD) etc.), smart cards and flash memory devices (for example, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), card, stick or key drive, etc.).
  • magnetic storage devices e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, or tape, etc.
  • optical disks e.g., compact disc (compact disc, CD), digital versatile disc (digital versatile disc, DVD) etc.
  • smart cards and flash memory devices for example, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), card, stick or key drive, etc.
  • various storage media described herein can represent one or more devices and/or other machine-readable media for storing information.
  • the term "machine-readable medium” may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing and/or carrying instructions and/or data.
  • Network slicing can provide customized virtual networks for different application requirements to meet differentiated performance indicators in different scenarios.
  • Network slicing can not only provide users with quality-guaranteed network services, but also improve resource utilization and reduce costs by sharing resources.
  • the location information or service information of the terminal device changes, or the current network slice of the terminal device fails or its performance degrades, the service or user experience of the terminal device may be affected.
  • the terminal device can be switched to a standby network slice that meets the requirements, so as to meet the service requirements of the terminal device.
  • the 5G communication terminal of the power grid works on a large electronic dedicated slice, and all gNBs and core networks in the microgrid support the normal operation of this slice.
  • the gNB in the microgrid may stop working due to the power outage.
  • the continuous working gNBs form new slices to support 5G power terminal communication, ensure that grid equipment can communicate with the grid control center, and support power recovery; if the 5G power terminals in the microgrid cannot maintain communication outside the microgrid, Network switching can be performed on the terminal to maintain communication between grid devices within the coverage of the microgrid and maintain electronic operation within the microgrid.
  • FIG. 3 shows an exemplary flow chart of a network slicing adaptation method 300 for VAL applications.
  • the method 300 can be used to switch network slicing for vertical industry application terminals.
  • Method 300 includes the following steps:
  • the VAL server sends a network slice adaptation request message to the NSCM server.
  • the VAL server sends a network slice adaptation request (network slice adaptation request) message of the VAL application (and the VAL UE using the VAL application) to the NSCM server.
  • the network slice adaptation request message may be for the VAL UE using the VAL application, or for the VAL application. It should be understood that the VAL UE using the VAL application can also be referred to as the VAL UE in the VAL application.
  • the network slicing adaptation request message is used to request network slicing (and optionally DNN) adaptation for all VALUE requests using a certain VAL application, or the network slicing adaptation request message is used to request that a VAL application
  • the program is remapped to a different network slice (and/or mapped to a DNN).
  • the name of the message itself does not limit the message itself, and the "network slice adaptation" here may also be called “network slice configuration" or “network slice selection” in some scenarios, which is not limited in this application.
  • Table 1 shows a partial list of parameters that may be carried in the network slice adaptation request message.
  • the network slice adaptation request message includes a VAL application identifier (VAL service ID) and a VALUE identifier (List of VAL UE IDs).
  • the network slice adaptation request message may also include a reason for network slice adaptation, an identifier of a target network slice (or called a requesting network slice), and an identifier of a target DNN (or called a requesting DNN).
  • the NSCM server triggers to configure a network slice for each VAL UE using the VAL application.
  • the NSCM server receives the network slice adaptation request message from the VAL server, and according to the network slice adaptation request message, the NSCM triggers each VAL UE using the VAL application (or each VALUE in the VAL application ) to configure network slices.
  • the NSCM server configures network slices for each VALUE through the 5GC.
  • the NSCM server provides updated S-NSSAI and DNN for each VAL UE. Specifically, the NSCM server configures the network slice of VALUE by calling the interface of the core network.
  • the specific configuration process can refer to the existing protocol, which is not limited in this application.
  • the NSCM server sends a network slice adaptation response message to the VAL server.
  • the NSCM server sends a network slice adaptation response message to the VAL server, and the network slice adaptation result of each VALUE is provided through the network slice adaptation response message.
  • the UE decides the timing of network slice switching and the target of network slice switching by itself, while the Seal service platform only provides a slice configuration interface.
  • vertical industry clients cannot perceive information such as the resource status of network slices, so they may not be able to select a suitable network slice at the right time, which affects the business reliability and availability of vertical industries.
  • the embodiment of the present application introduces a network slice selection network element
  • the network slice selection network element can also be called a network slice selector, or a network slice configuration network element, a network slice adapter, etc., which can be An independent network element may also be a module in a certain network element, which is not limited in this application, and any network element or device that implements similar functions shall fall within the protection scope of this application.
  • the network slice selector is an automatic slice selection module or network element, which can automatically determine a target network slice according to network slice resource information and a network slice switching strategy.
  • the function of switching network slices for the UE can be implemented by invoking the slice selection configuration interface provided by the NSCM.
  • the network slice selector may be integrated in the NSCM server, that is, deployed in the same server as the NSCM.
  • the network slice selector is deployed in the NSCM server.
  • the network slice selector may also be deployed on an independent server.
  • the VAL server (VAL Server) is responsible for providing the network slice switch strategy for the network slice selector, and receiving slice change result notifications.
  • 5GC 5G core network
  • NSMF Network Slice Management Function
  • FIG. 6 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 600 for switching network slices provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • Method 600 may include the following steps:
  • the slice selection network element receives the resource information of the original network slice from the network slice management function network element.
  • the resource information of the original network slice includes one or more of the following information: performance indicators of the original network slice, alarm information of the original network slice, and an analysis report for the original network slice.
  • the performance index of the original network slice may include one or more performance parameters of the original network slice, for example, delay, throughput, utilization rate, etc.;
  • the alarm information of the original network slice is used for when a fault occurs in the original network slice, It is a kind of alarm information when it cannot be used or cannot meet the requirements, such as a fault alarm when a physical failure occurs, or a power-down alarm when a power failure occurs;
  • the analysis report for the original network slice can be a network element with network slice management functions
  • the analysis given for the original network slice (optionally can also include suggested actions), for example, the network element of the network slice management function predicts that the network resource occupancy rate of the original network slice will exceed the threshold after a period of time (for example, after 10 minutes) .
  • the slice selection network element may subscribe the resource information of the original network slice to the network slice management function network element, or in other words, the network slice management function network element may, according to the subscription request message of the slice selection network element, submit The slice selection network element sends the resource information of the original network slice.
  • the network slice management function network element may, according to the subscription request message of the slice selection network element, submit The slice selection network element sends the resource information of the original network slice.
  • the slice selection network element sends a subscription request message to the network slice management function network element.
  • the subscription request message includes the identifier of the original network element slice, and the subscription request message is used to request to subscribe to the resource information of the original network slice.
  • the resource information may be performance indicators, alarm information, and analysis reports of the original network slice. one or more.
  • the network slice management function network element receives the subscription request message from the slice selection network element, and when certain conditions are met, the network slice management function network element sends the resource information of the original network slice to the slice selection network element in S601.
  • the network element with the network slice management function can determine the conditions for reporting the resource information of the original network slice according to the subscription request message from the slice selection network element.
  • the slice selection network element subscribes alarm information to the network slice management function network element, and when an alarm (such as an NSI alarm) occurs in the original network slice, the network slice management function network element sends the resource information of the original network slice to the slice selection network element , the resource information of the original network slice includes alarm information for the original network slice.
  • an alarm such as an NSI alarm
  • the slice selection network element subscribes to the performance index of the original network slice from the network slice management function network element.
  • the slice selection network element may indicate the conditions for reporting the performance indicators of the original network slice in the subscription request message.
  • the slice selection network element may carry the subscription request message for one or more performance indicators. Threshold, such as the delay threshold.
  • Threshold such as the delay threshold.
  • the network element with the network slice management function reports the performance index of the original network slice to the slice selection network element.
  • the performance index includes the original network slice. delay.
  • the slice selection network element may indicate the time interval for reporting the performance index of the original network slice in the subscription request message.
  • the slice selection network element instructs the network slice management function network element to actively report the delay of the original network slice every 10 minutes in the subscription request message. Select the network element to report the resource information of the original network slice once, and the resource information includes the delay of the original network slice.
  • the slice selection network element subscribes to the analysis report of the original network slice from the network slice management function network element.
  • the network element with the network slice management function makes an analysis report on the original network slice according to the operator's policy or other conditions, it needs to report the analysis report of the original network slice to the slice selection network element.
  • the slice selection network element determines whether to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice according to the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice handover policy.
  • the slice selection network element receives the resource information of the original network slice from the network slice management function network element, it determines whether to switch the terminal device on the original network slice according to the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice switching policy Switch to the target network slice.
  • the network slice switching strategy includes a trigger condition for switching network slices, an identifier of a target network slice, an identifier of an original network slice, and an identifier and/or an application identifier of a terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the network slice switching policy may also include a target data network name.
  • the original network element slice here is used to refer to the current network slice of the terminal device, and the target network slice is used to refer to the network slice (or the backup network slice) to be switched by the terminal device.
  • the names here are only for distinguishing different In some other scenarios, they may have other names, which are not limited in this application.
  • the network slice switching strategy here may be pre-configured by the application server or the service consuming network element to the slice selection network element. For example:
  • the application server sends a policy configuration request message to the slice selection network element.
  • the policy configuration request message includes the network slice switching policy, and the policy configuration request message is used to request configuration (or creation) of the network slice switching policy.
  • the slice selection network element receives the policy configuration request message, and obtains the network slice switching policy from the policy configuration request message. Then, the slice selection network element creates (or saves) the network slice handover policy locally.
  • the slice selection network element may subscribe the resource information of the original network slice to the network slice management function network element after configuring the network slice switching policy. That is, S602 may be performed after S604.
  • the slice selection network element receives the resource information of the original network slice from the network slice management function network element, it determines the network slice switching strategy corresponding to the original network slice according to the identifier of the original network slice, and the network slice switching strategy includes A trigger condition for switching network slices, an identifier of a target network slice, an identifier of an original network slice, and an identifier and/or an application identifier of a terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the following is an exemplary description of the network slicing switching strategy and the slice selection network element judging whether to switch the network slicing for the terminal device according to the network slicing switching strategy:
  • the slice selection network element determines that the terminal device on the original network slice can be switched to the target network slice.
  • the triggering condition for switching the network slice may include one or more of the following: the performance index of the network slice is greater than or equal to the first threshold, or less than or equal to the second threshold; the network element selecting the slice receives the alarm information of the network slice; The slice selection network element receives the performance index of the network slice; the slice selection network element receives the alarm information of the network slice, and the alarm information is a high-priority alarm; the analysis report of the network slice satisfies the switching condition, and the switching condition here can be, for example, A network slice may experience a high load (or a load greater than a threshold) within an hour.
  • first threshold and second threshold may be thresholds representing different meanings, for example, the first threshold is a delay threshold, the second threshold is a bandwidth threshold, the performance index corresponding to the first threshold is delay, and the second threshold The corresponding performance indicator is bandwidth. That is to say, the trigger condition for switching the network slice may include: the delay of the network slice is greater than or equal to the delay threshold, or the bandwidth of the network slice is less than the bandwidth threshold.
  • the resource information of the original network slice includes the physical resource alarm of the original network slice
  • the trigger condition of switching the network slice includes that the slice selection network element receives the alarm information of the network slice, then the slice selection network element can determine that the original network slice The terminal device on the switch is switched to the target network element slice.
  • the slice selection network element may determine not to use the original network slice The terminal device on the switch is switched to the target network element slice.
  • the resource information of the original network slice includes a utilization rate of 70% of the original network slice
  • the trigger condition for switching the network slice includes receiving the performance index of the network slice by the slice selection network element
  • the slice selection network element can determine that the The terminal equipment on the original network slice is switched to the target network element slice.
  • the slice selection network element may subscribe to the network slice management function network element in advance for the performance index of the original network slice, and also indicate the conditions for reporting the performance index of the original network slice, for example, when the original network slice When the utilization rate is greater than 60%, the network element with the network slice management function sends the utilization rate of the original network slice to the slice selection network element. Therefore, in this case, the trigger condition may be that the slice selection network element receives the performance index of the network slice, and the trigger condition at this time may be similar to the above alarm information.
  • the resource information of the original network slice includes a power-down alarm
  • the trigger condition for switching the network slice includes receiving the alarm information of the network slice
  • the alarm information is a high-priority alarm
  • the original network slice is configured according to the locally preset
  • the high-priority alarm information list determines whether the power-down alarm is a high-priority alarm, and if yes, the slice selection network element may determine to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network element slice.
  • the high-priority alarm here is relative to the general alarm (or low-priority alarm), and it can be set manually, for example, the physical alarm and power-down alarm can be set in advance as high priority alarm, other alarms are common alarms.
  • the slice selection network element may directly determine to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice.
  • the target network slice is a backup and unused network slice. Therefore, when the resource information of the original network slice meets the trigger conditions for switching network slices, the target network slice can meet the requirements by default, and the terminals on the original network slice can be directly The device switches to the target network slice.
  • the network element for slice selection can further judge whether the target network slice meets the trigger condition, and if the trigger condition for switching the network slice is not met, indicate that the target network slice Only when the switching requirements can be met, the slice selection network element can determine that the terminal device on the original network slice can be switched to the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element when the resource information of the original network slice satisfies the trigger condition, the slice selection network element sends a resource information request message to the network slice management function network element, where the resource information request message includes the identifier of the target network slice, The resource information request message is used to request resource information of the target network slice, and the resource information may include one or more items of performance indicators, alarm information, or analysis reports of the target network slice.
  • the network element with the network slice management function sends the resource information of the target network slice to the slice selection network element. Then the slice selection network element judges whether the resource information of the target network slice satisfies the trigger condition for switching network slices, and if not, the slice selection network element determines to switch the terminal equipment on the original network slice to the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element may pre-subscribe the resource information of the target network element slice to the network slice management function network element, the specific process is similar to S602, the only difference is that S602 is to subscribe to the resource information of the original network slice, here It is the resource information of the subscribed target network element slice, so it will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the slice selection network element can subscribe to the resource information of the original network slice and the resource information of the target network slice at the same time, that is, the slice selection network element can subscribe the resource information of the original network slice and the target network slice to the network slice management function network element at S602 The resource information of the slice.
  • the slice selection network element determines to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration request message to the network slice capability management service providing network element.
  • the slice selection network element when the slice selection network element determines to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice, the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration request message to the network slice capability management service providing network element, and the network slice configuration
  • the request message includes the identifier of the target network slice, and the identifier and/or application identifier of the terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the network slice configuration request message is used to request to configure the target network slice for the terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the network slice capability management service provider network element receives the network slice configuration request message from the slice selection network element, and according to the network slice configuration request message, the network slice capability management service provider network element calls the core network interface to configure the original network slice Modify the network slicing configuration of the terminal device.
  • the relevant content of the existing agreement which is not limited in this application.
  • the network slice capability management service providing network element sends a network slice configuration response message to the slice selection network element, and the network slice configuration response message is used to indicate that the target network slice is successfully configured for the terminal device on the original network slice .
  • the slice selection network element receives the network slice configuration response message from the network slice capability management service providing network element, and according to the network slice configuration response message, the slice selection network element locally updates the identity of the target network slice and the original network slice An association relationship between identifiers of terminal devices on a slice. Then, optionally,
  • the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration feedback message to the application server, where the network slice configuration feedback message includes the identifier of the target network slice and the identifier of the terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the slice selection network element receives the network slice configuration feedback message from the application server. If the network slice configuration feedback message includes the identifier of the target network slice and the identifier of the terminal device on the original network slice, the application server may determine that the terminal device on the original network slice has switched to the target network slice.
  • the application server may generate a new network slice switching policy, and instruct the slice selection network element to modify or replace the network slice switching policy through a policy modification process.
  • the application server generates a new network slice switching strategy, the network slice switching strategy includes the new trigger condition for switching network slices, the new target network slice identifier, the new original network slice identifier, the new original network slice on the Identification of terminal equipment, etc.
  • the new original network slice here is the target network slice in the above embodiment
  • the terminal devices on the new original network slice here are the terminal devices on the original network slice in the above embodiment.
  • the new trigger condition for switching network slices may be the same as or different from the previous trigger condition for switching network slices, which is not limited in this application.
  • the application server sends a policy modification request message to the handover selection network element, where the policy modification request message includes a new network slice handover policy and an identifier of the original network slice handover policy.
  • the handover selection network element replaces the local network slice handover policy with the new network slice handover policy.
  • the application function network element can also configure a new network slice switching policy to the slice selection network element through the policy configuration process.
  • the application function network element may also instruct the slice selection network element to delete the original network slice switching policy through the policy deletion process.
  • the slice selection network element determines not to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice, or when the target network element slice meets the trigger condition for switching the network slice, or in other words, when the target network slice cannot When the switching requirement is met, the slice selection network element can directly send a network slice configuration feedback message to the application server.
  • the network slice configuration feedback message includes the identifier of the original network slice, and the network slice configuration feedback message is used to indicate that the handover of the network slice for the terminal device on the original network slice is unsuccessful, or , the network slice configuration feedback message is used to indicate that the target network element slice cannot meet the handover requirement, or in other words, the network slice configuration feedback message is used to indicate that the target network slice meets the trigger condition for switching the network slice.
  • the network slice configuration feedback message may also include a cause value, which is used to indicate the reason why the switch of the network slice fails, for example, the utilization rate of the target network slice is greater than a threshold.
  • the application server receives the network slice configuration feedback message from the slice selection network element, and determines according to the network slice configuration feedback message that the terminal device on the original network slice fails to perform network slice handover.
  • the application server can also execute some countermeasures according to the cause value. For example, when the reason value indicates that the network slice switching is not successful because the utilization rate of the target network slice is greater than a threshold, the application server may modify the network slice switching policy so that some terminal devices on the original network element slice are switched to the target network slice. For example, the application server sends a policy modification request message to the slice selection network element, and the policy modification request message carries a modified network slice switching policy.
  • the slice selection network element receives the policy modification request message from the application server, and then replaces the original network slice switching policy with the network slice switching policy carried in the policy modification request message.
  • the application server may also carry the identification of the network slice switching policy and modification instruction information in the policy modification request message, where the modification instruction information is used to instruct modification of the network slice switching policy.
  • the slice selection network element can modify the local network slice switching policy according to the modification instruction information.
  • the slice selection network element can decide whether to perform network slice switching for the terminal devices on the original network slice according to the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice switching policy, so as to ensure the service experience of the terminal devices after the network slice switching.
  • the method 600 in FIG. 6 describes a method for switching network slices provided by an embodiment of the present application. Based on the 5G architecture, the following describes a preferred embodiment applied to the 5G architecture provided by the present application in combination with the method 700 in FIG. 7 . .
  • Method 700 includes the following steps:
  • the NSMF sends a network slice notification message to a slice selection network element.
  • the NSMF sends a network slice notification (Notification) message to the slice selection network element, the network slice notification message includes resource information of the original network slice, the network slice notification message includes the identifier of the original network slice, and the original network slice
  • the resource information may include one or more of the following information: network slicing key performance indicator (key performance indicator, KPI), network slicing alarm (Alarm), network slicing analysis report.
  • Table 2 lists three kinds of information that may be included in the resource information of the original network slice. The following three types of information are introduced in combination with Table 2:
  • the network slice KPI includes one or more performance parameters of the original network slice, such as the delay (Latency), throughput (Throughput), utilization ( Utilization) and so on.
  • the network slice KPI can be used to evaluate the performance or resource status of the original network slice.
  • Network slice alarm is a kind of alarm information used when the original network slice fails or cannot be used, for example, it can be a physical resource alarm, or a network slice instance (network slice instance, NSI) alarms, or network slice alarms.
  • the network slicing analysis report can be an analysis report obtained by the MDAS component in the NSMF by analyzing the original network slice, and/or a suggested behavior.
  • the network slice analysis report may include, for example, one or more of the following analysis reports: an end-to-end delay analysis (E2E latency analysis) report, a network slice load analysis (Network slice load analysis for S-NSSAI) report, Service experience analysis (Service experience analysis) report, KPI anomaly analysis (KPI anomaly analysis) report, etc.
  • the network element for slice selection determines whether to switch the network slice for the UE on the original network slice according to the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice handover policy.
  • the slice selection network element receives the network slice notification message from the NSMF, and then determines whether to perform network Slice switching, or in other words, determining whether to switch the UE on the original network slice to the target network slice.
  • the network slice switching strategy is used for slice selection network elements to automatically switch network slices, or in other words, the network slice switching strategy is used for slice selection network elements to determine whether to perform network slice switching for UEs on the original network slice, or That is, the network slice handover policy is used by the slice selection network element to determine whether to handover the UE on the network slice to the target network slice.
  • the network slice switching policy may be created by a vertical industry or a network operator and pre-configured to the slice selection network element, or initially pre-configured on the slice selection network element, which is not limited in this application.
  • Table 3 lists the content that may be included in the network slice switching strategy.
  • the network slice switching policy includes a policy identifier (PolicyID), which is used to identify the network slice switching policy, or in other words, the PolicyID is used to distinguish different network slice switching policies.
  • PolicyID policy identifier
  • the network slice switching policy also includes condition (, which is used to indicate the trigger condition for switching the network slice for the UE, or this field is used to indicate the trigger condition for switching the UE to the target network slice.
  • the trigger condition may include, for example, the following one or Multiple:
  • the network slicing KPI exceeds the set threshold.
  • the network slicing KPI may be any one or multiple network slicing KPIs, such as network slicing latency (Latency), throughput (Throughput), utilization rate (Utilization), and the like.
  • the network slicing delay is greater than or equal to 100ms, and/or the maximum number of network slicing connections is greater than or equal to 1000.
  • the slice selection network element receives a high-priority alarm, or the resource information of the original network slice includes a high-priority alarm.
  • the high-priority alarm may be, for example, a network element failure alarm, a network element power failure alarm, and the like.
  • the network slice analysis report meets the set conditions. For example, the network slicing analysis report predicts that the network resource usage will exceed the threshold in a certain period of time.
  • the slice selection network element receives the alarm information and/or KPI of the original network slice.
  • the resource information of the original network slice includes alarm information or KPI.
  • the UE on the original network slice can be handed over to the target network slice.
  • the network slice switching strategy may also include an identifier of the original network slice, and the identifier of the original network slice is associated with the network slice switching strategy, or the network slice switching strategy is used for UEs on the original network slice, or the network The slice switching strategy is used to instruct the UE on the original network slice to switch the network slice.
  • the identifier of the original network slice may include identifiers of one or more network slices.
  • the network slice handover policy may also include an identifier of a target network slice, that is, an identifier of a network slice to be switched by the UE, or an identifier of a backup network slice.
  • an identifier of a target network slice that is, an identifier of a network slice to be switched by the UE, or an identifier of a backup network slice.
  • the network slice switching strategy may also include a target DNN, that is, the name of the data network to be switched.
  • the UE on the network slice may be switched to the data network corresponding to the target DNN.
  • the network slice switching strategy may also include a list of VALUE IDs (List of VAL UE ID(s), that is, a list of IDs of VALUEs on the original network slice, or a list of IDs of VALUEs requiring network slice switching. It should be understood that the List of VAL UE ID(s) may include IDs of all UEs on the original network slice, or may only include IDs of some UEs on the original network slice, which is not limited in this application. The List of VAL UE ID(s) may include one or more UE IDs. When the above trigger condition for switching the network slice is met, the UE in the VALUE identification list may be switched to the target network slice.
  • the network slice switching strategy may also include a service identifier (VAL Service ID), that is, the identifier of the service (or application) corresponding to the original network slice, or the identifier of the service (or application) that requires network slice switching.
  • VAL Service ID a service identifier
  • the VALUE corresponding to the service identifier (or application identifier) may be switched over network slices.
  • the network slice switching strategy may only include one of the VALUE identifier list and the VAL Service ID, or may include both, which is not limited in this application.
  • the slice selection network element obtains the resource information of the network slice through the network slice notification message, it determines whether to switch the UE on the original network slice (that is, the UE corresponding to the VALUE identification list) to the target network element in combination with the network slice handover strategy slice, or determine whether to switch the network slice to the UE of the network slice.
  • the resource information of the original network slice satisfies the trigger condition of switching the network slice
  • the UE in the original network slice may be handed over to the target network slice.
  • the following example illustrates:
  • the slice management network element is pre-configured with a network slice switching policy. The triggering conditions for switching network slices in the network slice switching policy are: the network slice delay is greater than 100ms, and/or high priority alarm information is received.
  • the slice selection network element switches the VALUE in the ListofVALUEID(s) (or the UE corresponding to the VAL service ID) to the target network on the slice;
  • the slice selection network element receives a network slice notification message from the NSMF, the network slice notification message includes an identifier of the original network slice, and a network slice analysis report, where the network slice analysis report includes a network slice load analysis report, the The network slice load analysis report shows that the load of the original network slice will be greater than the threshold in the next 10 minutes.
  • the network slice management network element is pre-configured with a network slice switching policy.
  • the trigger condition for switching network slices in the network slice switching policy is: the network slice analysis report reaches the set condition, and the condition is the load of the network slice in a certain period of time. greater than the threshold.
  • the slice selection network element will switch the VALUE in the ListofVALUEID(s) (or the UE corresponding to the VAL Service ID) to the target on the network slice.
  • the slice selection network element may further determine whether the target network slice satisfies the trigger condition of switching the network slice.
  • the slice selection network element switches the UE on the original network slice to the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element may obtain the resource information of the target network slice through NSMF, and the specific manner is not limited in this application.
  • the slice selecting network element sends a network slice configuration request message to the NSCM service providing network element.
  • the slice selection network element when it is determined to hand over the UE on the original network slice to the target network slice, the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration request message to the NSCM service providing network element, and the network slice configuration request message includes the identifier of the target network slice , and List of VAL UE ID(s) or VAL Service ID, the network slice configuration request message is used to request to configure the target network slice for the UE corresponding to the List of VAL UE ID(s) or VAL Service ID.
  • the NSCM service providing network element modifies the network slice configuration for the UE through the 5GC.
  • the NSCM service providing network element After the NSCM service providing network element receives the network slice configuration request message from the slice selection network element, it calls the core network interface (which may be an existing interface of 3GPP) to list the VAL UE ID(s) or VAL Service ID The network slice configuration of the corresponding UE is modified.
  • the core network interface which may be an existing interface of 3GPP
  • the 5GC sends a network slice configuration response message to the NSCM service providing network element.
  • the NSCM service providing network element sends the network slice configuration response message to the slice selecting network element.
  • the 5GC sends a network slice configuration response message to the NSCM, and the network slice configuration response message may indicate whether the modification of the network slice configuration is successful.
  • the NSCM service providing network element sends the network slice configuration response message to the slice selection network element.
  • the slice selects the network element to update the mapping relationship between the UE and the network slice.
  • the slice selection network element receives the network slice configuration response message from the NSCM service providing network element, and if the network slice configuration response message indicates that the network slice configuration modification of the UE is successful, the slice selection The network element updates the mapping relationship between the UE and the target network slice, where the mapping relationship may be an association relationship between the identifier (VALUEID) of the UE and the identifier of the target network slice.
  • the mapping relationship may be an association relationship between the identifier (VALUEID) of the UE and the identifier of the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element here updates the mapping relationship between the UE and the target network slice may refer to associating the identifier of the VALUE with the identifier of the target network slice, or associating the identifier of the UE with the identifier of the original network slice
  • the association relationship of is updated to be the association relationship between the identifier of the UE and the identifier of the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element receives the network slice configuration response message from the NSCM service providing network element, and if the network slice configuration response message indicates that the network slice configuration modification of the VALservice (or the UE corresponding to the VALservice) is successful, Then the slice selection network element updates the mapping relationship between the VALservice and the target network slice, and the mapping relationship may be the association relationship between the VALserviceID and the identifier of the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration feedback message to the VAL server.
  • the slice selection network element updates the mapping relationship between the VALUE (or VALservice) and the identifier of the target network slice, it sends a network slice configuration feedback message to the VAL server, and the network slice configuration feedback message includes the UE identifier (or VALserviceID) and the identity of the target network slice.
  • the slice selection network element can judge whether to switch the network slice to the UE according to the resource information of the network slice and the network slice switching policy, or can judge whether to switch the UE to the target network slice, or to switch the UE to the target network slice. Determine the target network slice for network slice switching, so as to realize the ability of automatic switching of network slices.
  • the slice selection network element will consider the resource information of the network slice when switching the network slice for the UE, so as to ensure the service reliability and availability of the vertical industry after the network slice switch.
  • the slice selecting network element when the slice selecting network element determines to switch the terminal device on the original network slice to the target network slice, the slice selecting network element requests the NSCM service providing network element to perform network slice configuration for the terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the slice selection network element does not switch the terminal devices on the original network slice to the target network slice because the target network slice does not meet the switching conditions (for example, the resource information of the target network slice meets the triggering conditions for switching network slices).
  • FIG. 8 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 800 provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • method 800 when the slice selection network element notifies the VAL server that network slice switching fails for the terminal device on the original network slice, the VAL server may formulate a countermeasure to ensure the service experience of the terminal device. It should be understood that the method 800 may be implemented independently, and may also be implemented in combination with the method 700, which is not limited in this application. Method 800 includes the following steps:
  • the NSMF sends a network slice notification message to a slice selection network element.
  • S801 is similar to S701 in the method 700, and for the sake of brevity, the description will not be repeated.
  • the network element for slice selection determines whether to perform network slice handover for UEs on the network slice according to the resource information of the network slice and the network slice handover policy.
  • the slice selecting network element determines whether to switch the network slice to the UE of the network slice in combination with the network slice switching policy.
  • the network slice switching policy for the related description of the network slice switching policy, reference may be made to the part S702 of the method 700, and the description will not be repeated here.
  • the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration feedback message to the VAL server.
  • the slice selection network element sends a network slice configuration feedback message to the VAL server, and the network slice configuration feedback message is used to indicate that the UE on the original network slice fails to switch the network slice , or in other words, the network slice configuration feedback message is used to indicate that handover of the UE on the original network slice to the target network slice fails.
  • the trigger condition for switching network slices for judging the resource information of the target network slice and the trigger condition for switching network slices for judging the resource information on the original network slice may be the same, that is, the network slice Only one trigger condition for switching network slices can be configured in the switching policy.
  • the network slice configuration feedback message may also include a reason for network slice handover failure, and/or a recommended action.
  • Table 4 lists the contents that may be included in the network slice configuration feedback message.
  • the network slice configuration feedback message includes a network slice switching result, and the network slice switching result indicates that the network slice switching fails;
  • the network slice configuration feedback message includes a failure cause value, and the failure cause value is used to indicate a specific reason for network slice handover failure.
  • the failure reason value is that the load of the target network slice is too high; another example, the failure reason value is that the number of UEs in the original network slice is too large (or the performance requirements are too high), and the target network slice cannot meet the service requirements of all UEs in the original network slice .
  • the network slice configuration feedback message may also indicate a recommended action, that is, suggest a follow-up action that the vertical industry server can perform, for example: the recommended action is to modify the target network slice order (or upgrade the target network slice configuration); for another example, The recommended behavior is to modify the network slice handover strategy, such as grouping the UEs to be handed over, and handover a part of UEs (for example, 60%) to the target network slice.
  • a recommended action is, suggest a follow-up action that the vertical industry server can perform
  • the recommended action is to modify the target network slice order (or upgrade the target network slice configuration); for another example,
  • the recommended behavior is to modify the network slice handover strategy, such as grouping the UEs to be handed over, and handover a part of UEs (for example, 60%) to the target network slice.
  • the VAL server receives the network slice configuration feedback message from the slice selection network element.
  • the VAL server can formulate subsequent policies according to the network slice configuration feedback message. For example, the network slice configuration feedback message carries a cause value, and the cause value indicates that the reason for the handover failure is that the load of the target network slice is too high. Then the VAL server can add one or more target network element slices (or replace the original target network slice) in the network slice switching policy by modifying the network slice switching policy.
  • the network slice configuration feedback message carries a reason value, and the cause value indicates that the reason for the handover failure is that the target network slice cannot meet the service requirements of all UEs on the original network slice, then the VAL server can modify the network slice handover strategy, Modify the List of VAL UE ID(s) in the network slice switching strategy (for example, only retain 60% of the UE ID(s).
  • the slice selection network element can notify the VAL server of the result, and can also notify the VAL server of the reason for the failure and the recommended behavior , so that the VAL server can re-enact the network slice switching strategy.
  • FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 900 provided by an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the method 900 may be implemented independently or in combination with the method 00 or the method 800, which is not limited in this application. Method 900 may include the following steps:
  • the NSCM service consuming network element/VAL server sends a policy configuration/modification/query/deletion request message to the slice selection network element.
  • the NSCM service consumption network element, or the VAL server sends a policy configuration request message (or also called a policy creation request message, which is not limited here) to the slice selection network element, and the policy configuration request message includes network slices Switching strategy, the policy configuration request message is used to configure the network slice switching strategy.
  • the network slice switching policy may be a policy for determining whether to perform network slice switching for the UE, which is not limited in this embodiment.
  • the network slice switching policy is similar to the network slice switching policy described in S702 of the method 700, which will not be repeated here.
  • the NSCM service consumption network element, or the VAL server sends a policy modification request message to the slice selection network element, the policy modification request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching policy, and policy modification information, the policy modification request message It is used to request modification or update of the network slice switching policy.
  • the policy modification information can be a modified network slice switching policy.
  • the slice selection network element can directly replace the modified network slice switching policy with the original network slice switching policy; or, the policy modification information is also It can be used to indicate the specific modification content, for example, modify the trigger condition of switching network slices in the original network slice switching policy, or the identifier of the original network slice.
  • the NSCM service consumption network element, or the VAL server sends a policy query request message to the slice selection network element, the policy query request message includes an identifier of the network slice switching policy, and the policy query request message is used to request query or Get the network slice switching policy.
  • the NSCM service consumption network element, or the VAL server sends a network slice switching policy deletion request message to the slice selection network element, the network slice switching policy deletion request message includes an identifier of the network slice switching policy, and the network slice switching policy The policy deletion request message is used to request deletion of the network slice switching policy.
  • the slice selection network element configures/modifies/queries/deletes a network slice handover policy.
  • the slice selection network element receives a policy configuration request message from the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server, the policy configuration request message includes a network slice switching strategy, and the slice selection network element configures the network slice switching strategy locally .
  • the network slice selection network element locally configures the network slice switching policy means that the slice selection network element locally creates the network slice switching policy, or saves the network slice switching policy locally.
  • the slice selection network element receives a policy modification request message from the NSCM service consuming network element/VAL server, and the policy modification request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching policy and policy modification information. If the policy modification indication information indicates specific modification content, the slice selection network element can obtain the network slice switching policy according to the identification of the network slice switching policy, and modify the network slice switching policy according to the policy modification information. If the policy modification instruction information itself is a modified network slice switching policy, the original network slice switching policy is replaced by the modified network slice switching policy between slice selection network elements.
  • the slice selection network element receives a policy query request message from the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server, the policy query request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching strategy, and the slice selection network element selects the network element according to the identifier of the strategy Search for the network slice switching policy locally. If the search is successful, the slice selection network element sends the network slice switching policy to the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server through the network slice query response message.
  • the slice selection network element receives a policy deletion request message from the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server, the policy deletion request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching policy, and the slice selection network element deletes the request according to the policy message, delete the network slice switching policy in the local storage.
  • the slice selection network element sends a policy configuration/modification/query/deletion response message to the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server.
  • the slice selection network element after executing S902, sends a policy configuration/modification/query/deletion response message to the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server, and the policy configuration/modification/query/deletion response message includes operation success or An indication of an operation failure.
  • the response message may also carry the network slice switching policy queried by the slice selection network element.
  • the interface for configuring/modifying/querying/deleting the network slice switching policy is defined, or the ability to configure/modify/query/delete the network slice switching policy of the NSCM service consumer network element/VAL server is defined , so that the NSCM service consumer network element/VAL server can select a network element to perform configuration/modification/query/deletion operations of the network slice switching policy through slice selection.
  • Fig. 10 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 1000 for switching network slices provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • Method 1000 includes the steps of:
  • S1001 The NSCM service consuming network element/VAL server sends a policy configuration request message to the slice selector.
  • Slice selection network element configures a network slice handover policy.
  • S1001 and S1002 are similar to the network slice switching policy configuration process in S901 and S902 in method 900, and will not be repeated here.
  • the slice selection network element sends a subscription request message to the NSMF.
  • the slice selection network element can send a subscription request message to NSMF, the subscription request message includes the identifier of the original network slice, and the subscription request message is used to request to subscribe to the resource information of the original network slice , the resource information may include one or more of the following information: network slice alarms, network slice key performance indicators, and network slice analysis reports.
  • the slice selection network element can carry information in the subscription request message to indicate its subscription type, for example, the slice selection network element indicates in the subscription request message to subscribe to network slice alarms; or the default method can also be used, for example, the slice selection network element does not have If the subscription type is indicated in the subscription request message, the network slice alarm is subscribed by default.
  • the slice selection NE can subscribe to the NSMF for network slice alarms.
  • an alarm or a high-priority alarm
  • the NSMF sends alarm information to the network element selected for the slice.
  • the alarm situation here may include a network slice alarm, or an NSI alarm, and the like.
  • the slice selection network element may indicate the alarm condition, for example, the slice selection network element adds indication information of the alarm condition in the subscription request message, for example, when the network slice is powered off, an alarm is triggered.
  • the slice selection network element can subscribe to the NSMF for the network slice KPI, and the network slice KPI can include the delay, throughput, utilization rate, etc. of the original network slice.
  • the slice selection network element may indicate to the NSMF the conditions for reporting the network slice KPI.
  • the slice selection network element adds a KPI threshold, such as a delay threshold, to the subscription request message.
  • a KPI threshold such as a delay threshold
  • the NSMF reports the delay of the original network slice to the slice selection network element.
  • the network slice KPI reported by NSMF to the network slice selection network element can also be regarded as a kind of alarm information (KPI alarm).
  • KPI alarm kind of alarm information
  • the slice selection network element may indicate to the NSMF the time interval for reporting the network slice KPI.
  • the slice selection network element instructs the NSMF to proactively report the delay of the original network slice every 10 minutes in the subscription request message.
  • the slice selection network element receives the network slicing KPI from the NSMF, it can judge whether the network slicing KPI satisfies the switching policy of switching network slices according to the network slice switching policy.
  • the slice selection network element can subscribe to the NSMF for the network slice analysis report, where the network slice analysis report can include the NSMF's report on the network slice and suggested actions.
  • the NSMF makes an analysis report on the original network slice according to the operator's policy or other conditions, it needs to report the network slice analysis report of the original network slice to the slice selection network element.
  • the slice selection network element may indicate to the NSMF the time interval for reporting the network slice analysis report.
  • the slice selection network element instructs the NSMF to actively report the analysis report of the original network slice every 10 minutes in the subscription request message.
  • the slice selection network element receives the network slice analysis report from the NSMF, it can judge whether the network slice analysis report satisfies the handover policy of switching network slices according to the network slice handover policy.
  • the subscription request message may also include an identifier of the target network slice. That is, the slice selection network element can request to subscribe to the resource information of the target network slice through the subscription request message.
  • the specific method may be similar to the above-mentioned method of subscribing to the resource information of the original network slice, and will not be repeated here.
  • the NSMF sends a subscription response message to the slice selection network element.
  • the NSMF may send a subscription response message to the slice selection network element, where the subscription response message is used to indicate that the subscription is successful.
  • the slice selection network element can re-subscribe the original network slice and/or the target network slice to the NSMF Resource information of the network slice. For example:
  • the slice selection network element receives the policy modification request message from the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server.
  • the policy modification request message includes the network slice switching policy and policy modification information.
  • the policy modification information indicates the original network slice switching policy.
  • the identifier of the network slice is modified (for example, the identifier of the original network slice is changed from "UE1, UE2, UE3" to "UE1").
  • the slice selection network element sends a subscription request message to NSMF, the subscription request message includes the identifier of the modified original network slice, and the subscription request message is used to request to subscribe to the resource information of the modified original network slice .
  • the slice selection network element receives a network policy deletion request message from the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server.
  • the slice selection network element deletes the network slice switching policy.
  • S1005 and S1006 are similar to the network slice switching policy deletion process in S901 and S902 in method 900, and will not be repeated here.
  • the slice selection network element sends an unsubscribe request message to the NSMF.
  • the slice selection network element after the slice selection network element receives the network slice switching policy deletion request message from the NSCM service consumption network element/VAL server, it can send an unsubscribe request message to NSMF, and the unsubscribe request message is used to unsubscribe the original network slice (optionally may also include the resource information of the target network slice).
  • the NSMF sends an unsubscribe response message to the slice selection network element.
  • the NSMF may send an unsubscribe response message to the slice selection network element, where the unsubscribe response message is used to indicate that the unsubscribe is successful.
  • the slice selection network element can first subscribe to the resource information of the original network slice through NSMF, so that the slice selection network element can judge whether the UE on the original network slice can be handed over to the target network slice according to the resource information of the original network slice , so as to ensure the service experience of the UE after network slicing handover.
  • the embodiments of the present application further provide corresponding devices, and the device includes corresponding modules for executing the foregoing method embodiments.
  • the module can be software, or hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. It can be understood that the technical features described in the above method embodiments are also applicable to the following device embodiments.
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for switching network slices provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12 .
  • the transceiver module 11 can be used to realize corresponding communication functions.
  • the transceiver module 11 can also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.
  • the processing module 12 can be used to implement corresponding processing functions.
  • the device 10 can also include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and/or data, and the processing module 12 can read instructions and/or data in the storage module, so that the device implements the implementation of the aforementioned methods.
  • a storage module which can be used to store instructions and/or data
  • the processing module 12 can read instructions and/or data in the storage module, so that the device implements the implementation of the aforementioned methods.
  • the device 10 may be the slice selection network element in the foregoing embodiments, or may be a component (such as a chip) of the slice selection network element.
  • the device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the execution of the slice selection network element in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform operations related to the transceiver of the slice selection network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 may be used to perform operations related to the processing of the slice selection network element in the above method embodiments.
  • the transceiver module 11 is configured to receive resource information of the original network slice from the network element with the network slice management function, and the resource information of the original network slice includes one or more of the following information: the original The performance indicators of the network slice, the alarm information of the original network slice, and the analysis report for the original network slice; the processing module 12 is used to determine whether to use the original network slice according to the resource information of the original network slice and the network slice switching strategy
  • the terminal device on the network slice is switched to the target network slice, and the network slice switching strategy includes the trigger condition for switching the network slice, the identifier of the target network slice, the identifier of the original network slice, and the identifier of the terminal device on the original network slice and/or or application ID.
  • the processing module 12 may be specifically configured to determine whether the resource information of the network slice satisfies the trigger condition for switching the network slice; and, if the resource information of the network slice meets the trigger condition for switching the network slice, determine to The terminal device on the network slice switches to the target network slice.
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive the resource information of the target network slice from the network element with the network slice management function; the processing module 12 is further configured to determine that the resource information of the target network slice does not satisfy the trigger condition.
  • the trigger condition for switching the network slice includes one or more of the following: the performance index of the network slice is greater than or equal to the first threshold, or less than or equal to the second threshold; the slice selection network element receives the network slice The alarm information of the network slice and/or the performance index of the network slice; the network element selected for the slice receives the alarm information of the original network slice, and the alarm information is high-priority alarm information; the analysis report of the network slice satisfies the handover condition.
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send a subscription request message to the network element with the network slice management function, the subscription request message includes the identifier of the original network slice, and the subscription request message is used to subscribe to the resource information of the original network slice .
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send a network slice configuration request message to the network element providing the network slice capability management service, where the network slice configuration request message includes the identifier of the target network slice and the terminal device on the original network slice and/or the application identifier, the network slice configuration request message is used to request to configure the target network slice for the terminal device on the network slice.
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive a network slice configuration response message from the network slice capability management service providing network element, where the network slice configuration response message is used to indicate that the target network slice is successfully configured for the terminal device; and , sending a network slice configuration feedback message to the application server, where the network slice configuration feedback message includes the identifier of the target network slice and the identifier of the terminal device on the original network slice.
  • the processing module 12 is further configured to locally update the association between the identifier of the target network slice and the identifier of the terminal device.
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send a network slice configuration feedback message to the application server, where the network slice configuration feedback message includes the identifier of the original network slice, and the network slice configuration feedback message is used to indicate that the original network slice is The network slicing switch of the terminal device is not successful.
  • the network configuration feedback message also includes a reason value and/or suggested behavior indication information, the reason value is used to indicate the reason for not handing over the terminal device on the network slice to the target network slice, and the suggested behavior indication Information used to instruct the application server to perform operations.
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive a policy configuration request message from the network slice capability management service consuming network element or an application server, where the policy configuration request message includes the network slice switching policy; the processing module 12 is also configured to Save the network slice switching policy.
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive a policy modification request message from the network slice capability management service consuming network element or application server, where the policy modification request message includes policy modification information, and the policy modification information is used to indicate the The modification executed by the network slice switching policy; the processing module 12 is further configured to modify the network slice switching policy according to the policy modification information.
  • the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive a policy deletion request message from the network slice capability management service consuming network element or an application server, where the policy deletion request message includes the identifier of the network slice switching policy, and the policy deletion request message It is used to instruct to delete the network slice switching policy; the processing module 12 is also used to delete the network slice switching policy.
  • the device 10 here is embodied in the form of functional modules.
  • the term "module” here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory, incorporated logic, and/or other suitable components to support the described functionality.
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • the device 10 may specifically be the slice selection network element in the foregoing embodiments, and may be used to execute each process corresponding to the slice selection network element in the foregoing method embodiments and/or or steps, in order to avoid repetition, no more details are given here.
  • the apparatus 10 in each of the above solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the slice selection network element in the above method.
  • the functions described above may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by executing corresponding software on the hardware.
  • the hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver computer), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors to respectively perform the sending and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.
  • transceiver module 11 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, may include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing module may be a processing circuit.
  • the apparatus in FIG. 11 may be the network element or device in the foregoing embodiments, or may be a chip or a chip system, for example, a system on chip (system on chip, SoC).
  • the transceiver module may be an input-output circuit or a communication interface;
  • the processing module is a processor or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. It is not limited here.
  • this embodiment of the present application provides another device 20 for switching network slices.
  • the device 20 includes a processor 21, and the processor 21 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 22, or read data/signaling stored in the memory 22, so as to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.
  • the processor 21 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 22, or read data/signaling stored in the memory 22, so as to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.
  • the device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and/or data.
  • the memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21, or may be separately provided.
  • the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23 for receiving and/or sending signals.
  • the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and/or send signals.
  • the apparatus 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the slice selection network element in the above method embodiments.
  • the processor 21 is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 22, so as to implement related operations of the slice selection network element in each method embodiment above. For example, the method performed by the slice selection network element in any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 .
  • processors mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (central processing unit, CPU), and may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (digital signal processors, DSP), application specific integrated circuits ( application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), off-the-shelf programmable gate array (field programmable gate array, FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.
  • a general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be any conventional processor, or the like.
  • the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and/or a nonvolatile memory.
  • the non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (read-only memory, ROM), programmable read-only memory (programmable ROM, PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (erasable PROM, EPROM), electrically programmable Erases programmable read-only memory (electrically EPROM, EEPROM) or flash memory.
  • the volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM).
  • RAM random access memory
  • RAM can be used as an external cache.
  • RAM includes the following multiple forms: static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), Double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous connection dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM) and direct Memory bus random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM).
  • the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components
  • the memory storage module may be integrated in the processor.
  • memories described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.
  • the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions for implementing the methods performed by the network elements of the core network in the foregoing method embodiments are stored.
  • the computer when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the slice selection network element in each embodiment of the above method.
  • An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, including instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a computer, the methods performed by the slice selection network element in the foregoing method embodiments are implemented.
  • the disclosed devices and methods may be implemented in other ways.
  • the device embodiments described above are only illustrative.
  • the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.
  • multiple units or components can be combined or May be integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored, or not implemented.
  • the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.
  • the computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices.
  • the computer may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device.
  • the computer instructions may be stored in or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center Transmission to another website site, computer, server, or data center by wired (eg, coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (eg, infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.).
  • the computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or a data center integrated with one or more available media.
  • the available medium may be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, DVD), or a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid state disk (SSD), etc.
  • the aforementioned available medium includes but Not limited to: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (read-only memory, ROM), random access memory (random access memory, RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

Abstract

本申请提供了一种切换网络切片的方法和装置，应用于网络切片领域。该方法可以包括：切片选择网元接收来自网络切片管理功能网元的原始网络切片的资源信息，其中，原始网络切片的资源信息包括以下中的一项或多项：原始网络切片的性能指标、原始网络切片的告警信息、针对原始网络切片的分析报告；然后切片选择网元根据原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，其中，该网络切片切换策略包括切换网络切片的触发条件、目标网络切片的标识、原始网络切片的标识，以及原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。通过本申请，可以提高网络切片切换之后的业务体验。

Description

切换网络切片的方法和装置
本申请要求于2021年12月10日提交中国专利局、申请号为202111509743.8、申请名称为“切换网络切片的方法和装置”的中国专利申请的优先权，其全部内容通过引用结合在本申请中。
技术领域
本申请涉及通信技术领域，尤其涉及一种切换网络切片的方法和装置。
背景技术
网络切片(network slice，NS)是第五代移动通信(5th Generation，5G)系统的关键技术之一，它是由一组网络功能(network function，NF)构成的完整的实例化逻辑网络，其意在使用最优化的资源分配，更高效地解决垂直业务的特殊需求(例如对带宽要求较高的高清视频业务、对时延要求较高的游戏业务等)。网络切片能够使得运营商在一个物理网络上构建多个端到端、虚拟的、隔离的、按需定制的专用逻辑网络。每个逻辑网络具有不同的网络功能，从而更好地适配不同垂直业务的差异化需求。
如果用户设备(user equipment，UE)当前的网络切片出现故障或者无法满足UE的业务需求时，可以将该UE切换到其他网络切片以保证业务的连续性。例如，在工业场景中，由于对网络服务的可用性要求很高，工业终端在连接5G切片时，可能会需要备份同一运营商或其他运营商下的5G切片，用以在当前切片产生连接问题时将UE切换到备份网络切片上，由备份网络切片继续为UE提供服务，从而保证业务的连续性。
如何对UE进行网络切片的切换是当前需要解决的问题。
发明内容
本申请提供了一种切换网络切片的方法和装置，可以保障终端设备在网络切片切换之后的业务体验。
第一方面，提供了一种切换网络切片的方法，该方法包括：切片选择网元接收来自网络切片管理功能网元的原始网络切片的资源信息，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括以下信息中的一项或多项：该原始网络切片的性能指标、该原始网络切片的告警信息、针对该原始网络切片的分析报告；该切片选择网元根据该原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，该网络切片切换策略包括切换网络切片的触发条件、该目标网络切片的标识、该原始网络切片的标识，以及该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。
基于上述方案，切片选择网元可以根据原始网络切片的资源信息，以及网络切片切换策略决定是否对原始网络切片上的终端设备执行网络切片的切换，以便保障切换之后终端设备的业务体验。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该切片选择网元根据该原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，包括：该切片选择网元判断该网络切片的资源信息是否满足该切换网络切片的触发条件；在该网络切片的资源信息满足该切换网络切片的触发条件的情况下，该切片选择网元确定将该网络切片上的终端设备切换到该目标网络切片。
基于上述方案，在原始网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件的情况下，切片选择网元才确定将网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，也就是说，切片选择网元可以确定网络切片切换的时机，使得切片选择网元能够及时为满足触发条件的原始网络切片上的终端设备进行网络切片的切换，避免因网络切片切换不及时而对终端设备的业务体验造成的影响。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元接收来自该网络切片管理功能网元的目标网络切片的资源信息；该切片选择网元确定该目标网络切片的资源信息不满足该触发条件。
基于上述方案，在原始网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件，且目标网络切片的资源信息不满足切换网络切片的触发条件时，切片选择网元确定可以将网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片。也就是说，在原始网络切片不能满足需求，而目标网络切片满足需求时，可以将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，从而通过将终端设备进行网络切片的切换来保障终端设备的业务体验。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该切换网络切片的触发条件包括以下一项或多项：该网络切片的性能指标大于或等于第一阈值，或者小于或等于第二阈值；该切片选择网元接收到该网络切片的告警信息和/或该网络切片的性能指标；该切片选择网元接收到该原始网络切片的告警信息，且该告警信息为高优先级告警信息；该网络切片的分析报告满足切换条件。
这里的第一阈值和第二阈值可以是代表不同含义的阈值，例如，第一阈值为时延阈值，第二阈值为带宽阈值，第一阈值对应的性能指标为时延，第二阈值对应的性能指标为带宽。也就是说，该切换网络切片的触发条件可以包括：该网络切片的时延大于或等于时延阈值，或者该网络切片的带宽小于或等于带宽阈值。
基于上述方案，当原始网络切片的性能指标大于或等于第一阈值，或者小于或等于第二阈值时，或者当切片选择网元接收到网络切片的告警信息和/或性能指标时，或者当切片选择网元接收到原始网络切片的告警信息，且该告警信息为高优先级告警信息时，或者当原始网络切片的分析报告满足切换条件时，切片选择网元可以将网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，也就是说，切片选择网元可以在原始网络切片满足上述任意条件的情况下，及时将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，避免因网络切片切换不及时而对终端设备的业务体验造成的影响。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元向该网络切片管理功能网元发送订阅请求消息，该订阅请求消息包括该原始网络切片的标识，该订阅请求消息用于订阅该原始网络切片的资源信息。
基于上述方案，切片选择网元可以通过向网络切片管理功能网元订阅原始网络切片的资源信息，从而使得切片选择网元可以判断原始网络切片的资源信息是否满足触发条件，以便在原始网络切片的资源信息满足触发条件的情况下，及时将原始网络切片上的终端设 备切换到目标网络切片。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，在该切片选择网元确定将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到该目标网络切片上的情况下，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元向网络切片能力管理服务提供网元发送网络切片配置请求消息，该网络切片配置请求消息包括该目标网络切片的标识，以及该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/该应用标识，该网络切片配置请求消息用于请求为该网络切片上的终端设备配置该目标网络切片。
基于上述方案，在确定将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上时，切片选择网元可以请求网络切片能力管理服务提供网元为该原始网络切片上的终端设备配置该目标网络切片，以将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上，保障终端设备的业务体验。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息，该网络切片配置响应消息用于指示为该终端设备配置该目标网络切片成功；根据该网络切片配置响应消息，该切片选择网元向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括该目标网络切片的标识和该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识。
基于上述方案，当切片选择网元根据网络切片能力管理服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息确定原始网络切片上的终端设备成功切换到了目标网络切片上时，切片选择网元可以向应用服务器发送目标网络切片的标识和原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识，以指示原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到了目标网络切片。
根据以上方案，应用服务器接收到来自切片选择网元的目标网络切片的标识和原始网络切片的标识之后，可以修改或重新配置网络切片切换策略，。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，在该切片选择网元确定不将该网络切片上的终端设备切换到该目标网络切片上的情况下，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括该原始网络切片的标识，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示为该网络切片上的终端设备进行网络切片的切换没有成功。
基于上述方案，当切片选择网元不将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上时，切片选择网元可以向应用服务器进行指示，以便应用服务器可以确定终端设备的网络切片切换失败
在上述方案的基础上，当应用服务器确定终端设备的网络切片切换失败，应用服务器可以制定应对策略，例如，重新修改网络切片切换策略，使得原始网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以将原始网络切片上的终端设备成功切换到目标网络切换，以便保障切换之后终端设备的业务体验。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该网络配置反馈消息还包括原因值和/或建议行为指示信息，该原因值用于指示不将该网络切片上的终端设备切换到该目标网络切片上的原因，该建议行为指示信息用于指示该应用服务器执行的操作。
基于上述方案，当切片选择网元不将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上时，切片选择网元可以向应用服务器进行指示，并指示原因值和/或建议行为指示信息，以便应用服务器可以根据该原因值和/或建议的行为制定应对策略。如，原因值指示失败原因为目标网络切片的资源利用率大于设定的阈值，则应用服务器可以修改或增加网络切 片切换策略中的目标网络切片。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略配置请求消息，该策略配置请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略；该切片选择网元保存该网络切片切换策略。
基于上述方案，网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器可以向切片选择网元配置网络切片切换策略，切片选择网元可以根据该网络切片切换策略确定目标网络切片、切换网络切片的触发条件，以及原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识，从而可以在原始网络切片满足切换网络切片的触发条件时，能够将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，以便保障切换之后终端设备的业务体验。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略修改请求消息，该策略修改请求消息包括策略修改信息，该策略修改信息用于指示对该网络切片切换策略执行的修改；该切片选择网元根据该策略修改信息对该网络切片切换策略进行修改。
基于上述方案，切片选择网元可以根据网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的请求或指示，对网络切片切换策略进行修改。例如，当原始网络切片上的终端设备的网络切片切换失败，网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器可以对网络切片切换策略进行修改，以便原始网络切片上的终端设备可以切换到目标网络切片，从而保障终端设备业务体验。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略删除请求消息，该策略删除请求消息用于指示对该网络切片切换策略进行删除；该切片选择网元删除该网络切片切换策略。
基于上述方案，切片选择网元可以根据网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的请求或指示，删除网络切片切换策略。
结合第一方面，在第一方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该切片选择网元在本地更新该目标网络切片的标识和该终端设备的标识之间的关联关系。
基于上述方案，当切片选择网元根据网络切片能力管理服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息确定原始网络切片上的终端设备成功切换到了目标网络切片上时，切片选择网元可以更新目标网络切片的标识和终端设备的标识之间的关联关系，以便后续流程中使用。
第二方面，提供了一种选择网络切片的方法，该方法包括：应用服务器接收来自切片选择网元的网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括原始网络切片的标识，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示为该原始网络切片上的终端设备进行网络切片的切换没有成功；该应用服务器根据该网络切片配置反馈消息确定针对网络切片切换策略的修改方案；该应用服务器向该切片选择网元发送网络切片切换策略修改请求消息，该网络切片切换策略修改请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略的标识，以及策略修改信息，该策略修改信息用于指示该修改方案。
基于上述的方案，当应用服务器确定原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片没有成功，则应用服务器可以对网络切片切换策略进行修改，以便原始网络切片满足切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以对终端设备执行网络切片的切换，以保障终端设备业务体验。
结合第二方面，在第二方面的某些实现方式中，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括原因值 和/或建议行为指示信息，该原因值用于指示不将该网络切片上的终端设备切换到该目标网络切片上的原因，该建议行为指示信息用于指示该应用服务器执行的操作；该应用服务器根据该网络切片配置反馈消息确定针对网络切片切换策略的修改方案，包括：该应用服务器根据该原因值和/或该建议行为指示信息，确定针对网络切片切换策略的修改方案。
基于上述方案，应用服务器可以根据原因值，确定针对网络切片切换策略的修改方案，以便修改后的网络切片切换策略可以让原始网络切片上的终端设备成功切换到目标网络切片，从而保障终端设备在网络切片切换之后的业务体验。
结合第二方面，在第二方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该应用服务器向该切片选择网元发送策略配置请求消息，该策略配置请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略，该策略配置请求消息用于请求配置该网络切片切换策略。
基于上述方案，应用服务器可以向切片选择网元配置网络切片切换策略，以便切片选择网元可以根据该网络切片切换策略确定是否可以将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，从而保障终端设备的业务体验。
结合第二方面，在第二方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该应用服务器向该发送策略删除请求消息，该策略删除请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略的标识，该策略删除请求消息用于指示对该网络切片切换策略进行删除。
基于上述方案，应用服务器可以指示切片选择网元删除网络切片切换策略，以便在没有切换网络切片的需求时，节省资源。
结合第二方面，在第二方面的某些实现方式中，该方法还包括：该应用服务器向该发送策略查询请求消息，该策略查询请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略的标识，该策略删除请求消息用于指示对该网络切片切换策略进行删除。
基于上述方案，应用服务器可以向切片选择网元查询网络切片切换策略。
第三方面，提供一种切换网络切片的装置，该装置用于执行上述第一方面或第二方面提供的方法。具体地，该装置可以包括用于执行第一方面或第二方面提供的方法的单元和/或模块，如处理单元和/或通信单元。在一种实现方式中，该装置为切片选择网元。当该装置为切片选择网元时，通信单元可以是收发器，或，输入/输出接口；处理单元可以是处理器。
在另一种实现方式中，该装置为用于切片选择网元中的芯片、芯片系统或电路。当该装置为用于通信设备中的芯片、芯片系统或电路时，通信单元可以是该芯片、芯片系统或电路上的输入/输出接口、接口电路、输出电路、输入电路、管脚或相关电路等；处理单元可以是处理器、处理电路或逻辑电路等。
一种可能情况，该装置为切片选择网元中的芯片、芯片系统或电路。在该情况下，该装置可以包括用于执行第一方面提供的方法的单元和/或模块，如处理单元和/或通信单元。
又一种可能情况，该装置为应用服务器中的芯片、芯片系统或电路。在该情况下，该装置可以包括用于执行第二方面提供的方法的单元和/或模块，如处理单元和/或通信单元。
可选地，上述收发器可以为收发电路。可选地，上述输入/输出接口可以为输入/输出电路。
第四方面，提供一种切换网络切片的装置，该装置包括：存储器，用于存储程序；处理器，用于执行存储器存储的程序，当存储器存储的程序被执行时，处理器用于执行上述第一方面或第二方面提供的方法。
第五方面，本申请提供一种处理器，用于执行上述各方面提供的方法。在执行这些方法的过程中，上述方法中有关发送上述信息和获取/接收上述信息的过程，可以理解为由处理器输出上述信息的过程，以及处理器接收输入的上述信息的过程。在输出上述信息时，处理器将该上述信息输出给收发器，以便由收发器进行发射。该上述信息在由处理器输出之后，还可能需要进行其他的处理，然后才到达收发器。类似的，处理器接收输入的上述信息时，收发器获取/接收该上述信息，并将其输入处理器。更进一步的，在收发器收到该上述信息之后，该上述信息可能需要进行其他的处理，然后才输入处理器。
基于上述原理，举例来说，前述方法中提及的接收请求消息可以理解为处理器接收输入的信息。
对于处理器所涉及的发射、发送和获取/接收等操作，如果没有特殊说明，或者，如果未与其在相关描述中的实际作用或者内在逻辑相抵触，则均可以更加一般性的理解为处理器输出和接收、输入等操作，而不是直接由射频电路和天线所进行的发射、发送和接收操作。
在实现过程中，上述处理器可以是专门用于执行这些方法的处理器，也可以是执行存储器中的计算机指令来执行这些方法的处理器，例如通用处理器。上述存储器可以为非瞬时性(non-transitory)存储器，例如只读存储器(read only memory，ROM)，其可以与处理器集成在同一块芯片上，也可以分别设置在不同的芯片上，本申请实施例对存储器的类型以及存储器与处理器的设置方式不做限定。
第六方面，提供一种计算机可读存储介质，该计算机可读介质存储用于设备执行的程序代码，该程序代码包括用于执行上述第一方面或第二方面提供的方法。
第七方面，提供一种包含指令的计算机程序产品，当该计算机程序产品在计算机上运行时，使得计算机执行上述第一方面或第二方面提供的方法。
第八方面，提供一种芯片，该芯片包括处理器与通信接口，该处理器通过该通信接口读取存储器上存储的指令，执行上述第一方面或第二方面提供的方法。
可选地，作为一种实现方式，该芯片还可以包括存储器，该存储器中存储有指令，该处理器用于执行该存储器上存储的指令，当该指令被执行时，该处理器用于执行上述第一方面或第二方面提供的方法。
附图说明
图1示出了适用于本申请实施例的一种网络架构示意图。
图2示出了适用于本申请实施例的另一种网络架构示意图。
图3是一种网络切片适配的示意性流程图。
图4是本申请实施例提供的一种网络系统示意图。
图5是本申请实施例提供的一种网络架构示意图。
图6示出了一种切换网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。
图7示出了另一种切换网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。
图8示出了又一种切换网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。
图9示出了又一种切换网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。
图10示出了又一种切换网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。
图11是本申请实施例提供的装置的示意性框图。
图12是本申请实施例提供的装置的另一示意性框图。
具体实施方式
为了使本申请的目的、技术方案和优点更加清楚，下面将结合附图，对本申请中的技术方案进行描述。方法实施例中的具体操作方法也可以应用于装置实施例或系统实施例中。其中，在本申请的描述中，除非另有说明，“多个”的含义是两个或两个以上。
在本申请的各个实施例中，如果没有特殊说明以及逻辑冲突，不同的实施例之间的术语和/或描述具有一致性、且可以相互引用，不同的实施例中的技术特征根据其内在的逻辑关系可以组合形成新的实施例。
可以理解的是，在本申请中涉及的各种数字编号仅为描述方便进行的区分，并不用来限制本申请的范围。上述各过程的序号的大小并不意味着执行顺序的先后，各过程的执行顺序应以其功能和内在逻辑确定。
本申请的说明书和权利要求书及上述附图中的术语“第一”、“第二”、“第三”、“第四”以及其他各种术语标号等(如果存在)是用于区别类似的对象，而不必用于描述特定的顺序或先后次序。应该理解这样使用的数据在适当情况下可以互换，以便这里描述的实施例能够以除了在这里图示或描述的内容以外的顺序实施。此外，术语“包括”和“具有”以及他们的任何变形，意图在于覆盖不排他的包含，例如，包含了一系列步骤或单元的过程、方法、系统、产品或设备不必限于清楚地列出的那些步骤或单元，而是可包括没有清楚地列出的或对于这些过程、方法、产品或设备固有的其它步骤或单元。
图1示出了适用于本申请实施例的一种垂直行业使能平台(service enabler architecture layer for verticals，SEAL)的网络架构100的示意图。在垂直行业应用层(vertical application layer，VAL)中，VAL客户端(VALclient)通过VAL-UU接口与VAL服务器(VALserver)通信，VAL-UU接口支持单播和组播两种信息传输模式。UE和服务器上的垂直行业服务使能层(service enabler architecture layer for verticals，SEAL)分别分为SEAL客户端(SEALclient)和SEAL服务器(SEALserver)。SEAL可以通过SEAL-C接口向VAL客户端提供服务使能层支持功能(the service enabler layer support functions)；VAL服务器可以通过SEAL-S接口与与SEAL服务器进行通信。SEAL服务器可以通过3GPP提供的网络接口和3GPP网络通信，包括核心网网元网络能力开放功能(network exposure function，NEF)提供的N33接口，OAM提供的服务化接口等。
垂直行业应用层支持以下SEAL服务：
●位置管理(Location management function)
●组管理(group management function)
●配置管理(configuration management function)
●密钥管理(key management function)
●网络资源管理(network resource management function)
●网络切片能力管理(network slice capability management function)
VAL Server可以调用以上SEAL中的一个或多个能力实现对3GPP网络能力的使用。
图2示出了适用于本申请实施例的一种网络切片能力管理(network slice capability management，NSCM)的网络架构200的示意图。网络架构200用于支持对垂直应用程序网络切片能力管理。其中，网络切片管理服务器(network slice capability management  function server，NSCMserver)功能实体提供网络切片方面的功能，以支持VAL应用。这种赋能支持将一个或多个垂直应用映射或迁移到一个或多个网络切片。网络切片管理客户端(network slice capability management function client，NSCMclient)功能实体作为切片赋能的应用客户端。NSCMclient可以与NSCMserver交互，触发应用需求变化导致的网络切片适配(adaptation)，这里的应用需求变化可能是应用QoS需求变化、服务操作变化等。NSCM客户端可以从NSCM服务器接收网络切片/DNN重映射通知。NSCMclient通过NSCM-UU接口与NSCMserver通信。网络切片能力管理客户端通过NSCM-C接口向VALclient提供对网络切片能力管理功能的支持。VALserver通过NSCM-S接口与NSCMserver通信。假设NSCMserver部署在5G系统域，NSCMserver作为AF，可以通过NEF(N33)参考点(用于与PCF交互)与5G核心网功能通信。
应理解，上述应用于本申请实施例的网络架构仅是一种举例说明，适用本申请实施例的网络架构并不局限于此，任何能够实现上述各个网元的功能的网络架构都适用于本申请实施例。
本申请实施例描述的网络架构以及业务场景是为了更加清楚的说明本申请实施例的技术方案，并不构成对于本申请实施例提供的技术方案的限定，本领域普通技术人员可知，随着网络架构的演变和新业务场景的出现，本申请实施例提供的技术方案对于类似的技术问题，同样适用。
本申请实施例的各个方面或特征可以通过方法或装置实现，或者通过使用标准编程和/或工程技术的制品实现。本申请中使用的术语“制品”涵盖可从任何计算机可读器件、载体或介质访问的计算机程序。例如，计算机可读介质可以包括，但不限于：磁存储器件(例如，硬盘、软盘或磁带等)，光盘(例如，压缩盘(compact disc，CD)、数字通用盘(digital versatile disc，DVD)等)，智能卡和闪存器件(例如，可擦写可编程只读存储器(erasable programmable read-only memory，EPROM)、卡、棒或钥匙驱动器等)。另外，本文描述的各种存储介质可代表用于存储信息的一个或多个设备和/或其它机器可读介质。术语“机器可读介质”可包括但不限于，无线信道和能够存储、包含和/或承载指令和/或数据的各种其它介质。
随着无线通信技术的快速发展，当前通信网络面临多样化的应用场景，网络切片可以为不同应用需求提供定制化的虚拟网络，以满足不同场景中差异化的性能指标。网络切片不仅能为用户提供质量保障的网络服务，也可以通过共享资源而改善资源利用率，降低成本。当终端设备的位置信息或业务信息发生改变，或者该终端设备当前的网络切片发生故障或性能下降，都可能会影响终端设备的业务或使用体验。在这种情况下，可以将该终端设备切换到满足要求的备用网络切片上，以满足终端设备的业务需求。
例如，在电网场景中，电网行业用户通过分布式配电网络，分区域进行供电，并在一个区域内，形成一个微电网，微电网内能进行一定的电力自给自足。正常情况下，电网的5G通信终端工作在一个大的电子专用切片上，微电网内的所有gNB及核心网都支持该切片的正常运行。当出现大面积停电的紧急情况时，微电网内的gNB可能会因为断电停止工作，在这种情况下，可以将5G电力终端根据还能继续工作的gNB设施进行网络切片的切换，通过还在持续工作的gNB组成新的切片，以支持5G电力终端通信，保障电网设备能与电网控制中心通信，支持电力恢复；如果微电网内的5G电力终端无法保持对微电网范围外的通信，也可以对该终端进行网络切换的切换，以在微电网覆盖范围内维持电网设 备之间的通信，保持微电网范围内的电子运行。
图3示出了一种针对VAL应用程序的网络切片适配方法300的示例性流程图，该方法300可以用于对垂直行业应用终端进行网络切片的切换。方法300包括以下步骤：
S301，VAL服务器向NSCM服务器发送网络切片适配请求消息。
示例性地，VAL服务器向NSCM服务器发送VAL应用程序(以及使用VAL应用程序的VAL UE)的网络切片适配请求(network slice adaptation request)消息。该网络切片适配请求消息可以是针对使用VAL应用程序的VAL UE的，也可以是针对VAL应用程序的。应理解，使用VAL应用程序的VAL UE也可以称为VAL应用程序中的VAL UE。例如，该网络切片适配请求消息用于请求为使用某个VAL应用程序的所有VALUE请求进行网络切片(以及可选的DNN)适配，或者该网络切片适配请求消息用于请求将VAL应用程序重新映射到不同的网络切片(和/或映射到DNN)。应理解，这里的消息本身名称不对消息本身造成限制，这里的“网络切片适配”在某些场景下也可以称为“网络切片配置”、“网络切片选择”等，本申请不做限定。
表1示出了该网络切片适配请求消息中可能携带的部分参数列表。
表1
信息元素(Information element) 状态(Status) 描述(Description)
VAL service ID 必选 VAL应用的标识
List of VAL UE IDs 必选 VALUE的标识
Network slice adaptation cause 可选 网络切片适配的原因
Requested S-NSSAI 可选 目标网络切片的标识
Requested DNN 可选 目标DNN的标识
从表1中可以看出，该网络切片适配请求消息包括VAL应用的标识(VAL service ID)以及VALUE的标识(List of VAL UE IDs)。可选地，该网络切片适配请求消息还可以包括网络切片适配的原因、目标网络切片(或者称为请求网络切片)的标识以及目标DNN(或者称为请求DNN)的标识。
S302，NSCM服务器触发为使用VAL应用程序的每个VAL UE配置网络切片。
示例性地，NSCM服务器接收来自VAL服务器的网络切片适配请求消息，根据该网络切片适配请求消息，NSCM触发为使用VAL应用程序的每个VAL UE(或者说VAL应用程序中的每个VALUE)的配置网络切片。
S303，NSCM服务器通过5GC为每个VALUE配置网络切片。
示例性地，NSCM服务器为每个VAL UE提供更新的S-NSSAI和DNN。具体地，NSCM服务器通过调用核心网的接口对VALUE的网络切片进行配置。具体配置过程可参考现有协议，本申请对此不做限定。
S304，NSCM服务器向VAL服务器发送网络切片适配响应消息。
示例性地，在成功配置网络切片后，NSCM服务器向VAL服务器发送网络切片适配响应消息，通过该网络切片适配响应消息提供每个VALUE的网络切片适配结果。
因此，在上述方法流程中，由UE(或者说垂直行业客户端)自行决定网络切片切换的时机，以及网络切片切换的目标等信息，而Seal服务平台只是提供了切片的配置接口。但是垂直行业客户端无法感知网络切片的资源状况等信息，因此可能无法在合适的时机选择合适的网络切片，导致垂直行业的业务可靠性以及可用性受到影响。
为了解决上述技术问题，本申请实施例引入了一种网络切片选择网元，该网络切片选择网元也可以称为网络切片选择器，或者网络切片配置网元、网络切片适配器等，它可以是一个独立的网元，也可以是一个某个网元中的一个模块，本申请不做限定，任何实现类似功能的网元或设备均应在本申请保护范围内。该网络切片选择器是一种自动化的切片选择模块或网元，它可以根据网络切片资源信息，以及网络切片切换策略，自动化确定目标网络切片。并可以通过调用NSCM提供的切片选择配置接口，实现为UE切换网络切片的功能。该网络切片选择器可以集成在NSCM服务器中，即与NSCM部署在同一个服务器中，例如在图4所示的系统结构400中，网络切片选择器部署在NSCM服务器。该网络切片选择器还可以部署在一个独立的服务器上，例如在图5所示的系统架构500中，网络切片选择器部署在网络切片选择服务器上。另外，在图4或图5所示的系统架构中，VAL服务器(VAL Server)负责为网络切片选择器提供网络切片切换策略，以及接收切片变更结果通知。5GC(5G核心网)通过NEF提供UE的网络切片选择配置能力。NSMF(网络切片管理功能)负责提供网络切片相关的KPI、告警，以及相关的预测报告信息给网络切片选择器。
上述方案中的具体交互过程可以参照图6中的方法流程，具体实现方案见方法600中的详细描述。
下面结合附图详细说明本申请实施例提供的切换网络切片的方法。本申请提供的实施例可以应用于上述图1或图2所示的网络结构中，或者图4或图5所示的系统架构中，本申请不做限定。
图6示出了本申请实施例提供的切换网络切片的方法600的示例性流程图。方法600可以包括以下步骤：
S601，切片选择网元接收来自网络切片管理功能网元的原始网络切片的资源信息。
示例性地，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括以下信息中的一项或多项：原始网络切片的性能指标、原始网络切片的告警信息、针对原始网络切片的分析报告。
其中，该原始网络切片的性能指标可以包括原始网络切片的一个或多个性能参数，例如，时延、吞吐量、利用率等；原始网络切片的告警信息是用于在原始网络切片发生故障，或无法使用，或不能满足需求的情况下的一种告警信息，例如物理故障时的故障告警，或停电时候发出的掉电告警等；针对原始网络切片的分析报告可以是网络切片管理功能网元针对原始网络切片给出的分析(可选地还可以包括建议的行为)，例如，网络切片管理功能网元预测原始网络切片在一段时间后(例如10min后)网络资源占用率会超过门限值。
可选地，在S601之前，切片选择网元可以向网络切片管理功能网元订阅原始网络切片的资源信息，或者说，网络切片管理功能网元可以根据切片选择网元的订阅请求消息，向该切片选择网元发送原始网络切片的资源信息。例如：
S602，切片选择网元向网络切片管理功能网元发送订阅请求消息。
示例性地，该订阅请求消息包括原始网元切片的标识，该订阅请求消息用于请求订阅原始网络切片的资源信息，该资源信息可以是原始网络切片的性能指标、告警信息、分析报告中的一项或多项。
对应地，网络切片管理功能网元接收来自切片选择网元的订阅请求消息，当满足一定的条件，网络切片管理功能网元在S601向切片选择网元发送该原始网络切片的资源信息。其中，网络切片管理功能网元可以根据来自切片选择网元的订阅请求消息确定上报原始网 络切片的资源信息的条件。
例如，切片选择网元向网络切片管理功能网元订阅告警信息，当原始网络切片发生告警的情况(例如NSI告警)，则网络切片管理功能网元向切片选择网元发送原始网络切片的资源信息，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括针对该原始网络切片的告警信息。
又例如，切片选择网元向网络切片管理功能网元订阅原始网络切片的性能指标。在一种实现方式中，切片选择网元可以在订阅请求消息中指示上报原始网络切片的性能指标的条件，例如，切片选择网元可以在订阅请求消息中携带针对某一个或多个性能指标的阈值，例如时延阈值，当原始网络切片的时延大于或等于该时延阈值时，网络切片管理功能网元向切片选择网元上报原始网络切片的性能指标，该性能指标包括原始网络切片的时延。在另一种实现方式中，切片选择网元可以在订阅请求消息中指示上报原始网络切片的性能指标的时间间隔。例如，切片选择网元在订阅请求消息中指示网络切片管理功能网元每隔10分钟主动上报原始网络切片的时延，在这种实现方式中，网络切片管理功能网元每隔10分钟向切片选择网元上报一次原始网络切片的资源信息，该资源信息中包括原始网络切片的时延。
又例如，切片选择网元向网络切片管理功能网元订阅原始网络切片的分析报告。当网络切片管理功能网元根据运营商的策略或者其他条件对原始网络切片做出了分析报告时，需要向切片选择网元上报该原始网络切片的分析报告。
S603，切片选择网元根据原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。
示例性地，切片选择网元接收到来自网络切片管理功能网元的原始网络切片的资源信息之后，根据该原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。
其中，该网络切片切换策略包括切换网络切片的触发条件、目标网络切片的标识、原始网络切片的标识，以及原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。可选地，该网络切片切换策略还可以包括目标数据网络名称。
应理解，这里的原始网元切片用来指代终端设备当前的网络切片，目标网络切片用来指代终端设备待切换的网络切片(或者是备份的网络切片)，这里的名称只是为了区分不同的网络切片，在其他一些场景中，它们还可能有别的名称，本申请对此不做限定。
还应理解，这里的网络切片切换策略可以是应用服务器或者服务消费网元预先配置给切片选择网元的。例如：
S604，应用服务器向切片选择网元发送策略配置请求消息。
示例性地，该策略配置请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略，该策略配置请求消息用于请求配置(或创建)该网络切片切换策略。对应地，切片选择网元接收该策略配置请求消息，并从该策略配置请求消息中获得该网络切片切换策略。然后切片选择网元将该网络切片切换策略创建(或者保存)到本地。
应理解，切片选择网元可以在配置了该网络切片切换策略之后，再向网络切片管理功能网元订阅原始网络切片的资源信息。即，S602可以在S604之后执行。
下面对切片选择网元根据该原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上的实现方式作示例性说明。
示例性地，切片选择网元接收来自网络切片管理功能网元的原始网络切片的资源信息 之后，根据该原始网络切片的标识确定该原始网络切片对应的网络切片切换策略，该网络切片切换策略包括切换网络切片的触发条件、目标网络切片的标识、原始网络切片的标识，以及原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。下面对该网络切片切换策略，以及切片选择网元根据该网络切片切换策略判断是否对终端设备进行网络切片的切换作示例性说明：
当原始网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件，则切片选择网元确定可以将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。其中，该切换网络切片的触发条件可以包括以下一项或多项：网络切片的性能指标大于或等于第一阈值，或小于或等于第二阈值；切片选择网元接收到网络切片的告警信息；切片选择网元接收到网络切片的性能指标；切片选择网元接收到网络切片的告警信息，且该告警信息为高优先级告警；网络切片的分析报告满足切换条件，这里的切换条件例如可以是网络切片在1小时内可能出现高负载(或者负载大于阈值)的情况。
应理解，上述第一阈值和第二阈值可以是代表不同含义的阈值，例如，第一阈值为时延阈值，第二阈值为带宽阈值，第一阈值对应的性能指标为时延，第二阈值对应的性能指标为带宽。也就是说，该切换网络切片的触发条件可以包括：该网络切片的时延大于或等于时延阈值，或者该网络切片的带宽小于带宽阈值。
例如，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括原始网络切片的物理资源告警，该切换网络切片的触发条件包括切片选择网元接收到网络切片的告警信息，则切片选择网元可以确定将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网元切片上。
又例如，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括原始网络切片的时延为90ms，该切换网络切片的触发条件包括原始网络切片的时延大于100ms，则切片选择网元可以确定不将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网元切片上。
又例如，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括原始网络切片的利用率为70％，该切换网络切片的触发条件包括切片选择网元接收到网络切片的性能指标，则切片选择网元可以确定将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网元切片上。应理解，在该示例中，切片选择网元可以提前向网络切片管理功能网元订阅原始网络切片的性能指标，同时还指示了上报原始网络切片的性能指标的条件，例如，当原始网络切片的利用率大于60％时，网络切片管理功能网元向切片选择网元发送原始网络切片的利用率。因此在这种情况下，该触发条件可以是切片选择网元接收到网络切片的性能指标，此时的触发条件可以类似于上述告警信息。
又例如，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括掉电告警，该切换网络切片的触发条件包括接收到网络切片的告警信息，且该告警信息为高优先级告警，则原始网络切片根据本地预置的高优先级告警信息列表确定掉电告警是否为高优先级告警，如果是的话，则切片选择网元可以确定将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网元切片上。应理解，这里的高优先级告警是相对于普通告警(或者低优先级告警)而言的，它可以是由人为设定的，例如，可以提前设定物理告警和掉电告警为高优先级告警，其他告警为普通告警。
可选地，在原始网络切片的资源信息满足触发条件的情况下，切片选择网元可以直接确定将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。例如，目标网络切片为备份的、未被使用的网络切片，因此当原始网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以默认目标网络切片能够满足需求，直接将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络 切片上。
或者，在原始网络切片的资源信息满足触发条件的情况下，切片选择网元还可以进一步判断目标网络切片是否满足该触发条件，在不满足切换网络切片的触发条件的情况下，表示目标网络切片能够满足切换需求，切片选择网元才确定可以将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。
在一种实现方式中，在原始网络切片的资源信息满足触发条件的情况下，切片选择网元向网络切片管理功能网元发送资源信息请求消息，该资源信息请求消息包括目标网络切片的标识，该资源信息请求消息用于请求目标网络切片的资源信息，该资源信息可以包括目标网络切片的性能指标、告警信息、或分析报告中的一项或多项。网络切片管理功能网元接收到来自切片选择网元的资源信息请求消息之后，向切片选择网元发送目标网络切片的资源信息。然后切片选择网元判断该目标网络切片的资源信息是否满足切换网络切片的触发条件，在不满足的情况下，切片选择网元确定将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。
在另一种实现方式中，切片选择网元可以预先向网络切片管理功能网元订阅目标网元切片的资源信息，具体过程与S602类似，区别仅在于S602是订阅原始网络切片的资源信息，这里是订阅目标网元切片的资源信息，因此这里不再赘述。应理解，切片选择网元可以同时订阅原始网络切片的资源信息和目标网络切片的资源信息，即切片选择网元可以在S602同时向网络切片管理功能网元订阅原始网络切片的资源信息和目标网络切片的资源信息。因此，在这种实现方式中，在原始网络切片的资源信息满足触发条件的情况下，如果切片选择网元没有接收到目标网络切片的资源信息，或者目标网络切片的资源信息不满足切换网络切片的触发条件，则切片选择网元确定将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。
可选地，S605，切片选择网元向网络切片能力管理服务提供网元发送网络切片配置请求消息。
示例性地，当切片选择网元确定将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上，则切片选择网元向网络切片能力管理服务提供网元发送网络切片配置请求消息，该网络切片配置请求消息包括目标网络切片的标识，以及原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。该网络切片配置请求消息用于请求为该原始网络切片上的终端设备配置该目标网络切片。
对应地，网络切片能力管理服务提供网元接收来自切片选择网元的网络切片配置请求消息，根据该网络切片配置请求消息，网络切片能力管理服务提供网元通过调用核心网接口对原始网络切片上的终端设备的网络切片配置进行修改。具体过程可参考现有协议的相关内容，本申请对此不做限定。
配置成功之后，网络切片能力管理服务提供网元向切片选择网元发送网络切片配置响应消息，该网络切片配置响应消息用于指示为所述原始网络切片上的终端设备配置所述目标网络切片成功。
对应地，切片选择网元接收来自网络切片能力管理服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息，根据该网络切片配置响应消息，该切片选择网元在本地更新该目标网络切片的标识和该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识之间的关联关系。然后，可选地，
S606，切片选择网元向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈 消息包括该目标网络切片的标识和该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识。
对应地，切片选择网元接收来自应用服务器的网络切片配置反馈消息。如果该网络切片配置反馈消息包括该目标网络切片的标识和该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识，则应用服务器可以确定原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到了目标网络切片上。
可选地，在这种情况下，应用服务器可以生成新的网络切片切换策略，并通过策略修改流程指示切片选择网元对网络切片切换策略进行修改或替换。例如，应用服务器生成新的网络切片切换策略，该网络切片切换策略包括新的切换网络切片的触发条件、新的目标网络切片的标识、新的原始网络切片的标识，新的原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识等。应理解，这里的新的原始网络切片为上述实施例中的目标网络切片，这里的新的原始网络切片上的终端设备为上述实施例中的原始网络切片上的终端设备。这里的新的切换网络切片的触发条件可以与之前的切换网络切片的触发条件相同，也可以不同，本申请不做限定。然后，应用服务器向切换选择网元发送策略修改请求消息，该策略修改请求消息包括新的网络切片切换策略，以及原来的网络切片切换策略的标识。切换选择网元接收来自应用服务器的策略修改请求消息之后，将本地的网络切片切换策略替换为该新的网络切片切换策略。
应用功能网元也可以通过策略配置流程向切片选择网元配置新的网络切片切换策略。在这种情况下，应用功能网元也可以通过策略删除流程指示切片选择网元删除原来的网络切片切换策略。
如果在S603，切片选择网元确定不将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上，或者说，当目标网元切片满足切换网络切片的触发条件时，或者说，当目标网络切片不能满足切换需求时，切片选择网元可以直接向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息。
示例性地，在这种情况下，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括原始网络切片的标识，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示为原始网络切片上的终端设备执行网络切片的切换没有成功，或者说，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示目标网元切片不能满足切换需求，或者说，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示目标网络切片满足切换网络切片的触发条件。可选地，该网络切片配置反馈消息还可以包括原因值，该原因值用于指示网络切片的切换没有成功的原因，例如，目标网络切片的利用率大于阈值。
对应地，应用服务器接收来自切片选择网元的网络切片配置反馈消息，根据该网络切片配置反馈消息确定原始网络切片上的终端设备执行网络切片的切换没有成功。可选地，应用服务器还可以根据原因值执行一些对策。例如，当原因值指示网络切片切换没有成功的原因为目标网络切片的利用率大于阈值时，应用服务器可以修改网络切片切换策略，使得原始网元切片上的部分终端设备切换到目标网络切片上。例如，应用服务器向切片选择网元发送策略修改请求消息，该策略修改请求消息携带修改后的网络切片切换策略。对应地，切片选择网元接收来自应用服务器的策略修改请求消息，然后用该策略修改请求消息中携带的网络切片切换策略替换原来的网络切片切换策略。或者，应用服务器还可以在策略修改请求消息中携带网络切片切换策略的标识以及修改指示信息，该修改指示信息用于指示对网络切片切换策略进行修改。切片选择网元可以根据该修改指示信息对本地的网络切片切换策略进行修改。
基于上述方案，切片选择网元可以根据原始网络切片的资源信息，以及网络切片切换策略决定是否对原始网络切片上的终端设备执行网络切片的切换，以保障网络切片切换之 后终端设备的业务体验。
图6中的方法600描述了本申请实施例提供的一种切换网络切片的方法。下面以5G架构为基础，结合图7中的方法700描述本申请提供的一种应用于5G架构的优选的实施例。。方法700包括以下步骤：
S701，NSMF向切片选择网元发送网络切片通知消息。
示例性地，NSMF向切片选择网元发送网络切片通知(Notification)消息，该网络切片通知消息包括原始网络切片的资源信息，该网络切片通知消息包括该原始网络切片的标识，该原始网络切片的资源信息可以包括以下信息中的一项或多项：网络切片关键性能指标(key performance indicator，KPI)、网络切片告警(Alarm)、网络切片分析报告。
表2
Figure PCTCN2022125306-appb-000001
为了便于说明，表2列出了原始网络切片的资源信息可能包括的三种信息。下面结合表2对这三种信息分别进行介绍：
(1)网络切片KPI(S-NSSAI KPI)：网络切片KPI包括原始网络切片的一项或多项性能参数，例如原始网元切片的时延(Latency)、吞吐量(Throughput)、利用率(Utilization)等。该网络切片KPI可用于评估原始网络切片的性能或资源状况。
(2)网络切片告警(S-NSSAI Alarm)：网络切片告警是用于在原始网络切片发生故障或无法使用时的一种告警信息，例如可以是物理资源告警，或者是网络切片实例(network slice instance，NSI)告警，或者是网络切片告警等。
(3)网络切片分析报告：网络切片分析报告可以是NSMF中的MDAS组件通过对原始网络切片进行分析得到的分析报告，和/或建议的行为。该网络切片分析报告例如可以包括以下几种分析报告中的一种或多种：端到端时延分析(E2E latency analysis)报告、网络切片负载分析(Network slice load anyalysis for S-NSSAI)报告、业务体验分析(Service experience analysis)报告、KPI异常分析(KPI anomaly analysis)报告等。
S702，切片选择网元根据原始网络切片的资源信息及网络切片切换策略，确定是否对原始网络切片上的UE进行网络切片的切换。
示例性地，切片选择网元接收来自NSMF的网络切片通知消息，然后根据该网络切片 通知消息中的原始网络切片的资源信息，以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否对原始网络切片上的UE进行网络切片的切换，或者说，确定是否将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上。
其中，该网络切片切换策略用于切片选择网元自动进行网络切片的切换，或者说，该网络切片切换策略用于切片选择网元判断是否对原始网络切片上的UE进行网络切片的切换，或者说，该网络切片切换策略用于切片选择网元确定是否将该网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上。
应理解，该网络切片切换策略可以是垂直行业或者网络运营者创建并预先配置给切片选择网元的，或是初始预配置在切片选择网元的，本申请对此不做限定。
表3列出了网络切片切换策略中可能包括的内容。
表3
Figure PCTCN2022125306-appb-000002
从表3中可以看出，该网络切片切换策略中包括策略标识(PolicyID)，该PolicyID用于标识该网络切片切换策略，或者说，该PolicyID用于区分不同的网络切片切换策略。
该网络切片切换策略还包括condition(，用于指示为UE切换网络切片的触发条件，或者说该字段用于指示将UE切换到目标网络切片的触发条件。该触发条件例如可以包括以下一项或多项：
(1)网络切片KPI超过设定的阈值。其中，该网络切片KPI可以是任意一种或多种网络切片KPI，例如网络切片的时延(Latency)、吞吐量(Throughput)、利用率(Utilization)等。具体例如：网络切片时延大于或等于100ms，和/或网络切片最大连接数大于或等于1000。
(2)切片选择网元接收到高优先级告警，或者说原始网络切片的资源信息包括高优先级告警。该高优先级告警例如可以是网元故障告警、网元断电告警等。
(3)网络切片分析报告达到设定的条件。例如，网络切片分析报告中预测某一时间段网络资源占用率会超过阈值。
(4)切片选择网元接收到原始网络切片的告警信息，和/或KPI。或者说，原始网络切片的资源信息包括告警信息或KPI。
当满足上述触发条件中的一项或多项时，可以将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上。
该网络切片切换策略还可以包括原始网络切片的标识，该原始网络切片的标识与该网络切片切换策略相关联，或者说该网络切片切换策略用于该原始网络切片上的UE，或者说该网络切片切换策略用于指示该原始网络切片上的UE进行网络切片的切换的策略。该原始网络切片的标识可以包括一个或多个网络切片的标识。
该网络切片切换策略还可以包括目标网络切片的标识，即UE待切换的网络切片的标识，或者说是备份网络切片的标识。当满足上述切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以将该网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上。
可选地，该网络切片切换策略还可以包括目标DNN，即待切换的数据网络名称。当满足上述切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以将该网络切片上的UE切换到目标DNN对应的数据网络上。
该网络切片切换策略还可以包括VALUE标识列表(List of VAL UE ID(s))，即原始网络切片上的VALUE的标识列表，或者说需要进行网络切片切换的VALUE的标识列表。应理解，List of VAL UE ID(s)可以包括原始网络切片上所有UE的标识，也可以仅包括原始网络切片上部分UE的标识，本申请对此不做限定。该List of VAL UE ID(s)可以包括一个或多个UE的标识。当满足上述切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以将该VALUE标识列表中的UE切换到目标网络切片上。
该网络切片切换策略还可以包括服务标识(VAL Service ID)，即原始网络切片对应的服务(或应用)的标识，或者说需要进行网络切片切换的服务(或应用)的标识。当满足上述切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以将该服务标识(或应用标识)对应的VALUE进行网络切片的切换。
应理解，在某种实现方式中，该网络切片切换策略可以只包括VALUE标识列表和该VAL Service ID中的一项，也可以两项均包括，本申请不做限定。
在S702中，切片选择网元通过网络切片通知消息获得网络切片的资源信息之后，结合网络切片切换策略，确定是否将原始网络切片上的UE(即VALUE标识列表对应的UE)切换到目标网元切片上，或者说确定是否对该网络切片的UE进行网络切片的切换。作为一种可能的实现方式，当原始网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件时，可以将原始网络切片的UE切换到目标网络切片上。下面举例说明：
一示例，切片选择网元接收来自NSMF的网络切片通知消息，该网络切片通知消息中包括网络切片的标识，以及网络切片KPI和网络切片告警，其中该网络切片KPI为时延＝90ms，该网络切片告警为物理资源告警，且标识为高优先级告警。切片管理网元预配置了网络切片切换策略.其中该网络切片切换策略中的切换网络切片的触发条件为：网络切片的时延大于100ms，和/或接收到高优先级告警信息。在这种情况下，由于该网络切片通知消息中携带了高优先级的物理资源告警信息，因此切片选择网元将ListofVALUEID(s)中的VALUE(或者VAL serveice ID对应的UE)切换到目标网络切片上；
另一示例，切片选择网元接收来自NSMF的网络切片通知消息，该网络切片通知消息中包括原始网络切片的标识，以及网络切片分析报告，其中该网络切片分析报告包括网络切片负载分析报告，该网络切片负载分析报告显示在未来10分钟后，原始网络切片的负载将大于阈值。切片管理网元预配置了网络切片切换策略，其中该网络切片切换策略中的 切换网络切片的触发条件为：网络切片分析报告达到设定的条件，其中该条件为某一时间段网络切片的负载大于阈值。在这种情况下，由于网络切片通知消息中的网络切片分析报告满足切换网络切片的触发条件，则切片选择网元将ListofVALUEID(s)中的VALUE(或者VAL Service ID对应的UE)切换到目标网络切片上。
可选地，在原始网络切片的资源信息满足触发条件的情况下，切片选择网元还可以进一步判断目标网络切片是否满足该切换网络切片的触发条件。在目标网络切片的资源信息不满足切换网络切片的触发条件的情况下，切片选择网元才将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上。可选地，切片选择网元可以通过NSMF获得该目标网络切片的资源信息，具体方式本申请不做限定。
S703，切片选择网元向NSCM服务提供网元发送网络切片配置请求消息。
示例性地，当确定将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上时，切片选择网元向NSCM服务提供网元发送网络切片配置请求消息，该网络切片配置请求消息包括目标网络切片的标识，以及List of VAL UE ID(s)或者VAL Service ID，该网络切片配置请求消息用于请求为该List of VAL UE ID(s)或者VAL Service ID对应的UE配置该目标网络切片。
S704，NSCM服务提供网元通过5GC为UE修改网络切片配置。
示例性地，NSCM服务提供网元接收到来自切片选择网元的网络切片配置请求消息之后，通过调用核心网接口(可以是3GPP已有接口)对List of VAL UE ID(s)或者VAL Service ID对应的UE的网络切片配置进行修改。具体过程可参考现有协议的相关内容，本申请对此不做限定。
S705，5GC向NSCM服务提供网元发送网络切片配置响应消息。
S706，NSCM服务提供网元向切片选择网元发送该网络切片配置响应消息。
示例性地，5GC完成网络切片配置的修改之后，向NSCM发送网络切片配置响应消息，该网络切片配置响应消息可以指示网络切片配置修改是否成功。NSCM服务提供网元接收到该网络切片配置响应消息之后，将该网络切片配置响应消息发送给切片选择网元。
S707，切片选择网元更新UE和网络切片的映射关系。
示例性地，在一种可能的实现方式中，切片选择网元接收来自NSCM服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息，如果该网络切片配置响应消息指示UE的网络切片配置修改成功，则切片选择网元更新UE和目标网络切片之间的映射关系，该映射关系可以是UE的标识(VALUEID)与目标网络切片的标识之间的关联关系。应理解，这里的切片选择网元更新UE和目标网络切片之间的映射关系可以指的将VALUE的标识和该目标网络切片的标识关联起来，或者将UE的标识和原始网络切片的标识之间的关联关系更新为UE的标识和目标网络切片的标识之间的关联关系。
在另一种可能的实现方式中，切片选择网元接收来自NSCM服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息，如果网络切片配置响应消息指示VALservice(或VALservice对应的UE)的网络切片配置修改成功，则切片选择网元更新VALservice和目标网络切片之间的映射关系，该映射关系可以是VALserviceID与目标网络切片的标识之间的关联关系。
S708，切片选择网元向VAL服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息。
示例性地，切片选择网元更新了VALUE(或VALservice)和目标网络切片的标识之间的映射关系之后，向VAL服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈消 息包括UE的标识(或VALserviceID)和目标网络切片的标识。
因此在上述方案中，切片选择网元可以根据网络切片的资源信息和网络切片切换策略判断是否对UE进行网络切片的切换，或者说可以判断是否将UE切换到目标网络切片上，或者说为UE确定网络切片切换的目标网络切片，从而实现网络切片自动化切换的能力。
同时，切片选择网元在对UE进行网络切片的切换时，会考虑网络切片的资源信息，从而可以保证网络切片切换之后的垂直行业的业务可靠性以及可用性。
在方法700中，切片选择网元确定将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上时，切片选择网元请求NSCM服务提供网元为原始网络切片上的终端设备进行网络切片配置。然而，如果因为目标网络切片不满足切换条件(例如目标网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件)，导致切片选择网元不将原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片上的话，终端设备的业务体验可能会受到影响。鉴于此，图8示出了本申请实施例提供的方法800的示例性流程图。在方法800中，当切片选择网元通知VAL服务器对原始网络切片上的终端设备进行网络切片切换失败时，VAL服务器可以制定应对策略以保障终端设备的业务体验。应理解，方法800可以独立实施，也可以与方法700结合实施本申请对此不做限定。方法800包括以下步骤：
S801，NSMF向切片选择网元发送网络切片通知消息。
应理解，S801与方法700中的S701类似，为了简洁，不再重复说明。
S802，切片选择网元根据网络切片的资源信息及网络切片切换策略，确定是否对网络切片上的UE进行网络切片的切换。
示例性地，切片选择网元通过网络切片通知消息接收到网络切片的资源信息之后，结合网络切片切换策略，确定是否对该网络切片的UE进行网络切片的切换。其中，关于该网络切片切换策略的相关描述可参考方法700的S702部分，这里不再重复说明。
S803，切片选择网元向VAL服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息。
示例性地，当原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上没有成功时，例如，由于目标网络切片的资源信息满足切换网络切片的触发条件，或者说目标网络切片不满足切换需求，导致无法将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片，则切片选择网元向VAL服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示对原始网络切片上的UE进行网络切片的切换失败，或者说，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片没有成功。应理解，上述用于对目标网络切片的资源信息进行判断的切换网络切片的触发条件，与对原始网络切片上的资源信息进行判断的切换网络切片的触发条件，可以是同一个，即网络切片切换策略中可以只配置一个切换网络切片的触发条件。可选地，该网络切片配置反馈消息还可以包括网络切片切换失败的原因，和/或推荐的行为。
为了方便说明，表4列出了该网络切片配置反馈消息中可能包括的内容。
表4
Figure PCTCN2022125306-appb-000003
Figure PCTCN2022125306-appb-000004
下面结合表4对上述几种信息进行说明：
该网络切片配置反馈消息包括网络切片切换结果，该网络切片切换结果指示网络切片切换失败；
可选地，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括失败原因值，该失败原因值用于指示网络切片切换失败的具体原因。例如，失败原因值为目标网络切片负载过高；又例如，失败原因值为由于原始网络切片的UE数量过大(或性能要求过高)，目标网络切片无法满足原始网络切片所有UE的业务需求。
可选地，该网络切片配置反馈消息还可以指示推荐行为，即建议垂直行业服务器可以执行的后续行为，例如：推荐行为为修改目标网络切片订单(或者说升级目标网络切片配置)；又例如，推荐行为为修改网络切片切换策略，比如将待切换的UE进行分组，将其中一部分UE(例如60％)切换到目标网络切片。
对应地，VAL服务器接收来自切片选择网元的网络切片配置反馈消息。VAL服务器可以根据该网络切片配置反馈消息制定后续策略。例如，网络切片配置反馈消息中携带了原因值，且该原因值指示切换失败的原因为目标网络切片负载过高。则VAL服务器可以通过修改网络切片切换策略，在网络切片切换策略中的增加一个或多个目标网元切片(或者替换原来的目标网络切片)。又例如，网络切片配置反馈消息中携带了原因值，且该原因值指示切换失败的原因为目标网络切片无法满足原始网络切片上所有UE的业务需求，则VAL服务器可以通过修改网络切片切换策略，将网络切片切换策略中的List of VAL UE ID(s)进行修改(例如，仅保留60％的UE的标识)。
因此在上述方案中，如果网络切片切换失败，或者说如果目标网络切片不能满足网络切片切换要求，切片选择网元可以将该结果通知VAL服务器，并且还可以通知VAL服务器失败的原因以及建议的行为，以便VAL服务器可以重新制定网络切片切换策略。
图9示出了本申请实施例提供的方法900的示例性流程图。应理解，方法900可以独立实施，也可以与方法00或方法800结合实施，本申请不做限定。方法900可以包括以下步骤：
S901，NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器向切片选择网元发送策略配置/修改/查询/删除请求消息。
一种示例性方案，NSCM服务消费网元，或者VAL服务器向切片选择网元发送策略配置请求消息(或者也可以称为策略创建请求消息，这里不做限定)，该策略配置请求消息包括网络切片切换策略，该策略配置请求消息用于配置该网络切片切换策略。该网络切片切换策略可以是用于确定是否对UE进行网络切片切换的策略，本实施例对此不做限定。例如该网络切片切换策略类似于方法700的S702描述的网络切片切换策略，这里不再赘述。
另一种示例性方案，NSCM服务消费网元，或者VAL服务器向切片选择网元发送策略修改请求消息，该策略修改请求消息包括网络切片切换策略的标识，以及策略修改信息，该策略修改请求消息用于请求对该网络切片切换策略进行修改或更新。该策略修改信息可以是修改后的网络切片切换策略，在这种情况下，切片选择网元可以直接将该修改后的网 络切片切换策略替换原来的网络切片切换策略；或者，该策略修改信息也可以用于指示具体修改内容，例如将原来的网络切片切换策略中的切换网络切片的触发条件，或者原始网络切片的标识进行修改。
又一种示例性方案，NSCM服务消费网元，或者VAL服务器向切片选择网元发送策略查询请求消息，该策略查询请求消息包括网络切片切换策略的标识，该策略查询请求消息用于请求查询或获取该网络切片切换策略。
又一种示例性方案，NSCM服务消费网元，或者VAL服务器向切片选择网元发送网络切片切换策略删除请求消息，该网络切片切换策略删除请求消息包括网络切片切换策略的标识，该网络切片切换策略删除请求消息用于请求删除该网络切片切换策略。
S902，切片选择网元配置/修改/查询/删除网络切片切换策略。
一种示例性方案，切片选择网元接收来自NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的策略配置请求消息，该策略配置请求消息包括网络切片切换策略，则切片选择网元在本地配置该网络切片切换策略。应理解，切片选择网元在本地配置该网络切片切换策略，指的是切片选择网元在本地创建该网络切片切换策略，或者说将该网络切片切换策略保存到本地。
另一种示例性方案，切片选择网元接收来自NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的策略修改请求消息，该换策略修改请求消息包括网络切片切换策略的标识，以及策略修改信息。如果该策略修改指示信息指示了具体修改的内容，则切片选择网元可以根据网络切片切换策略的标识获取该网络切片切换策略，并根据该策略修改信息对该网络切片切换策略进行修改。如果该策略修改指示信息本身就是修改后的网络切片切换策略，则切片选择网元之间将该修改后的网络切片切换策略替换原来的网络切片切换策略。
又一种示例性方案，切片选择网元接收来自NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的策略查询请求消息，该策略查询请求消息包括网络切片切换策略的标识，则切片选择网元根据该策略的标识在本地查找该网络切片切换策略，如果查找成功，则切片选择网元通过网络切片查询响应消息将该网络切片切换策略发送给NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器。
又一种示例性方案，切片选择网元接收来自NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的策略删除请求消息，该策略删除请求消息包括网络切片切换策略的标识，则切片选择网元根据该策略删除请求消息，在本地存储中删除该网络切片切换策略。
S903，切片选择网元向NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器发送策略配置/修改/查询/删除响应消息。
示例性地，执行完S902之后，切片选择网元向NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器发送策略配置/修改/查询/删除响应消息，该策略配置/修改/查询/删除响应消息中包括操作成功或操作失败的指示信息。不过需要注意的是，对于网络切片切换策略查询响应消息，该响应消息中还可以携带切片选择网元查询到的网络切片切换策略。
因此在上述方案中，定义了网络切片切换策略的配置/修改/查询/删除的接口，或者说定义了NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的网络切片切换策略的配置/修改/查询/删除的能力，使得NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器可以通过切片选择网元执行网络切片切换策略的配置/修改/查询/删除操作。
图10示出了本申请实施例提供的切换网络切片的方法1000的示例性流程图。方法1000包括以下步骤：
S1001：NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器向切片选择器发送策略配置请求消息。
S1002，切片选择网元配置网络切片切换策略。
应理解，S1001与S1002与方法900中的S901和S902中的网络切片切换策略配置流程类似，这里不再重复说明。
S1003，切片选择网元向NSMF发送订阅请求消息。
示例性地，切片选择网元可以在创建了网络切片切换策略之后，向NSMF发送订阅请求消息，该订阅请求消息包括原始网络切片的标识，该订阅请求消息用于请求订阅原始网络切片的资源信息，该资源信息可以包括以下信息中的一项或多项：网络切片告警、网络切片关键性能指标、网络切片分析报告。切片选择网元可以在订阅请求消息中携带信息来指示其订阅的类型，例如切片选择网元在订阅请求消息中指示订阅网络切片告警；或者也可以采用默认的方式，例如，切片选择网元没有在订阅请求消息中指示订阅的类型，则默认订阅网络切片告警。
下面分别对切片选择网元订阅这三种类型的网络切片的资源信息的具体实现方式作示例性说明。
(1)网络切片告警订阅：
切片选择网元可以向NSMF订阅网络切片告警。当原始网络切片发生告警(或者高优先级告警)情况时，NSMF向切片选择网元发送告警信息。这里的告警情况可以包括网络切片告警，或者NSI告警等。
可选地，切片选择网元可以指示告警的条件，例如，切片选择网元在订阅请求消息中添加告警条件的指示信息，例如当网络切片掉电时，触发告警。
(2)网络切片关键性能指标订阅：
切片选择网元可以向NSMF订阅网络切片KPI，该网络切片KPI可以包括原始网络切片的时延、吞吐量、利用率等。
可选地，切片选择网元可以向NSMF指示上报网络切片KPI的条件。例如，切片选择网元在订阅请求消息中添加KPI阈值，如时延阈值，当原始网络切片的时延大于或等于该时延阈值时，NSMF向切片选择网元上报原始网络切片的时延。在这种实现方式中NSMF向网络切片选择网元上报的网络切片KPI，也可以看作一种告警信息(KPI告警)，当切片选择网元接收到该网络切片KPI，且目标网络切片也满足需求的情况下，可以将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上。
可选地，切片选择网元可以向NSMF指示上报网络切片KPI的时间间隔。例如，切片选择网元在订阅请求消息中指示NSMF每隔10min主动上报原始网络切片的时延。在这种实现方式中，当切片选择网元接收到来自NSMF的网络切片KPI时，可以根据网络切片切换策略判断该网络切片KPI是否满足切换网络切片的切换策略。
(3)网络切片分析报告订阅：
切片选择网元可以向NSMF订阅网络切片分析报告，这里的网络切片分析报告可以包括NSMF关于网络切片的报告及建议的行为。当NSMF根据运营商的策略或者其他条件对原始网络切片做出了分析报告时，需要向切片选择网元上报该原始网络切片的网络切片分析报告。
可选地，切片选择网元可以向NSMF指示上报网络切片分析报告的时间间隔。例如，切片选择网元在订阅请求消息中指示NSMF每隔10min主动上报原始网络切片的分析报告。在这种实现方式中，当切片选择网元接收到来自NSMF的网络切片分析报告时，可以 根据网络切片切换策略判断该网络切片分析报告是否满足切换网络切片的切换策略。
可选地，该订阅请求消息中还可以包括目标网络切片的标识。即切片选择网元可以通过该订阅请求消息请求订阅目标网络切片的资源信息。具体方式可以与上述订阅原始网络切片的资源信息的方式类似，这里不再赘述。
S1004，NSMF向切片选择网元发送订阅响应消息。
示例性地，NSMF接收到来自切片选择网元的订阅请求消息之后，可以向切片选择网元发送订阅响应消息，该订阅响应消息用于指示订阅成功。
可选地，如果在S1004之后，NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器指示切片选择网元对该网络切片切换策略进行修改或更新，则切片选择网元可以重新向NSMF订阅原始网络切片和/或目标网络切片的资源信息。例如：
切片选择网元接收来自NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的策略修改请求消息，该策略修改请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略以及策略修改信息，该策略修改信息指示对原始网络切片切换策略中的原始网络切片的标识进行修改(例如将原始网络切片的标识由“UE1、UE2、UE3”修改为“UE1”)。根据该策略修改请求消息，切片选择网元向NSMF发送订阅请求消息，该订阅请求消息包括修改后的原始网络切片的标识，该订阅请求消息用于请求订阅该修改后的原始网络切片的资源信息。
可选地，S1005，切片选择网元接收到来自NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的网络策略删除请求消息。
可选地，S1006，切片选择网元删除网络切片切换策略。
应理解，S1005与S1006与方法900中的S901和S902中的网络切片切换策略删除流程类似，这里不再重复说明。
可选地，S1007，切片选择网元向NSMF发送去订阅请求消息。
示例性地，切片选择网元接收到来自NSCM服务消费网元/VAL服务器的网络切片切换策略删除请求消息之后，可以向NSMF发送去订阅请求消息，该去订阅请求消息用于去订阅原始网络切片(可选地还可以包括目标网络切片)的资源信息。
可选地，S1008，NSMF向切片选择网元发送去订阅响应消息。
示例性地，NSMF接收到来自切片选择网元的去订阅请求消息之后，可以向切片选择网元发送去订阅响应消息，该去订阅响应消息用于指示去订阅成功。
因此在上述方案中，切片选择网元可以先NSMF订阅原始网络切片的资源信息，以便切片选择网元可以根据原始网络切片的资源信息判断是否可以将原始网络切片上的UE切换到目标网络切片上，以保障UE在网络切片切换之后的业务体验。
相应于上述各方法实施例给出的方法，本申请实施例还提供了相应的装置，所述装置包括用于执行上述各个方法实施例相应的模块。该模块可以是软件，也可以是硬件，或者是软件和硬件结合。可以理解的是，上述各方法实施例所描述的技术特征同样适用于以下装置实施例。
图11是本申请实施例提供的一种切换网络切片的装置的示意性框图。该装置10包括收发模块11和处理模块12。收发模块11可以用于实现相应的通信功能。收发模块11还可以称为通信接口或通信单元。处理模块12可以用于实现相应的处理功能。
可选地，该装置10还可以包括存储模块，该存储模块可以用于存储指令和/或数据，处理模块12可以读取存储模块中的指令和/或数据，以使得装置实现前述各个方法实施例 中设备或网元的动作。
在一种设计中，该装置10可以是前述实施例中的切片选择网元，也可以是切片选择网元的组成部件(如芯片)。该装置10可实现对应于上文方法实施例中的切片选择网元执行的步骤或者流程，其中，收发模块11可用于执行上文方法实施例中切片选择网元的收发相关的操作，处理模块12可用于执行上文方法实施例中切片选择网元的处理相关的操作。
第一种可能的实现方式，收发模块11，用于接收来自网络切片管理功能网元的原始网络切片的资源信息，该原始网络切片的资源信息包括以下信息中的一项或多项：该原始网络切片的性能指标、该原始网络切片的告警信息、针对该原始网络切片的分析报告；处理模块12，用于根据该原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将该原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，该网络切片切换策略包括切换网络切片的触发条件、该目标网络切片的标识、该原始网络切片的标识，以及该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。
可选地，处理模块12具体可用于判断该网络切片的资源信息是否满足该切换网络切片的触发条件；以及，在该网络切片的资源信息满足该切换网络切片的触发条件的情况下，确定将该网络切片上的终端设备切换到该目标网络切片。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于接收来自该网络切片管理功能网元的目标网络切片的资源信息；处理模块12，还用于确定该目标网络切片的资源信息不满足该触发条件。
可选地，该切换网络切片的触发条件包括以下一项或多项：该网络切片的性能指标大于或等于第一阈值，或者小于或等于第二阈值；该切片选择网元接收到该网络切片的告警信息和/或该网络切片的性能指标；该切片选择网元接收到该原始网络切片的告警信息，且该告警信息为高优先级告警信息；该网络切片的分析报告满足切换条件。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于向该网络切片管理功能网元发送订阅请求消息，该订阅请求消息包括该原始网络切片的标识，该订阅请求消息用于订阅该原始网络切片的资源信息。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于向网络切片能力管理服务提供网元发送网络切片配置请求消息，该网络切片配置请求消息包括该目标网络切片的标识，以及该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/该应用标识，该网络切片配置请求消息用于请求为该网络切片上的终端设备配置该目标网络切片。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息，该网络切片配置响应消息用于指示为该终端设备配置该目标网络切片成功；以及，向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括该目标网络切片的标识和该原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识。
可选地，处理模块12，还用于在本地更新该目标网络切片的标识和该终端设备的标识之间的关联关系。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，该网络切片配置反馈消息包括该原始网络切片的标识，该网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示为该原始网络切片上的终端设备进行网络切片的切换没有成功。
可选地，该网络配置反馈消息还包括原因值和/或建议行为指示信息，该原因值用于指示不将该网络切片上的终端设备切换到该目标网络切片上的原因，该建议行为指示信息 用于指示该应用服务器执行的操作。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略配置请求消息，该策略配置请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略；处理模块12，还用于保存该网络切片切换策略。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略修改请求消息，该策略修改请求消息包括策略修改信息，该策略修改信息用于指示对该网络切片切换策略执行的修改；处理模块12，还用于根据该策略修改信息对该网络切片切换策略进行修改。
可选地，收发模块11，还用于接收来自该网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略删除请求消息，该策略删除请求消息包括该网络切片切换策略的标识，该策略删除请求消息用于指示对该网络切片切换策略进行删除；处理模块12，还用于删除该网络切片切换策略。
应理解，各模块执行上述相应步骤的具体过程在上述各方法实施例中已经详细说明，为了简洁，在此不再赘述。
还应理解，这里的装置10以功能模块的形式体现。这里的术语“模块”可以指应用特有集成电路(application specific integrated circuit，ASIC)、电子电路、用于执行一个或多个软件或固件程序的处理器(例如共享处理器、专有处理器或组处理器等)和存储器、合并逻辑电路和/或其它支持所描述的功能的合适组件。在一个可选例子中，本领域技术人员可以理解，装置10可以具体为上述实施例中的切片选择网元，可以用于执行上述各方法实施例中与切片选择网元对应的各个流程和/或步骤，为避免重复，在此不再赘述。
上述各个方案的装置10具有实现上述方法中切片选择网元所执行的相应步骤的功能。所述功能可以通过硬件实现，也可以通过硬件执行相应的软件实现。所述硬件或软件包括一个或多个与上述功能相对应的模块；例如收发模块可以由收发机替代(例如，收发模块中的发送单元可以由发送机替代，收发模块中的接收单元可以由接收机替代)，其它单元，如处理模块等可以由处理器替代，分别执行各个方法实施例中的收发操作以及相关的处理操作。
此外，上述收发模块11还可以是收发电路(例如可以包括接收电路和发送电路)，处理模块可以是处理电路。
需要指出的是，图11中的装置可以是前述实施例中的网元或设备，也可以是芯片或者芯片系统，例如：片上系统(system on chip，SoC)。其中，收发模块可以是输入输出电路、通信接口；处理模块为该芯片上集成的处理器或者微处理器或者集成电路。在此不做限定。
如图12所示，本申请实施例提供另一种切换网络切片的装置20。该装置20包括处理器21，处理器21用于执行存储器22存储的计算机程序或指令，或读取存储器22存储的数据/信令，以执行上文各方法实施例中的方法。可选地，处理器21为一个或多个。
可选地，如图12所示，该装置20还包括存储器22，存储器22用于存储计算机程序或指令和/或数据。该存储器22可以与处理器21集成在一起，或者也可以分离设置。可选地，存储器22为一个或多个。
可选地，如图12所示，该装置20还包括收发器23，收发器23用于信号的接收和/或发送。例如，处理器21用于控制收发器23进行信号的接收和/或发送。
作为一种方案，该装置20用于实现上文各个方法实施例中由切片选择网元所执行的操作。
例如，处理器21用于执行存储器22存储的计算机程序或指令，以实现上文各个方法实施例中切片选择网元的相关操作。例如，图6至图9中任意一个所示实施例中的切片选择网元执行的方法。
应理解，本申请实施例中提及的处理器可以是中央处理模块(central processing unit，CPU)，还可以是其他通用处理器、数字信号处理器(digital signal processor，DSP)、专用集成电路(application specific integrated circuit，ASIC)、现成可编程门阵列(field programmable gate array，FPGA)或者其他可编程逻辑器件、分立门或者晶体管逻辑器件、分立硬件组件等。通用处理器可以是微处理器或者该处理器也可以是任何常规的处理器等。
还应理解，本申请实施例中提及的存储器可以是易失性存储器和/或非易失性存储器。其中，非易失性存储器可以是只读存储器(read-only memory，ROM)、可编程只读存储器(programmable ROM，PROM)、可擦除可编程只读存储器(erasable PROM，EPROM)、电可擦除可编程只读存储器(electrically EPROM，EEPROM)或闪存。易失性存储器可以是随机存取存储器(random access memory，RAM)。例如，RAM可以用作外部高速缓存。作为示例而非限定，RAM包括如下多种形式：静态随机存取存储器(static RAM，SRAM)、动态随机存取存储器(dynamic RAM，DRAM)、同步动态随机存取存储器(synchronous DRAM，SDRAM)、双倍数据速率同步动态随机存取存储器(double data rate SDRAM，DDR SDRAM)、增强型同步动态随机存取存储器(enhanced SDRAM，ESDRAM)、同步连接动态随机存取存储器(synchlink DRAM，SLDRAM)和直接内存总线随机存取存储器(direct rambus RAM，DR RAM)。
需要说明的是，当处理器为通用处理器、DSP、ASIC、FPGA或者其他可编程逻辑器件、分立门或者晶体管逻辑器件、分立硬件组件时，存储器(存储模块)可以集成在处理器中。
还需要说明的是，本文描述的存储器旨在包括但不限于这些和任意其它适合类型的存储器。
本申请实施例还提供一种计算机可读存储介质，其上存储有用于实现上述各方法实施例中由核心网网元执行的方法的计算机指令。
例如，该计算机程序被计算机执行时，使得该计算机可以实现上述方法各实施例中由切片选择网元执行的方法。
本申请实施例还提供一种计算机程序产品，包含指令，该指令被计算机执行时以实现上述各方法实施例中由切片选择网元执行的方法。
上述提供的任一种装置中相关内容的解释及有益效果均可参考上文提供的对应的方法实施例，此处不再赘述。
在本申请所提供的几个实施例中，应该理解到，所揭露的装置和方法，可以通过其它的方式实现。例如，以上所描述的装置实施例仅是示意性的，例如，所述单元的划分，仅仅为一种逻辑功能划分，实际实现时可以有另外的划分方式，例如多个单元或组件可以结合或者可以集成到另一个系统，或一些特征可以忽略，或不执行。此外，所显示或讨论的相互之间的耦合或直接耦合或通信连接可以是通过一些接口，装置或单元的间接耦合或通信连接，可以是电性，机械或其它的形式。
在上述实施例中，可以全部或部分地通过软件、硬件、固件或者其任意组合来实现。当使用软件实现时，可以全部或部分地以计算机程序产品的形式实现。所述计算机程序产品包括一个或多个计算机指令。在计算机上加载和执行所述计算机程序指令时，全部或部分地产生按照本申请实施例所述的流程或功能。所述计算机可以是通用计算机、专用计算机、计算机网络、或者其他可编程装置。例如，所述计算机可以是个人计算机，服务器，或者网络设备等。所述计算机指令可以存储在计算机可读存储介质中，或者从一个计算机可读存储介质向另一个计算机可读存储介质传输，例如，所述计算机指令可以从一个网站站点、计算机、服务器或数据中心通过有线(例如同轴电缆、光纤、数字用户线(DSL))或无线(例如红外、无线、微波等)方式向另一个网站站点、计算机、服务器或数据中心进行传输。所述计算机可读存储介质可以是计算机能够存取的任何可用介质或者是包含一个或多个可用介质集成的服务器、数据中心等数据存储设备。所述可用介质可以是磁性介质(例如，软盘、硬盘、磁带)、光介质(例如，DVD)、或者半导体介质(例如固态硬盘(solid state disk，SSD)等。例如，前述的可用介质包括但不限于：U盘、移动硬盘、只读存储器(read-only memory，ROM)、随机存取存储器(random access memory，RAM)、磁碟或者光盘等各种可以存储程序代码的介质。
以上所述，仅为本申请的具体实施方式，但本申请的保护范围并不局限于此，任何熟悉本技术领域的技术人员在本申请揭露的技术范围内，可轻易想到变化或替换，都应涵盖在本申请的保护范围之内。因此，本申请的保护范围应以所述权利要求的保护范围为准。

Claims (19)

  1. 一种切换网络切片的方法，其特征在于，包括：
    切片选择网元接收来自网络切片管理功能网元的原始网络切片的资源信息，所述原始网络切片的资源信息包括以下信息中的一项或多项：所述原始网络切片的性能指标、所述原始网络切片的告警信息、针对所述原始网络切片的分析报告；
    所述切片选择网元根据所述原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将所述原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，所述网络切片切换策略包括切换网络切片的触发条件、所述目标网络切片的标识、所述原始网络切片的标识，以及所述原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述切片选择网元根据所述原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将所述原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，包括：
    所述切片选择网元判断所述原始网络切片的资源信息是否满足所述切换网络切片的触发条件；
    在所述原始网络切片的资源信息满足所述切换网络切片的触发条件的情况下，所述切片选择网元确定将所述原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到所述目标网络切片。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元接收来自所述网络切片管理功能网元的目标网络切片的资源信息，所述目标网络切片的资源信息包括以下信息中的一项或多项：所述目标网络切片的性能指标、所述目标网络切片的告警信息、针对所述目标网络切片的分析报告；
    所述切片选择网元确定所述目标网络切片的资源信息不满足所述切换网络切片的触发条件。
  4. 根据权利要求1至3中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述切换网络切片的触发条件包括以下一项或多项：
    网络切片的性能指标大于或等于第一阈值，或者小于或等于第二阈值；
    所述切片选择网元接收到网络切片的告警信息和/或网络切片的性能指标；
    所述切片选择网元接收到网络切片的告警信息，且所述告警信息为高优先级告警信息；
    网络切片的分析报告满足切换条件。
  5. 根据权利要求1至4中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元向所述网络切片管理功能网元发送订阅请求消息，所述订阅请求消息包括所述原始网络切片的标识，所述订阅请求消息用于订阅所述原始网络切片的资源信息。
  6. 根据权利要求1至5中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，在所述切片选择网元确定将所述原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到所述目标网络切片上的情况下，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元向网络切片能力管理服务提供网元发送网络切片配置请求消息，所述网络切片配置请求消息包括所述目标网络切片的标识，以及所述原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/所述应用标识，所述网络切片配置请求消息用于请求为所述原始网络切片 上的终端设备配置所述目标网络切片。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元接收来自所述网络切片能力管理服务提供网元的网络切片配置响应消息，所述网络切片配置响应消息用于指示为所述终端设备配置所述目标网络切片成功；
    根据所述网络切片配置响应消息，所述切片选择网元向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，所述网络切片配置反馈消息包括所述目标网络切片的标识和所述原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识。
  8. 根据权利要求7所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元在本地更新所述目标网络切片的标识和所述终端设备的标识之间的关联关系。
  9. 根据权利要求1至5中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，在所述切片选择网元确定不将所述原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到所述目标网络切片上的情况下，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元向应用服务器发送网络切片配置反馈消息，所述网络切片配置反馈消息包括所述原始网络切片的标识，所述网络切片配置反馈消息用于指示为所述原始网络切片上的终端设备进行网络切片的切换没有成功。
  10. 根据权利要求9所述的方法，其特征在于，所述网络配置反馈消息还包括原因值和/或建议行为指示信息，所述原因值用于指示不将所述原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到所述目标网络切片上的原因，所述建议行为指示信息用于指示所述应用服务器执行的操作。
  11. 根据权利要求1至10中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元接收来自所述网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略配置请求消息，所述策略配置请求消息包括所述网络切片切换策略；
    所述切片选择网元保存所述网络切片切换策略。
  12. 根据权利要求1至11所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元接收来自所述网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略修改请求消息，所述策略修改请求消息包括策略修改信息，所述策略修改信息用于指示对所述网络切片切换策略执行的修改；
    所述切片选择网元根据所述策略修改信息对所述网络切片切换策略进行修改。
  13. 根据权利要求1至12所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：
    所述切片选择网元接收来自所述网络切片能力管理服务消费网元或者应用服务器的策略删除请求消息，所述策略删除请求消息包括所述网络切片切换策略的标识，所述策略删除请求消息用于指示对所述网络切片切换策略进行删除；
    所述切片选择网元删除所述网络切片切换策略。
  14. 一种切换网络切片的装置，其特征在于，所述装置包括：用于执行如权利要求1至13中任一项所述的方法的模块，或者用于执行如权利要求7至13中任一项所述的方法的单元。
  15. 一种切换网络切片的装置，其特征在于，包括：
    处理器，用于执行存储器中存储的计算机程序，以使得所述装置执行如权利要求1至13中任一项所述的方法。
  16. 根据权利要求15所述的装置，其特征在于，所述装置还包括所述存储器。
  17. 一种计算机可读存储介质，其特征在于，所述计算机可读存储介质上存储有计算机程序，当所述计算机程序在计算机上运行时，使得所述计算机执行如权利要求1至13中任意一项所述的方法。
  18. 一种计算机程序产品，其特征在于，所述计算机程序产品包括用于执行如权利要求1至13中任一项所述的方法的指令。
  19. 一种切换网络切片的方法，其特征在于，包括：
    网络切片管理功能网元向切片选择网元发送原始网络切片的资源信息，所述原始网络切片的资源信息包括以下信息中的一项或多项：所述原始网络切片的性能指标、所述原始网络切片的告警信息、针对所述原始网络切片的分析报告；
    所述切片选择网元根据所述原始网络切片的资源信息以及网络切片切换策略，确定是否将所述原始网络切片上的终端设备切换到目标网络切片，所述网络切片切换策略包括切换网络切片的触发条件、所述目标网络切片的标识、所述原始网络切片的标识，以及所述原始网络切片上的终端设备的标识和/或应用标识。
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