Discovery method of near field communication controller, amf, system, and medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a discovery method of a near field communication controller, an AMF, a system and a storage medium, wherein the method comprises: the AMF receiving DDNMF request information sent by a terminal, the information comprising at least one Prose application ID; the AMF sending DDNMF discovery request information to the NRF if it is determined that no target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID is stored; the AMF receiving DDNMF discovery response information returned by the NRF, the information comprising target DDNMF information supporting the Prose application ID; and the AMF returning the target DDNMF information to the terminal according to the DDNMF response information. The present disclosure solves the problem of the terminal determining a suitable DDNMF in a multi-DDNMF scenario, can enhance the networking expansion capability of near field communication, and improves the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for discovering a near-field communication controller, an AMF, a system, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] The 3GPP standard defines near-field communication (NFC), which refers to the ability of remote UEs (User Equipment) to access the mobile core network via relay UEs or to communicate directly between terminals in areas without base station signals. To control the relay terminal (or peer terminal) discovery function in NFC, a Near-Field Communication Controller (DDNMF) is introduced. The DDNMF is primarily responsible for authentication / authorization during UE NFC communication, as well as managing and allocating Prose (Proximity-based Services) application IDs and Prose application codes used in the relay terminal discovery process. Currently, only one DDNMF can be deployed per PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network). However, for large-scale operator networks, providing services to all users with only one DDNMF is extremely difficult, and there is currently no solution for how terminals can find the required DDNMF in multi-DDNMF scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, one technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for discovering a near-field communication controller, an AMF, a system, and a storage medium.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for discovering a Near-Field Communication Controller (NFC) is provided, comprising: an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) receiving Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) request information sent by a terminal; wherein the DDNMF request information includes at least one distance-based Service Prose Application ID; if the AMF determines that no target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose Application ID is stored, the AMF sends DDNMF discovery request information to a Network Repository Function (NRF); wherein the DDNMF discovery request information includes the Prose Application ID; the AMF receives DDNMF discovery response information returned by the NRF; wherein the DDNMF discovery response information includes target DDNMF information supporting the Prose Application ID; and the AMF returns the target DDNMF information to the terminal based on the DDNMF response information.

[0005] Optionally, if the AMF determines that it stores target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID, it acquires this target DDNMF information and returns it to the terminal.

[0006] Optionally, the AMF receiving the DDNMF request information sent by the terminal includes: the AMF receiving the request message sent by the terminal and obtaining the DDNMF request information from the request message; wherein, the request message includes: a DDNMF request message, a registration request message, or a periodically sent location update message.

[0007] Optionally, returning the target DDNMF information to the terminal includes: the AMF sending a request-response message to the terminal to carry the target DDNMF information through the request-response message; wherein the request-response message includes: a DDNMF request-response message, a registration response message, or a location update response message.

[0008] Optionally, the Network Repository Function (NRF) receives and stores the registration information sent by the DDNMF; wherein the registration information includes: the Prose application ID supported by the DDNMF; and the NRF determines the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID in the DDNMF discovery request information based on the registration information.

[0009] Optionally, the terminal accesses the corresponding DDNMF based on the target DDNMF information to obtain the Prose application code corresponding to the Prose application ID, and uses the Prose application code to perform corresponding business operations.

[0010] Optionally, the target DDNMF information includes: the IP address and / or domain name information of the target DDNMF.

[0011] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is provided, comprising: a request receiving module, configured to receive Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) request information sent by a terminal; wherein the DDNMF request information includes at least one distance-based Service Prose Application ID; a discovery request module, configured to send DDNMF discovery request information to a Network Repository Function (NRF) if it is determined that no target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose Application ID is stored; wherein the DDNMF discovery request information includes the Prose Application ID; a response receiving module, configured to receive DDNMF discovery response information returned by the NRF; wherein the DDNMF discovery response information includes target DDNMF information supporting the Prose Application ID; and an information sending module, configured to return the target DDNMF information to the terminal based on the DDNMF response information.

[0012] Optionally, the discovery request module is further configured to, if it is determined that target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID is stored, obtain the target DDNMF information and return it to the terminal.

[0013] Optionally, the request receiving module is configured to receive a request message sent by the terminal and obtain the DDNMF request information from the request message; wherein the request message includes: a DDNMF request message, a registration request message, or a periodically sent location update message.

[0014] Optionally, the information sending module is configured to send a request-response message to the terminal to carry the target DDNMF information through the request-response message; wherein, the request-response message includes: a DDNMF request-response message, a registration response message, or a location update response message.

[0015] Optionally, the NRF receives and stores the registration information sent by the DDNMF; wherein, the registration information includes: the Prose application ID supported by the DDNMF; the NRF determines the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID in the DDNMF discovery request information based on the registration information.

[0016] Optionally, the target DDNMF information includes: the IP address and / or domain name information of the target DDNMF.

[0017] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an AMF is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system includes: NRF, DDNMF, and AMF as described above.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer instructions which are executed by a processor using the method described above.

[0020] The present disclosure of the discovery method, AMF, system, and storage medium for the near-field communication controller solves the problem of determining the appropriate DDNMF for the terminal in multi-DDNMF scenarios, enhances the networking expansion capability of near-field communication, and can be used in 5G and subsequent evolved mobile communication systems (such as 6G), improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the discovery method for a near-field communication controller according to the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the discovery method for a near-field communication controller according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to an embodiment of the AMF of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the AMF of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the discovery method for a proximity communication controller according to the present disclosure, as follows: Figure 1 As shown:

[0028] Step 101: The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) receives DDNMF request information sent by the terminal; wherein, the DDNMF request information includes at least one Prose (Proximity-based Services) application ID.

[0029] In one embodiment, there can be multiple Prose applications, such as device-to-device (D2D) applications. The DDNMF request information sent by the terminal includes a Prose application ID or a list of Prose application IDs.

[0030] Step 102: If the AMF determines that there is no target DDNMF information stored corresponding to the Prose application ID, it sends a DDNMF discovery request to the NRF (NF Repository Function); the DDNMF discovery request includes the Prose application ID.

[0031] In one embodiment, the DDNMF sends registration information to the NRF when registering, which carries one or more Prose application IDs it supports. The NRF stores and maintains the registration information. The DDNMF discovery request message sent by the AMF to the NRF carries one Prose application ID or a list of Prose application IDs.

[0032] Step 103: The AMF receives the DDNMF discovery response information returned by the NRF; wherein, the DDNMF discovery response information includes the target DDNMF information supporting the Prose application ID.

[0033] In one embodiment, the NRF establishes and stores the mapping between Prose application IDs and DDNMF information based on the registration information. When the NRF receives a DDNMF discovery request, it retrieves a Prose application ID or a list of Prose application IDs carried in the DDNMF discovery request.

[0034] The NRF determines, based on the correspondence, the Prose application ID that matches a Prose application ID or a list of Prose application IDs carried in the DDNMF discovery request information, along with the corresponding target DDNMF information. Specifically, it retrieves the Prose application ID that matches a Prose application ID or a list of Prose application IDs carried in the DDNMF discovery request information, along with the corresponding target DDNMF information. The NRF then returns a DDNMF discovery response, including the target DDNMF information that supports the Prose application ID.

[0035] Step 104: AMF returns the target DDNMF information to the terminal based on the DDNMF response information.

[0036] The AMF caches the target DDNMF information returned by the NRF, which corresponds to the Prose application ID in the DDNMF request information sent by the terminal. If the AMF determines that it stores the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID, it retrieves this target DDNMF information and returns it to the terminal. The target DDNMF information includes the IP address and / or domain name information of the target DDNMF.

[0037] To address the problem in existing technologies where terminals cannot find suitable DNMFs in multi-DNMF scenarios, thus hindering near-field communication, this disclosure proposes a method for discovering a near-field communication controller. The AMF acts as an agent for the terminal to discover suitable DNMFs. Based on this method, the terminal sends a DNMF request message to the AMF. The AMF then queries the NRF based on the received Prose application ID. The NRF returns suitable DNMF information, and the AMF returns the received DNMF information to the terminal. This solves the key problem of the terminal determining a suitable DNMF in multi-DNMF scenarios, providing the conditions for near-field communication.

[0038] In one embodiment, the AMF receives a request message sent by the terminal and obtains DDNMF request information from the request message. The request message includes a DDNMF request message, a registration request message, or a periodically sent location update message, etc.

[0039] The request message sent by the terminal to the AMF can be a newly added separate signaling message, i.e., the DDNMF request information is a newly added signaling message, or the content of the DDNMF request information can be loaded into existing registration request messages or periodically sent update request messages for transmission. The request message contains at least one Prose application ID, i.e., a Prose application ID or a list of Prose application IDs.

[0040] AMF determines whether the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID (or list) requested by the terminal is cached in the local cache. If so, it retrieves the stored target DDNMF information and returns it to the terminal; otherwise, it sends a DDNMF discovery request to NRF, which carries the Prose application ID (or list) sent by the terminal.

[0041] AMF sends a request-response message to the terminal to carry the target DDNMF information. The request-response message includes DDNMF request-response message, registration response message, or location update response message, etc.

[0042] In one embodiment, the NRF receives and stores registration information sent by the DDNMF, including the Prose application ID supported by the DDNMF; based on the registration information, the NRF determines the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID in the DDNMF discovery request information.

[0043] One or more DDNMFs are deployed within the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). The NRF receives registration information from one or more DDNMFs deployed within its own PLMN. The registration request includes the Prose application ID of the supported Prose application and the corresponding PLMN ID. Domain information can also be included in this registration request, which distinguishes the service areas of different DDNMFs within the PLMN. The NRF maintains the registration information reported by the DDNMFs.

[0044] Based on the received DDNMF discovery request information, the NRF queries the DDNMF registration information maintained on it, and returns the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID (or list) in the DDNMF discovery request information to the AMF through the DDNMF discovery response message. The target DDNMF information includes the IP address and / or domain name of the DDNMF (or DDNMF list) that supports the requested Prose application ID (or list).

[0045] The AMF returns the target DDNMF information sent by the NRF to the terminal. This can be done through a newly added separate signaling message, i.e., the DDNMF request-response message is a newly added signaling message, or it can be returned to the terminal through a registration response message or a periodic location update response message.

[0046] The terminal accesses the corresponding DDNMF based on the target DDNMF information to obtain the Prose application code corresponding to the Prose application ID, which is then used to execute the corresponding business operations. The business operations executed by the terminal can be varied, such as performing a terminal discovery process for local area communication to find a relay terminal or a direct communication peer terminal to conduct local area communication services.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the discovery method for a near-field communication controller according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 The terminal in this context is an SA terminal. During the 5G registration process, the SA terminal simultaneously obtains its DDNMF address, such as... Figure 2 As shown:

[0048] Step 201: DDNMF sends a registration request to NRF, carrying a list of Prose application IDs it supports.

[0049] Step 202: NRF returns a registration response to DDNMF.

[0050] Step 203: The terminal sends a registration request message to the AMF. The registration request message contains the Prose application ID (DDNMF request information) requested by the terminal.

[0051] Step 204: After receiving the registration request, AMF completes the authentication process.

[0052] Step 205: The AMF sends a DDNMF discovery request message to the NRF, which carries the Prose application ID requested by the terminal.

[0053] Step 206: NRF returns a DDNMF discovery response to AMF, which carries the DDNMF information (target DDNMF information) corresponding to the requested Prose application ID.

[0054] Step 207: The terminal and network cooperate to complete the remaining registration process. Steps 205 and 206 can be executed simultaneously with step 207, or after step 207.

[0055] Step 208: AMF returns a registration acceptance message to the terminal, which carries the DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID requested by the terminal.

[0056] Step 209: The terminal accesses the corresponding DDNMF to obtain the Prose application code corresponding to the requested Prose application ID.

[0057] Step 210: Use the Prose application code to execute the UE discovery process for local communication, find the relay terminal or the peer terminal for direct communication, and then local communication can be carried out.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure provides an AMF 30, including a request receiving module 31, a discovery request module 32, and a response receiving module 33. The request receiving module 31 receives Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) request information sent by a terminal, the DDNMF request information including at least one Prose application ID.

[0059] If the discovery request module 32 determines that no target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID is stored, it sends a DDNMF discovery request message to the NRF, which includes the Prose application ID. The response receiving module 33 receives the DDNMF discovery response message returned by the NRF, which includes the target DDNMF information supporting the Prose application ID. The information sending module 34 returns the target DDNMF information to the terminal based on the DDNMF response message.

[0060] In one embodiment, if the discovery request module 32 determines that target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID is stored, it retrieves this target DDNMF information and returns it to the terminal. The request receiving module 31 receives the request message sent by the terminal and retrieves DDNMF request information from the request message. The request message includes DDNMF request messages, registration request messages, or periodically sent location update messages, etc.

[0061] The information sending module 34 sends a request-response message to the terminal to carry the target DDNMF information. The request-response message includes DDNMF request-response messages, registration response messages, or location update response messages.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the AMF of this disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the device may include a memory 41, a processor 42, a communication interface 43, and a bus 44. The memory 41 is used to store instructions, and the processor 42 is coupled to the memory 41. The processor 42 is configured to execute the aforementioned discovery method of the local area communication controller based on the instructions stored in the memory 41.

[0063] The memory 41 can be a high-speed RAM, non-volatile memory, or a memory array. The memory 61 may also be divided into blocks, and these blocks can be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules. The processor 42 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the discovery method of the local area communication controller disclosed herein.

[0064] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a communication system including NRF, DDNMF, and AMF as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0065] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the discovery method of the local communication controller as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

[0066] The discovery method, AMF, system, and storage medium of the near-field communication controller in the above embodiments solve the key problem of the terminal determining the appropriate DDNMF in multi-DDNMF scenarios. It can realize the deployment of multiple DDNMFs within a PLMN, enhance the networking expansion capability of near-field communication, provide conditions for the development of near-field communication, and can be used in 5G and subsequent evolved mobile communication systems (such as 6G), improving the user experience.

[0067] The methods and systems of this disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, they may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above-described order of steps for the methods is for illustrative purposes only, and the steps of the methods of this disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, in some embodiments, this disclosure may also be implemented as a program recorded on a recording medium, the program including machine-readable instructions for implementing the methods according to this disclosure. Thus, this disclosure also covers recording media storing programs for performing the methods according to this disclosure.

[0068] The description in this disclosure is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A method for discovering a local area communication controller, comprising: The Access and Mobility Management (AMF) function receives Discovery Name Management (DDNMF) request information sent by the terminal. The DDNMF request information includes: at least one distance-based service Prose application ID; The AMF receives a request message sent by the terminal and obtains the DCNMF request information from the request message; the request message includes: a DCNMF request message, a registration request message, or a periodically sent location update message; If the AMF determines that no target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID is stored, it sends a DDNMF discovery request to the Network Repository Function (NRF); wherein the DDNMF discovery request includes the Prose application ID. The AMF receives the DDNMF discovery response information returned by the NRF; wherein, the DDNMF discovery response information includes: target DDNMF information supporting the Prose application ID; The AMF returns the target DDNMF information to the terminal based on the DDNMF response information; The AMF sends a request-response message to the terminal to carry the target DDNMF information; the request-response message includes: a DDNMF request-response message, a registration response message, or a location update response message.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: If the AMF determines that it stores target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID, it retrieves this target DDNMF information and returns it to the terminal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The Network Repository Function (NRF) receives and stores registration information sent by the Digital Domain Name MF (DDNMF); wherein, the registration information includes: the Prose application ID supported by DDNMF; Based on the registration information, the NRF determines the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID in the DDNMF discovery request information.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The terminal accesses the corresponding DDNMF based on the target DDNMF information, obtains the Prose application code corresponding to the Prose application ID, and uses the Prose application code to perform corresponding business operations.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The target DDNMF information includes: the IP address and / or domain name information of the target DDNMF.

6. An Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), comprising: The request receiving module is used to receive Discovery Name Management Function (DDNMF) request information sent by the terminal; The DDNMF request information includes: at least one distance-based service Prose application ID; The request receiving module is configured to receive a request message sent by the terminal and obtain the DDNMF request information from the request message; the request message includes: a DDNMF request message, a registration request message, or a periodically sent location update message; The discovery request module is used to send a DDNMF discovery request to the Network Repository Function (NRF) if it is determined that no target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID is stored; wherein, the DDNMF discovery request includes: the Prose application ID; The response receiving module is used to receive the DDNMF discovery response information returned by the NRF; wherein, the DDNMF discovery response information includes: target DDNMF information supporting the Prose application ID; The information sending module is used to return the target DDNMF information to the terminal based on the DDNMF response information; The information sending module is used to send a request-response message to the terminal to carry the target DDNMF information through the request-response message; wherein the request-response message includes: a DDNMF request-response message, a registration response message, or a location update response message.

7. The AMF as described in claim 6, wherein, The discovery request module is further configured to, if it is determined that target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID is stored, obtain the target DDNMF information and return it to the terminal.

8. The AMF as described in claim 6, wherein, The NRF receives and stores the registration information sent by the DDNMF; wherein, the registration information includes: the Prose application ID supported by the DDNMF; Based on the registration information, the NRF determines the target DDNMF information corresponding to the Prose application ID in the DDNMF discovery request information.

9. The AMF as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The target DDNMF information includes: the IP address and / or domain name information of the target DDNMF.

10. An AMF comprising: Memory; And a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 based on instructions stored in the memory.

11. A communication system, comprising: NRF, DDNMF, and AMF as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that are executed by a processor according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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