Passive Internet of Things terminal management method and device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a passive Internet of Things terminal management method and device, a communication system and a storage medium. The passive Internet of Things terminal management method comprises the steps that in response to a registration request sent by a network open function network element, a service read-write device is selected, and the registration request comprises identification information and validity check demand information of a passive Internet of Things terminal; if the service read-write device comprises a terminal read-write device, generating a first timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the validity check demand information; the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal is sent to a terminal read-write device, so that the terminal read-write device requests the passive Internet of Things terminal to execute access and registration; and in response to a first access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the terminal read-write device, sending first report data to the unified data management function network element, the first report data comprising the first access and registration result, an identifier of the management function network element and first timer information corresponding to the first timer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a passive Internet of Things terminal management method and device, a communication system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Ambient IoT (AIoT) terminals are passive and therefore usually cannot send data to the network independently. They can only communicate through readers and writers and related excitation signals. Summary of the invention

[0003] The inventors noted that in the related art, since passive IoT terminals cannot independently send data to the network, they can only communicate through readers and writers and related excitation signals. Therefore, unlike traditional 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) user equipment (UE), passive IoT terminals cannot maintain a continuous connection with the network for a long time, which makes it relatively difficult for the network to access and manage the online status of passive IoT terminals. In addition, it also makes it difficult for the network to provide further mobility management services for AIoT.

[0004] Based on this, the present disclosure provides a passive Internet of Things terminal management method, which can enable the network to effectively manage the online status of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a passive Internet of Things terminal management method is provided, which is executed by a management function network element, including: in response to a registration request sent by a network open function network element, selecting a service read-write device, wherein the registration request includes identification information and validity check requirement information of the passive Internet of Things terminal; in the case where the service read-write device includes a terminal read-write device, generating a first timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the validity check requirement information, and deploying the first timer in the management function network element; sending the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal to the terminal read-write device, so that the terminal read-write device requests the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration; in response to the first access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the terminal read-write device, sending first reported data to a unified data management function network element, wherein the first reported data includes the first access and registration result, the identification of the management function network element and the first timer information corresponding to the first timer.

[0006] In some embodiments, the selecting the service reader / writer includes: selecting a wireless side reader / writer for executing the registration request as the service reader / writer according to the deployment status of each wireless side reader / writer among multiple wireless side readers / writers arranged in the network and the business content of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the registration request further includes an identifier of a designated terminal read / write device; and the selecting the service read / write device includes: using the designated terminal read / write device as the service read / write device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the identifier of the designated terminal read / write device includes a universal public user identifier (GPSI) of the designated terminal read / write device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first timer information includes at least one of the following information: identification information of the first timer, identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal, a clock period of the first timer, timer deployment information indicating that the first timer is deployed in the management function network element, identification information of the management function network element indicating that the first timer is generated and the first timer information is saved, and timeout trigger information.

[0010] In some embodiments, when a first predetermined condition is met, a validity check request is sent to the terminal read-write device, and the validity check request includes identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal, so that the terminal read-write device can detect the validity of the passive Internet of Things terminal; in response to a first detection result sent by the terminal read-write device, if the passive Internet of Things terminal is in a valid state, the first timer is reset.

[0011] In some embodiments, if the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal changes, first update information is sent to the unified data management function network element, and the first timer is paused so that the unified data management function network element updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first preset condition includes at least one of the following: the first timer expires, and the management function network element checks the terminal's reading and writing terminal status.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the service read-write device includes a base station read-write device, the registration request is sent to the base station read-write device so that the base station read-write device generates a second timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal and requests the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration; in response to the second access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the base station read-write device, and the second timer information corresponding to the second timer, second reported data is sent to the unified data management function network element, wherein the second reported data includes the second access and registration result, the identifier of the base station read-write device and the second timer information.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second timer information includes at least one of the following information: identification information of the second timer, identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal, a clock period of the second timer, timer deployment information for indicating that the second timer is deployed in the base station read-write device, identification information of the base station read-write device for indicating generation of the second timer and saving the second timer information, and timeout trigger information.

[0015] In some embodiments, in response to the second detection result sent by the base station reading and writing device, if the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal changes, a second update message is sent to the unified data management function network element, and the second timer is paused so that the unified data management function network element updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0016] In some embodiments, in response to the last call request sent by the unified data management function network element, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state included in the last call request is sent to the service read-write device, so that the service read-write device can detect the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state; the third detection result of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state sent by the service read-write device is sent to the unified data management function network element.

[0017] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a management function network element is provided, comprising: a memory; a processor, coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the management method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0018] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a management function network element as described in any of the above embodiments; an application function network element, configured to send a registration request to a network open function network element, wherein the registration request includes identification information and validity check requirement information of a passive Internet of Things terminal; the network open function network element, configured to authenticate the application function network element and the registration request by interacting with a unified data management function network element, and if the authentication is successful, select the management function network element and send the registration request to the management function network element; a service reading and writing device, including a terminal reading and writing device, the terminal The reading and writing device is configured to receive the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the management function network element, broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration of the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the first access and registration result to the management function network element; the unified data management function network element is configured to receive the first reported data sent by the management function network element, authenticate the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the first access and registration result included in the first reported data, and if the authentication is successful, save the identification of the management function network element and the first timer information included in the first reported data.

[0019] In some embodiments, the terminal reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal included in the validity check request sent by the management function network element, generate a first detection result based on the response information sent by the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the first detection result to the management function network element; the unified data management function network element is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the first update information sent by the management function network element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the service reading and writing device also includes a base station reading and writing device, wherein the base station reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the registration request sent by the management function network element to perform access and registration of the passive Internet of Things terminal, generate a second timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal, deploy the second timer in the base station reading and writing device, and record the initial information of the second timer, and send the second access and registration result and the second timer information corresponding to the second timer to the management function network element; the unified data management function network element is configured to receive the second reported data sent by the management function network element, authenticate the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the second access and registration result included in the second reported data, and if the authentication is successful, save the identification and second timer information of the base station reading and writing device included in the second reported data.

[0021] In some embodiments, the base station reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal when a second preset condition is met, so that the passive Internet of Things terminal sends a response message, generate a second detection result based on the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the second detection result to the management function network element, and reset the second timer when the passive Internet of Things terminal sends a response message; the unified data management function network element is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the second update information sent by the management function network element.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second pre-set condition comprises expiration of the second timer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the unified data management function network element is configured to send a last call request to the management function network element when a third preset condition is met; the service reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state according to the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state sent by the management function network element, so that the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state sends response information, generates a third detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state, and sends the third detection result to the management function network element; the unified data management function network element is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things device that responds successfully according to the third detection result sent by the management function network element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the unified data management function network element is configured to deregister unresponsive passive IoT devices based on the third detection result.

[0025] In some embodiments, the unified data management function network element is configured to delete the information and timer corresponding to the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device during the process of deregistering the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device, send a deregistration notification to the application function network element, and instruct the management function network element and the service read-write device to delete the timer information corresponding to the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the status update of the passive Internet of Things device that has successfully responded includes: updating the status of the passive Internet of Things device that has successfully responded to valid, and resetting the timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things device that has successfully responded; in the event that the management function network element changes, reselecting the management function network element, and instructing the reselected access and mobility management function to update the timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things device that has successfully responded.

[0027] In some embodiments, the third preset condition includes the unified data management function network element triggering a last call to a passive Internet of Things terminal that is in a temporarily invalid state.

[0028] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0029] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a management function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.11 The present invention is a flowchart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0044] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0046] Technologies, methods, and apparatus known to ordinary technicians in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the authorization specification.

[0047] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0048] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication network architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the communication system includes an AF (Application Function) network element 11, a NEF (Network Exposure Function) network element 12, a UDM (Unified Data Management) network element 13, a management function network element 14, a wireless side reading and writing device (RAN Reader) 15 and an AIoT terminal 16.

[0051] The AF network element 11 refers to a third party responsible for AIoT-related services, which can send AIoT-related information to the network and request the network to register AIoT or perform AIoT-related services. For example, the AF network element can also be an AIoT AF network element.

[0052] The NEF network element 12 is mainly used to receive requests from the AF network element, discover and select the management function network element 14 according to the AIoT location information in the AF request, and forward the results reported by the management function network element to the corresponding AF network element 11.

[0053] UDM network element 13 is mainly responsible for managing the relevant authentication and authorization information of the relevant terminals (ordinary terminals, terminal readers, passive IoT terminals) accessing the network, and performing authentication and authorization for passive IoT terminals. In addition, UDM network element 13 stores and manages some information of the timer (Timer) for AIoT validity check. The enhanced capabilities of this part can enable the future network to provide wide area access and mobility management related services for AIoT.

[0054] The management function network element 14 includes at least one of the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element and the AIoTMF (Ambient IoT Management Function) network element. The management function network element 14 is mainly responsible for the registration and access management of AIoT. The core capability enhancement lies in the generation and management of timers for AIoT terminal validity checks, including validity checks in collaboration with BS Reader. It also has the ability to discover and select BS Reader and UE Reader (the specific selection depends on the specific service request and policy configuration) and can collaborate with BS Reader or UE Reader to perform validity checks on AIoT terminals.

[0055] The wireless side reading and writing device 15 refers to a wireless device that has the function of performing data reading and writing on the AIoT terminal, usually a base station or terminal with reading and writing functions, which is responsible for responding to the reading and writing requests sent by the core network or responding to the access request sent by the AIoT terminal, and can perform related operations on the corresponding AIoT terminal. When the wireless side reading and writing device is a base station with reading and writing functions, it can be called a base station reading and writing device (BS Reader). The BS Reader is mainly responsible for the generation and management of Timers and the validity check of AIoT terminals deployed within the range of this base station. When the wireless side reading and writing device is a terminal with reading and writing functions, it can be called a terminal reading and writing device (UE Reader). The UE Reader is mainly responsible for responding to the validity check request issued by the management function network element 14 and aggregating the response of the AIoT terminal.

[0056] The AIoT terminal 16 is an IoT (Internet of Things) device with extremely low energy storage, extremely low power consumption, and is not equipped with a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. It is divided into a weak terminal that only supports backscatter communication and a strong terminal that can support self-generated signals or use backscatter communication based on whether it is equipped with an amplifier.

[0057] It should be noted here that there are two ways to register an AIoT terminal.

[0058] 1) There is a fixed reader / writer service mode, that is, when the AIoT terminal is fixed or low-mobility, according to the AF request and the actual business deployed, the AIoT terminal is usually provided with access assistance and data transmission by a fixed reader / writer without special requests (that is, the AIoT terminal has a fixed reader / writer to assist in access and data transmission). In the above case, since the reader / writer device usually has a certain mapping relationship with the AIoT terminal, for such AIoT terminals and services, the management function network element usually deploys the timer on the management function network element itself when selecting the UE Reader, and sends the availability request (Availability require) to the BS Reader when selecting the BS Reader, and the BS Reader generates and deploys the timer by itself.

[0059] 2) There is no fixed read / write device service, that is, each time the AF or management function network element requests, a new read / write device will be selected to provide services. In this case, the timer will be deployed directly in the management function network element to avoid the failure of the timer to check the validity of the AIoT terminal due to changes in the read / write device.

[0060] Figure 2 The following is a flow chart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following passive Internet of Things terminal management method is executed by a management function network element, including steps 21-24.

[0061] In step 21, in response to a registration request sent by a network open function network element, a service reading and writing device is selected.

[0062] It should be noted that the registration request includes the identification information of the passive IoT terminal and availability check requirement information (Availability Requirement).

[0063] For example, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal can be AIoT ID or AIoT ID List.

[0064] In some embodiments, based on the deployment status of each wireless side reader / writer among multiple wireless side readers / writers set up in the network and the business content of the passive Internet of Things terminal, a wireless side reader / writer for executing the registration request is selected as a service reader / writer.

[0065] For example, the service reading and writing device may include at least one of a terminal reading and writing device and a base station reading and writing device.

[0066] In some embodiments, the registration request also includes an identifier of a designated terminal read / write device. In this case, the designated terminal read / write device is directly used as a service read / write device.

[0067] In other words, according to actual business needs, terminal reading and writing devices can be designated to be responsible for the access and registration of AIoT devices.

[0068] For example, the identifier of the designated terminal read / write device includes the GPSI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier) ​​of the designated terminal read / write device.

[0069] In step 22, when the service read-write device includes a terminal read-write device, a first timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal is generated according to the validity check requirement information, and the first timer is deployed in the management function network element.

[0070] It should be noted that the management function network element includes at least one of the AMF network element and the AIoTMF network element.

[0071] In step 23, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal is sent to the terminal reading and writing device, so that the terminal reading and writing device requests the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration.

[0072] In step 24, in response to the first access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the terminal reading and writing device, the first reported data is sent to the unified data management function network element, wherein the first reported data includes the first access and registration result, the identifier of the management function network element and the first timer information corresponding to the first timer, so that the unified data management function network element saves the identifier of the management function network element and the first timer information according to the first reported data.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first timer information includes at least one of the following information:

[0074] 1. AIoT Timer ID, the identification information of the first timer. Each timer has an independent ID, which is given by AMF / AIoTMF or BS Reader. It is generated by the unit responsible for generating the timer in the network according to the relevant information of AF (the customer identity information corresponding to AF or the address information of the AF server) and the request content (AIoT ID or availability requirement).

[0075] It should be noted here that, within the network, each Timer usually has a unique and independent ID. Even if the AMF / AIoTMF and BS Reader generate the same ID, they can be distinguished by the Timer AMF / Reader ID saved on the UDM side.

[0076] 2. AIoT ID / AIoT ID LIST, the identification information of the passive IoT terminal, that is, which AIoT terminal or terminals the Timer corresponds to.

[0077] It should be noted here that AIoT ID information is usually not saved directly as Timer info, but saved in the form of a mapping in UDM / AMF (AIoTMF) / BS Reader.

[0078] 3. Timer period: the clock period of the first timer, that is, how long it takes for the timer to trigger an availability check.

[0079] It should be noted here that the Timer period usually directly corresponds to the availability requirement in the AF request.

[0080] 4. Timer Settlement, used to indicate timer deployment information that the first timer is deployed in the management function network element.

[0081] It should be noted here that the Timer Settlement is generated by the management function network element based on the actual results when discovering and selecting the Reader.

[0082] 5. Timer AMF ID / Reader ID: used to indicate the identification information of the management function network element that generates the first timer and saves the first timer information, which can be the Serving AMF ID or Serving BS ReaderID currently providing the service.

[0083] It should be noted here that the Serving AMF ID or Serving BS Reader ID, like the AIoT ID, is usually not saved directly as Timer information, but saved in the UDM in a mapped form. If the Timer is saved in the UEReader, the AMF will report the Timer ID and Serving AMF ID of the Timer to the UDM. If the Timer is saved in the BS Reader, the AMF will report the Timer ID and BS Reader ID corresponding to the Timer to the UDM.

[0084] 6. Timeout trigger, timeout trigger information, that is, the operation that the network needs to perform on the AIoT device if the AIoT does not respond within a certain period of time, usually including:

[0085] a. Mark the AIoT as Temporary Unavailable;

[0086] b. Deactivate the AIoT;

[0087] c. Deregister the AIoT.

[0088] It should be noted that operation a is a temporary mark, and the AIoT will still be checked in the next clock cycle. Operation b is deactivation within the network, which means that the AIoT will not be checked again, but the UDM will not delete the information of the AIoT. Operation c is device deregistration, which means that all relevant information of the AIoT will be deleted within the network and the device will be deregistered within the network.

[0089] It should be noted here that the timer information stored in different network elements will be different. For example, the timer information stored in the management function network element and the base station reader / writer includes: AIoT Timer ID+AIoT ID / AIoT ID LIST+TimePeriod+Timeout trigger. The timer information stored in the unified data management function network element includes: AIoT Timer ID+AIoT ID / AIoT ID LIST+Time Settlement+Timer AMF ID / Reader ID.

[0090] It should be noted here that in the UE Reader scenario, the Timer is not stored in the UE Reader but in the management function network element. This is because for the network, the status of the base station is often fixed and controllable. Considering that there are many types of UEs with different capabilities and their status is not necessarily controllable, in the UE Reader scenario, the Timer information and trigger selection are the responsibility of the management function network element, which is obviously more suitable for the stability of the AIoT service.

[0091] In some embodiments, the steps for checking the status of a passive IoT terminal are as follows.

[0092] 1. When the first predetermined condition is met, a validity check request is sent to the terminal read-write device, and the validity check request includes the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal so that the terminal read-write device can detect the validity of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0093] For example, the first preset condition includes at least one of the following: the first timer expires, and the management function network element checks the state of the terminal reading and writing the terminal.

[0094] 2. In response to the first detection result sent by the terminal reading and writing device, if the passive Internet of Things terminal is in a valid state, reset the first timer.

[0095] 3. If the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal changes, the first update information is sent to the unified data management function network element, and the first timer is paused so that the unified data management function network element updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0096] Figure 3 The following is a flow chart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following passive Internet of Things terminal management method is executed by a management function network element, including steps 31-33.

[0097] In step 31, in response to a registration request sent by a network open function network element, a service reading and writing device is selected.

[0098] It should be noted that the registration request includes the identification information and validity check requirement information of the passive IoT terminal.

[0099] For example, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal can be AIoT ID or AIoT ID List.

[0100] In some embodiments, based on the deployment status of each wireless side reader / writer among multiple wireless side readers / writers set up in the network and the business content of the passive Internet of Things terminal, a wireless side reader / writer for executing the registration request is selected as a service reader / writer.

[0101] For example, the service reading and writing device may include at least one of a terminal reading and writing device and a base station reading and writing device.

[0102] In step 32, when the service reader includes a base station reader, a registration request is sent to the base station reader so that the base station reader generates a second timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal and requests the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration.

[0103] In step 33, in response to the second access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the base station read-write device, and the second timer information corresponding to the second timer, the second reported data is sent to the unified data management function network element, wherein the second reported data includes the second access and registration result, the identification of the base station read-write device and the second timer information, so that the unified data management function network element saves the identification of the base station read-write device and the second timer information according to the second reported data.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second timer information includes at least one of the following information:

[0105] 1. AIoT Timer ID, the identification information of the second timer. Each timer has an independent ID, which is given by AMF / AIoTMF or BS Reader. It is generated by the unit responsible for generating the timer in the network according to the relevant information of AF (the customer identity information corresponding to AF or the address information of the AF server) and the request content (AIoT ID or availability requirement).

[0106] It should be noted here that, within the network, each Timer usually has a unique and independent ID. Even if the AMF / AIoTMF and BS Reader generate the same ID, they can be distinguished by the Timer AMF / Reader ID saved on the UDM side.

[0107] 2. AIoT ID / AIoT ID LIST, the identification information of the passive IoT terminal, that is, which AIoT terminal or terminals the Timer corresponds to.

[0108] It should be noted here that AIoT ID information is usually not saved directly as Timer info, but saved in the form of a mapping in UDM / AMF (AIoTMF) / BS Reader.

[0109] 3. Timer period: The clock period of the second timer, that is, how long it takes for the timer to trigger an availability check.

[0110] It should be noted here that the Timer period usually directly corresponds to the availability requirement in the AF request.

[0111] 4. Timer Settlement, used to indicate the timer deployment information that the second timer is deployed in the management function network element.

[0112] It should be noted here that the Timer Settlement is generated by the management function network element based on the actual results when discovering and selecting the Reader.

[0113] 5. Timer AMF ID / Reader ID: used to indicate the identification information of the management function network element that generates the second timer and stores the second timer information, which may be the Serving AMF ID or Serving BS ReaderID currently providing the service.

[0114] It should be noted here that the Serving AMF ID or Serving BS Reader ID, like the AIoT ID, is usually not saved directly as Timer information, but saved in the UDM in a mapped form. If the Timer is saved in the UEReader, the AMF will report the Timer ID and Serving AMF ID of the Timer to the UDM. If the Timer is saved in the BS Reader, the AMF will report the Timer ID and BS Reader ID corresponding to the Timer to the UDM.

[0115] 6. Timeout trigger, timeout trigger information, that is, the operation that the network needs to perform on the AIoT device if the AIoT does not respond within a certain period of time, usually including:

[0116] a. Mark the AIoT as Temporary Unavailable;

[0117] b. Deactivate the AIoT;

[0118] c. Deregister the AIoT.

[0119] It should be noted that operation a is a temporary mark, and the AIoT will still be checked in the next clock cycle. Operation b is deactivation within the network, which means that the AIoT will not be checked again, but the UDM will not delete the information of the AIoT. Operation c is device deregistration, which means that all relevant information of the AIoT will be deleted within the network and the device will be deregistered within the network.

[0120] It should be noted here that the timer information stored in different network elements will be different. For example, the timer information stored in the management function network element and the base station reader / writer includes: AIoT Timer ID+AIoT ID / AIoT ID LIST+TimePeriod+Timeout trigger. The timer information stored in the unified data management function network element includes: AIoT Timer ID+AIoT ID / AIoT ID LIST+Time Settlement+Timer AMF ID / Reader ID.

[0121] In some embodiments, the steps for checking the status of a passive IoT terminal are as follows.

[0122] 1. When the second preset condition is met, the base station reading and writing device broadcasts the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal so that the passive Internet of Things terminal sends response information.

[0123] For example, the second preset condition includes expiration of a second timer.

[0124] 2. The base station reading and writing device generates a second detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal, sends the second detection result to the management function network element, and resets the second timer when the passive Internet of Things terminal sends a response message.

[0125] 3. The management function network element responds to the second detection result sent by the base station reading and writing device. If the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal changes, the management function network element sends second update information to the unified data management function network element and pauses the second timer.

[0126] 4. The unified data management function network element updates the status of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the second update information sent by the management function network element.

[0127] It should be noted here that there are two situations in which the AIoT terminal is in an invalid (unavailable) state.

[0128] 1) Temporarily invalid (temporary unavailable), that is, the AIoT terminal may be temporarily unable to respond or is in a moving state. The temporary inability to respond may be due to wireless coverage problems that cause the AIoT to not receive the request sent by the Reader. In the case of movement, the AIoT may have moved to the coverage of other management function network elements. Therefore, considering the above two situations, the network will usually first define the AIoT as temporarily invalid. If the AIoT responds later or other management function network elements receive the AIoT's response under the UDM request, the AIoT will be re-marked as valid (Available), and AMF Relocation may be performed in this case.

[0129] 2) Permanently unavailable, that is, after the AIoT terminal is marked as permanently invalid by the network, the AIoT will not respond to subsequent single or multiple requests from the network. Usually, UDM will instruct the management function network element or BSReader to make a final call (Final Call). If the AIoT does not respond to the Final Call, the AIoT will be marked as a management function network element, and the network can consider that the AIoT has expired or moved out of the network coverage. The network will then start the deregistration procedure for the AIoT, and the UDM, management function network element, and BS Reader will delete the relevant information and timer of the AIoT.

[0130] In some embodiments, when the management function network element receives a final call request sent by the unified data management function network element, the management function network element performs the following steps.

[0131] 1. In response to the last call request sent by the unified data management function network element, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state included in the last call request is sent to the service read-write device, so that the service read-write device can detect the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state.

[0132] It should be noted that the service reading and writing device here includes at least one of a terminal reading and writing device and a base station reading and writing device.

[0133] 2. Send the third detection result of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state sent by the service reading and writing device to the unified data management function network element so that the unified data management function network element updates the status of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0134] It should be noted here that whether the unified data management function network element needs to save all the information of the timer is mainly based on the following aspects.

[0135] 1) Usually depends on the actual deployment of AIoT devices and the load of unified data management functional network elements.

[0136] 2) In theory, the unified data management function network element can save all the timer information. The advantage of this is that the network can provide all-round access, mobility and effectiveness management for AIoT devices (especially when the deployment range of AIoT devices is very large and multiple management function network elements are required to coordinate management), but the disadvantage is that considering the huge number of AIoT devices (usually deployed in the order of hundreds of thousands and millions according to the definition of 3GPP SA1), saving all timer information may greatly increase the load of the unified data management function network element.

[0137] 3) The unified data management function network element can only save the Timer ID and Serving AMF / BS Reader ID. The above information is reported to the unified data management function network element for storage by the management function network element after selecting the corresponding read-write device. If the mobility management of the AIoT device is required in the future, the new management function network element will request a query from the unified data management function network element. The unified data management function network element will request the original management function network element / BS Reader to provide timer information based on the above information, and then the unified data management function network element will forward the timer information to the new management function network element, thereby realizing mobility management. The advantage of this is that the unified data management function network element does not need to save a huge amount of timer information. The timer information is only stored on the management function network element or BS Reader, and the original management function network element / BSReader can delete the timer information after relocation.

[0138] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a management function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] like Figure 4 As shown, the management function network element 40 may be in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The management function network element 40 includes a memory 41, a processor 42, and a bus 43 connecting different system components.

[0140] The memory 41 may include, for example, a system memory, a non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, an application, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include a volatile storage medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) and / or a cache memory. The non-volatile storage medium may store, for example, instructions of a corresponding embodiment of at least one passive IoT terminal management method being executed. The non-volatile storage medium includes, but is not limited to, a disk storage, an optical storage, a flash memory, and the like.

[0141] The processor 42 may be implemented by a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistors, etc., as discrete hardware components. Accordingly, each module such as an acquisition module, a calculation module, and an adjustment module may be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) running instructions in a memory that execute corresponding steps, or may be implemented by a dedicated circuit that executes corresponding steps.

[0142] For example, the processor 42 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the following Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0143] The bus 43 may use any of a variety of bus structures, including, but not limited to, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0144] The interfaces 44, 45, 46 of the management function network element 40, the memory 41 and the processor 42 can be connected via a bus 43. The input and output interface 44 can provide a connection interface for input and output devices such as a display, a mouse, and a keyboard. The network interface 45 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 46 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as a floppy disk, a USB flash drive, and an SD card.

[0145] Here, various aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices, and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each frame of the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of frames can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0146] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable device to produce a machine, so that the processor executes the instructions to produce means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0147] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which cause the computer to work in a specific manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0148] The present disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0149] The present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the following is implemented: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0150] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the following is achieved: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method of any one of the embodiments.

[0151] Figure 5 The present invention is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] like Figure 5 As shown, the communication system includes an application function network element 51, a network open function network element 52, a unified data management function network element 53, a management function network element 54 and a service reading and writing device 55. The management function network element 54 is Figure 4 A service reading and writing device according to any one of the embodiments.

[0153] The application function network element 51 is configured to send a registration request to the network open function network element 52, wherein the registration request includes identification information and validity check requirement information of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

[0154] The network open function network element 52 is configured to authenticate the application function network element 51 and the registration request by interacting with the unified data management function network element 53 . If the authentication is successful, the management function network element 54 is selected and the registration request is sent to the management function network element 54 .

[0155] When the service read-write device 55 includes a terminal read-write device, the terminal read-write device is configured to receive identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the management function network element 54, broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration of the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the first access and registration result to the management function network element 54.

[0156] The unified data management function network element 53 is configured to receive the first reported data sent by the management function network element 54, authenticate the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the first access and registration result included in the first reported data, and if the authentication is successful, save the identification of the management function network element and the first timer information included in the first reported data.

[0157] In some embodiments, the terminal reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal included in the validity check request according to the validity check request sent by the management function network element 54, generate a first detection result according to the response information sent by the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the first detection result to the management function network element 54.

[0158] The unified data management function network element 53 is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the first update information sent by the management function network element 54.

[0159] In some embodiments, when the service read-write device includes a base station read-write device, the base station read-write device and the unified data management function network element 53 perform the following operations.

[0160] The base station reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the registration request sent by the management function network element 54, so as to perform the access and registration of the passive Internet of Things terminal, generate a second timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal, deploy the second timer in the base station reading and writing device, record the initial information of the second timer, and send the second access and registration result and the second timer information corresponding to the second timer to the management function network element 54.

[0161] The unified data management function network element 53 is configured to receive the second reported data sent by the management function network element 54, authenticate the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the second access and registration result included in the second reported data, and if the authentication is successful, save the identification of the base station read-write device and the second timer information included in the second reported data.

[0162] In some embodiments, the base station reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal when a second preset condition is met, so that the passive Internet of Things terminal sends a response message, generate a second detection result based on the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the second detection result to the management function network element 54, and reset the second timer when the passive Internet of Things terminal sends a response message.

[0163] For example, the second preset condition includes expiration of a second timer.

[0164] The unified data management function network element 53 is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the second update information sent by the management function network element.

[0165] In some embodiments, the unified data management function network element 53 is configured to send a last call request to the management function network element 54 when a third preset condition is met.

[0166] For example, the third preset condition includes the unified data management function network element triggering a last call to a passive Internet of Things terminal that is in a temporarily invalid state.

[0167] The service reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state according to the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state sent by the management function network element 54, so that the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state sends response information, generate a third detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal that is currently in a temporarily invalid state, and send the third detection result to the management function network element 54.

[0168] The unified data management function network element 53 is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things device that successfully responds according to the third detection result sent by the management function network element 54.

[0169] For example, the status of the passive IoT device that successfully responded is updated to valid, and the timer corresponding to the passive IoT device that successfully responded is reset. In the event that the management function network element changes, the management function network element is reselected, and the reselected access and mobility management function is instructed to update the timer corresponding to the passive IoT device that successfully responded.

[0170] In some embodiments, the unified data management function network element 53 is configured to deregister the unresponsive passive IoT device based on the third detection result.

[0171] For example, the unified data management function network element 53 is configured to delete the information and timer corresponding to the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device during the process of deregistering the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device, send a deregistration notification to the application function network element 51, and instruct the management function network element 54 and the service read-write device 55 to delete the timer information corresponding to the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device.

[0172] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Multiple passive IoT terminals 651, 652 and 653 are deployed in the network. The application function network element 61 sends a registration request to the management function network element (AMF / AIoTMF) 62. After the management function network element 62 performs authentication with the unified data management function network element 63, it selects the base station read-write device 641 for the passive IoT terminal 651, the terminal read-write device 642 for the passive IoT terminal 652, and the terminal read-write device 643 for the passive IoT terminal 653.

[0174] The management function network element 62 sends the registration request to the base station read-write device 641, so that the base station read-write device 641 generates a timer 1 corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal 651, and requests the passive Internet of Things terminal 651 to perform access and registration. In response to the access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal 651 sent by the base station read-write device 641 and the timer information corresponding to timer 1, the management function network element 62 sends the report data to the unified data management function network element 63, so that the unified data management function network element 63 stores the identifier of the base station read-write device 641 and the timer information corresponding to timer 1.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the preset conditions are met, the base station read-write device 641 broadcasts the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal 651 so that the passive Internet of Things terminal 651 sends a response message. The base station read-write device 641 generates a detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal 651, and sends the detection result to the management function network element 62. The base station read-write device 641 resets the timer 1 when the passive Internet of Things terminal 651 sends a response message. In response to the detection result sent by the base station read-write device 641, if the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal 651 changes, the management function network element 62 sends update information to the unified data management function network element 63, and pauses the timer 1, so that the unified data management function network element 63 updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the update information sent by the management function network element 62.

[0176] In some embodiments, the management function network element 62 generates a timer 2 corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal 652, and deploys the timer 2 in the management function network element 62. The management function network element 62 sends the identification of the passive Internet of Things terminal 652 to the terminal reading and writing device 642, so that the terminal reading and writing device 642 requests the passive Internet of Things terminal 652 to perform access and registration. In response to the access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal 652 sent by the terminal reading and writing device 642, the management function network element 62 sends the reported data to the unified data management function network element 63, so that the unified data management function network element 63 stores the identification of the management function network element 62 and the timer information corresponding to the timer 2.

[0177] The management function network element 62 generates a timer 3 corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal 653, and deploys the timer 3 in the management function network element 62. The management function network element 62 sends the identification of the passive Internet of Things terminal 653 to the terminal reading and writing device 643, so that the terminal reading and writing device 643 requests the passive Internet of Things terminal 653 to perform access and registration. In response to the access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal 653 sent by the terminal reading and writing device 643, the management function network element 62 sends the reported data to the unified data management function network element 63, so that the unified data management function network element 63 stores the identification of the management function network element 62 and the timer information corresponding to the timer 3.

[0178] In some embodiments, the management function network element 62 sends a validity check request to the terminal read / write devices 642 and 643 when predetermined conditions are met.

[0179] The terminal reading and writing device 642 broadcasts the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal 652 so that the passive Internet of Things terminal 652 sends a response message. The terminal reading and writing device 642 generates a detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal 652, and sends the detection result to the management function network element 62. The management function network element 62 responds to the detection result, and resets the timer 2 if the passive Internet of Things terminal 652 is in a valid state. If the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal 652 changes, update information is sent to the unified data management function network element 63, and timer 2 is paused so that the unified data management function network element 63 updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal 652.

[0180] The terminal reading and writing device 643 broadcasts the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal 653 so that the passive Internet of Things terminal 653 sends a response message. The terminal reading and writing device 643 generates a detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal 653, and sends the detection result to the management function network element 62. The management function network element 62 responds to the detection result, and resets the timer 3 if the passive Internet of Things terminal 653 is in a valid state. If the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal 653 changes, update information is sent to the unified data management function network element 63, and timer 3 is paused so that the unified data management function network element 63 updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal 653.

[0181] In some embodiments, the unified data management function network element 63 sends the last call request to the management function network element 62 when the preset conditions are met. The management function network element 62 sends the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state included in the last call request to the corresponding base station read-write device 641, terminal read-write device 642 and 643, so that the base station read-write device 641, terminal read-write device 642 and 643 respectively detect the passive Internet of Things terminals 651, 652 and 653 currently in a temporarily invalid state. The management function network element 62 sends the detection results sent by the base station read-write device 641, terminal read-write device 642 and 643 to the management function network element 62. The unified data management function network element 63 updates the status of the passive Internet of Things device that successfully responds according to the detection results sent by the management function network element 62.

[0182] The present disclosure is described below through specific examples.

[0183] Figure 7 The present invention is a flowchart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] In step 70, AIoT information and capabilities are provided.

[0185] In step 71, the AF network element sends a registration request to the NEF network element, where the registration request includes passive IoT terminal identification information and validity check requirement information.

[0186] In some embodiments, according to actual business needs, the AF may provide the UE GPSI to specify the UE Reader.

[0187] In step 72, after receiving the registration request, the NEF network element interacts with the UDM network element to authenticate and authorize the AF and the registration request, that is, the NEF / UDM confirms whether the AF has the authority to initiate relevant requests to AIoT and whether the requested AIoT terminal and UE Reader (if any) and AIoT-related services are in compliance with the authority or the contract content.

[0188] It should be noted here that UDM can be replaced by a UDR (Unified Data Repository) network element or an AUSF (Authentication Server Function) network element.

[0189] In step 73, after the AF and the registration request of the AF are authorized, the NEF will discover the management function network element and then send the registration request to the corresponding management function network element.

[0190] In step 74, the management function network element selects the corresponding reading and writing device. After receiving the registration request, the management function network element discovers the Reader and selects the corresponding Reader to execute the AF request based on the actual Reader deployment and the specific business content of AIoT.

[0191] In step 75, when the management function network element selects UE Reader, a timer corresponding to the passive IoT terminal identifier is generated according to the validity check requirement in the registration request, and the timer is deployed in the management function network element.

[0192] In step 76, the management function network element sends the passive Internet of Things terminal identifier to the UE Reader, requesting the UE Reader to access the AIoT and perform registration.

[0193] In step 77, the UE Reader broadcasts the passive IoT terminal identification to request AIoT access and registration response.

[0194] In step 78, after completing the access and registration of AIoT, UE Reader returns the access and registration results of AIoT to the management function network element.

[0195] In step 79, after receiving the access and registration results of all AIoT, the management function network element reports the access and registration results of AIoT to UDM, and at the same time reports the management function network element identifier Serving AMF ID of the current service and timer information Timer info.

[0196] In step 710, after receiving the data reported by the management function network element, UDM authenticates the AIoT. When the AIoT is authenticated, UDM saves the Timer info and Serving AMF ID corresponding to the AIoT.

[0197] It should be noted here that if the authentication fails, the UDM will return the result to the AF and management function network element, and will not save the corresponding Timer info and Serving AMF ID.

[0198] Figure 8 The present invention is a flowchart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] In step 80, AIoT information and capabilities are provided.

[0200] In step 81, the AF network element sends a registration request to the NEF network element, where the registration request includes passive IoT terminal identification information and validity check requirement information.

[0201] In some embodiments, according to actual business needs, the AF may provide the UE GPSI to specify the UE Reader.

[0202] In step 82, after receiving the registration request, the NEF network element interacts with the UDM network element to authenticate and authorize the AF and the registration request, that is, the NEF / UDM confirms whether the AF has the authority to initiate relevant requests to AIoT and whether the requested AIoT terminal and UE Reader (if any) and AIoT-related services are in compliance with the authority or the contract content.

[0203] It should be noted here that UDM can be replaced by UDR network element or AUSF network element.

[0204] In step 83, after the AF and the registration request of the AF are authorized, the NEF will discover the management function network element and then send the registration request to the corresponding management function network element.

[0205] In step 84, the management function network element selects the corresponding reading and writing device. After receiving the registration request, the management function network element discovers the Reader and selects the corresponding Reader to execute the AF request based on the actual Reader deployment and the specific business content of AIoT.

[0206] In step 85, when the management function network element selects a BS Reader, the management function network element sends a registration request to the corresponding BS Reader.

[0207] In step 86, BS Reader broadcasts the passive IoT terminal identification according to the registration request, aggregates all AIoT responses, generates a timer corresponding to the AIoT device and records the initial information.

[0208] In step 87, after completing the access and registration of all AIoTs, as well as the generation and initial data recording of timers, BS Reader reports the relevant information of AIoT access, registration, and timers to the management function network element.

[0209] In step 88, after receiving the access, registration, and timer information of AIoT reported by BS Reader, the management function network element aggregates and reports the results to UDM, and at the same time reports the Serving Reader ID and Timer info corresponding to the above AIoT to UDM.

[0210] In step 89, after receiving the data reported by the management function network element, UDM authenticates the AIoT. When the AIoT is authenticated, UDM will save the Timer info and Serving Reader ID corresponding to the AIoT.

[0211] It should be noted here that if the authentication fails, the UDM will return the result to the AF and management function network element, and will not save the corresponding Timer info and Serving AMF ID.

[0212] Fig. 9 The present invention is a flowchart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] In step 90, a preset trigger condition is set. The preset trigger condition includes at least one of the following: a timer expires, and the management function network element checks the status of the UE Reader.

[0214] It should be noted here that if the status of UE Reader is abnormal, the management function network element needs to reselect UE Reader.

[0215] In step 91, when the preset trigger condition is met, the management function network element sends an AIoT validity check request to the UE Reader.

[0216] In step 92, the UE Reader broadcasts the received passive IoT terminal identifier.

[0217] In step 93, the AIoT terminal sends a corresponding response after receiving the broadcast from the UE Reader.

[0218] In step 94, after receiving the response from AIoT within a certain period of time, UE Reader aggregates the responses, wherein the AIoT IDs of successful responses and the AIoT IDs of unresponsive responses are aggregated separately, and then the latest validity check results are reported to the management function network element.

[0219] In step 95, for the AIoT that successfully responds to the request, the management function network element resets the timer of the AIoT (starts a new clock cycle).

[0220] In step 96, if the management function network element finds that the status of AIoT has changed after receiving the latest validity check result of UE Reader, the management function network element sends an update request to UDM and pauses the timer of the AIoT.

[0221] In step 97, UDM updates the status information of the AIoT.

[0222] Fig.10 The present invention is a flowchart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0223] In step 100, a preset trigger condition is set. The preset trigger condition includes: timer expiration.

[0224] In step 101, when a preset trigger condition is met, the BS Reader broadcasts the wireless Internet of Things terminal identifier corresponding to the timer.

[0225] In step 102, after receiving the broadcast from the base station, AIoT sends a corresponding response.

[0226] In step 103, after receiving all AIoT responses within a certain period of time, the BS Reader aggregates the responses, wherein the AIoT IDs of successful responses and the AIoT IDs of unresponsive responses are aggregated separately, and then the latest validity check results are reported to the management function network element.

[0227] In step 104, for the AIoT that successfully responds to the request, the BS Reader resets the timer of the AIoT (starts a new clock cycle).

[0228] In step 105, if the management function network element finds that the status of the AIoT has changed after receiving the latest validity check result of the BS Reader, the management function network element sends an update request to the UDM and pauses the timer of the AIoT.

[0229] In step 106, UDM updates the status information of the AIoT.

[0230] Fig.11 The present invention is a flowchart of a passive Internet of Things terminal management method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0231] In step 110, a preset trigger condition is set, and the preset trigger condition includes: the unified data management function network element triggers the initiation of a last call to the passive Internet of Things terminal in a temporary unavailable state according to actual business deployment or demand.

[0232] In step 111, when the preset trigger condition is met, the UDM sends the passive IoT terminal identifier in a temporarily invalid state to all management function network elements to request a Final call.

[0233] In step 112, after receiving the Final call request, the management function network element sends a passive IoT terminal identifier in a temporarily invalid state to all BS Readers and UE Readers.

[0234] In step 113, after receiving the request from the management function network element, the RAN Reader broadcasts the passive IoT terminal identifier in a temporarily invalid state to request an AIoT response.

[0235] In step 114, the RAN Reader reports the detection result to the management function network element.

[0236] In step 115, after receiving the results from all RAN Readers, the management function network element aggregates the results and then reports them to the UDM.

[0237] In step 116, after receiving the results of the Final call sent back by all management function network elements, UDM updates the status of the AIoT that has responded successfully, such as re-marking it as Available and resetting the timer, and if the AMF has changed, it will simultaneously perform AMF Relocation and instruct the new management function network element to update the timer. For the AIoT that has not responded, UDM will start the AIoT deregistration process, delete the relevant information and timer of the AIoT, notify the corresponding AF, and request the management function network element or BS Reader to delete the timer data at the same time.

[0238] By implementing the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure, when the existing network needs to perform relevant business deployment and technical upgrades for passive Internet of Things services, the solution provided by the present disclosure and the corresponding service process specifications can be deployed to the relevant network, so that the network can effectively provide corresponding network services for passive Internet of Things terminals.

[0239] In addition, the above embodiments of the present disclosure have the following beneficial effects:

[0240] 1) Since the manufacturing cost of passive IoT terminals is extremely low, they can be deployed on a large scale to provide access and registration services for a huge number of passive IoT terminals. Through this service, they can provide network and related data services to a large number of passive IoT terminals and third-party service providers, thus having huge commercial prospects and value.

[0241] 2) Since the base station is much more powerful than the terminal, and the base station can manage a large number of passive IoT terminals, in the future, after the base station has the ability to read and write passive IoT terminals, such services can be quickly deployed. This will enable the network to provide network and data services for a large number of passive IoT terminals and third-party services in a very short time, and then quickly commercialize.

[0242] In some embodiments, the functional unit described above can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component or any appropriate combination thereof for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0243] A person skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps to implement the above embodiments may be accomplished by hardware or by instructing related hardware through a program, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the above-mentioned storage medium may be a read-only memory, a disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0244] The description of the present disclosure is given for the purpose of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure and thereby design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific uses.

Claims

1. A passive Internet of Things terminal management method, executed by a management function network element, comprising: In response to a registration request sent by the network open function network element, selecting a service reading and writing device, wherein the registration request includes identification information and validity check requirement information of the passive Internet of Things terminal; In the case where the service reading and writing device includes a terminal reading and writing device, generating a first timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the validity check requirement information, and deploying the first timer in the management function network element; Sending the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal to the terminal reading and writing device so that the terminal reading and writing device requests the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration; In response to the first access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the terminal reading and writing device, the first reported data is sent to the unified data management function network element, wherein the first reported data includes the first access and registration result, the identifier of the management function network element and the first timer information corresponding to the first timer.

2. The management method according to claim 1, wherein: The selecting of the service reading and writing device comprises: According to the deployment status of each wireless side reader / writer among the multiple wireless side readers / writers arranged in the network and the service content of the passive Internet of Things terminal, a wireless side reader / writer for executing the registration request is selected as the service reader / writer.

3. The management method according to claim 1, wherein: The registration request also includes an identifier of a designated terminal reading and writing device; The selecting of the service reading and writing device comprises: The designated terminal reading and writing device is used as the service reading and writing device.

4. The management method according to claim 3, wherein: The identifier of the designated terminal reading and writing device includes the universal public user identifier GPSI of the designated terminal reading and writing device.

5. The management method according to claim 1, wherein: The first timer information includes at least one of the following information: The identification information of the first timer, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal, the clock period of the first timer, the timer deployment information used to indicate that the first timer is deployed in the management function network element, the identification information of the management function network element used to indicate the generation of the first timer and the storage of the first timer information, and the timeout trigger information.

6. The management method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the first predetermined condition is met, a validity check request is sent to the terminal reading and writing device, wherein the validity check request includes identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal, so that the terminal reading and writing device can detect the validity of the passive Internet of Things terminal; In response to the first detection result sent by the terminal reading and writing device, if the passive Internet of Things terminal is in a valid state, the first timer is reset.

7. The management method according to claim 6, further comprising: If the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal changes, first update information is sent to the unified data management function network element, and the first timer is paused so that the unified data management function network element updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

8. The management method according to claim 6, wherein: The first preset condition includes at least one of the following: When the first timer expires, the management function network element checks the terminal reading and writing status.

9. The management method according to claim 1, further comprising: In the case where the service read-write device includes a base station read-write device, the registration request is sent to the base station read-write device so that the base station read-write device generates a second timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal and requests the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration; In response to the second access and registration result of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the base station read-write device, and the second timer information corresponding to the second timer, the second reported data is sent to the unified data management function network element, wherein the second reported data includes the second access and registration result, the identifier of the base station read-write device and the second timer information.

10. The management method according to claim 9, wherein: The second timer information includes at least one of the following information: The identification information of the second timer, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal, the clock period of the second timer, the timer deployment information used to indicate that the second timer is deployed in the base station read-write device, the identification information of the base station read-write device used to indicate that the second timer is generated and the second timer information is saved, and the timeout trigger information.

11. The management method according to claim 9, further comprising: In response to the second detection result sent by the base station reading and writing device, if the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal changes, second update information is sent to the unified data management function network element, and the second timer is paused so that the unified data management function network element updates the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal.

12. The management method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: In response to the last call request sent by the unified data management function network element, the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state included in the last call request is sent to the service reading and writing device, so that the service reading and writing device detects the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state; The third detection result of the passive Internet of Things terminal which is currently in a temporarily invalid state sent by the service reading and writing device is sent to the unified data management function network element.

13. A management function network element, comprising: Memory; A processor is coupled to the memory, and the processor is configured to execute the management method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 based on instructions stored in the memory.

14. A communication system comprising: The management function network element as claimed in claim 13; The application function network element is configured to send a registration request to the network open function network element, wherein the registration request includes identification information and validity check requirement information of the passive Internet of Things terminal; The network open function network element is configured to authenticate the application function network element and the registration request by interacting with the unified data management function network element, select the management function network element if the authentication is successful, and send the registration request to the management function network element; A service reading and writing device, comprising a terminal reading and writing device, wherein the terminal reading and writing device is configured to receive the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal sent by the management function network element, broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal to perform access and registration of the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send a first access and registration result to the management function network element; The unified data management function network element is configured to receive the first reported data sent by the management function network element, authenticate the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the first access and registration result included in the first reported data, and if the authentication is successful, save the identifier of the management function network element and the first timer information included in the first reported data.

15. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein: The terminal reading and writing device is configured to, according to the validity check request sent by the management function network element, broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal included in the validity check request, generate a first detection result according to the response information sent by the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the first detection result to the management function network element; The unified data management function network element is configured to update the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the first update information sent by the management function network element.

16. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein: The service reading and writing device also includes a base station reading and writing device, wherein: The base station reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the registration request sent by the management function network element to perform access and registration of the passive Internet of Things terminal, generate a second timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things terminal, deploy the second timer in the base station reading and writing device, record the initial information of the second timer, and send the second access and registration result and the second timer information corresponding to the second timer to the management function network element; The unified data management function network element is configured to receive second reported data sent by the management function network element, authenticate the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the second access and registration result included in the second reported data, and if the authentication is successful, save the identification of the base station reading and writing device and the second timer information included in the second reported data.

17. The communication system according to claim 16, wherein: The base station reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal when a second preset condition is met, so that the passive Internet of Things terminal sends a response message, generate a second detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal, and send the second detection result to the management function network element, and reset the second timer when the passive Internet of Things terminal sends a response message; The unified data management function network element is configured to update the state of the passive Internet of Things terminal according to the second update information sent by the management function network element.

18. The communication system according to claim 17, wherein: The second preset condition includes expiration of the second timer.

19. The communication system according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein: The unified data management function network element is configured to send a last call request to the management function network element when a third preset condition is met; The service reading and writing device is configured to broadcast the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state according to the identification information of the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state sent by the management function network element, so that the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state sends response information, generate a third detection result according to the response result of the passive Internet of Things terminal currently in a temporarily invalid state, and send the third detection result to the management function network element; The unified data management function network element is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things device that successfully responds according to the third detection result sent by the management function network element.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein: The unified data management function network element is configured to deregister the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device according to the third detection result.

21. The communication system according to claim 20, wherein: The unified data management function network element is configured to delete the information and timer corresponding to the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device during the process of deregistering the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device, send a deregistration notification to the application function network element, and instruct the management function network element and the service read-write device to delete the timer information corresponding to the unresponsive passive Internet of Things device.

22. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein: The unified data management function network element is configured to update the status of the passive Internet of Things device that successfully responded to be valid, and reset the timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things device that successfully responded; In the event that the management function network element changes, the management function network element is reselected, and the reselected access and mobility management function is instructed to update the timer corresponding to the passive Internet of Things device that has responded successfully.

23. The communication system according to claim 19, wherein: The third preset condition includes the unified data management function network element triggering a last call to a passive Internet of Things terminal that is in a temporarily invalid state.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is implemented.

25. A computer program product, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is implemented.

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