A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and device for reducing construction costs, and relates to the field of wireless communication technology. In this method, a first network open function network element can receive a location request message for requesting location information of a terminal device. The first network open function network element can send a first request message to a second network open function network element of a second network. The first network open function network element can also receive the location information of the terminal device sent by the second network open function network element. The first network open function network element can send a location request response carrying location information. Based on this solution, there is no need to deploy network elements related to positioning services in the first network. When there is a positioning demand, a first request message can be sent to the second network to request the second network to provide positioning services. The first network can receive the location information sent by the second network to realize the positioning of the terminal device, which can save construction and operation and maintenance costs and reduce operation and maintenance complexity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, industrial parks have a significant demand for positioning services. Many devices, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), require certain positioning capabilities to perform functions such as automated operations. Current positioning technologies include the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Beidou Positioning System, inertial navigation, and electromagnetic navigation. Furthermore, industrial parks can leverage the positioning services provided by network equipment to achieve this.

[0003] Therefore, industrial parks can deploy independent private networks to provide positioning services. A standalone non-public network (SNPN) is independent of the public land mobile network (PLMN) and is operated by a dedicated SNPN operator. The network elements within the independent private network serve the user equipment (UE) within that network. Neither control plane signaling nor user plane data within the SNPN is transmitted to external networks, achieving a certain level of security and privacy.

[0004] To provide positioning services in the SNPN architecture, it is necessary to deploy network elements related to positioning services, such as the gateway mobile location center (GMLC) and location management function (LMF). However, deploying these network elements related to positioning services will undoubtedly increase construction costs and operation and maintenance complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for reducing construction costs and operation and maintenance complexity.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method can be performed by a first network open function network element of a first network. In the method, the first network open function network element can receive a location request message for requesting location information of a terminal device. The terminal device can be located in the first network. The first network open function network element can send a first request message to a second network open function network element of a second network. The first network and the second network can be different. The first request message can include an identifier of the first network, and the first request message can be used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device. The first network open function network element can also receive the location information of the terminal device sent by the second network open function network element. The first network open function network element can also carry the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and send the location request response.

[0007] This solution eliminates the need to deploy network elements related to positioning services in the first network. When positioning is required, a first request message can be sent to the second network, requesting the second network to provide positioning services. The first network can receive the location information sent by the second network and locate the terminal device, saving construction and operation and maintenance costs and reducing operation and maintenance complexity.

[0008] In one possible implementation, after receiving the location request message, the first network open function network element may further generate a first transaction number based on the location request message. The first transaction number is used to identify the service request of the terminal device. The first network open function may include the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number in the first request message.

[0009] Based on this solution, the first transaction number can be used to identify the service request of the terminal device, and the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network are carried in the first request message and sent to the second network open function network element, which can have a certain security and privacy protection effect on the terminal device.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the first request message may also include first information; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network. The first information may include at least one of the first identifier and the first indication of the terminal device. The first identifier may be a universal identifier of the terminal device in the first network. The universal identifier here may be an identifier common to all terminal devices in the first network, or it may be an identifier common to some terminal devices in the first network. For example, the universal identifier of each terminal device in the first network may be the same or different. The first indication may be used to indicate that the first identifier is the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, or the first indication may indicate that the terminal device is not a terminal device in the second network.

[0011] Based on this solution, the first network open function network element can use the first information to identify the terminal device of the first network, so that the second network can know that the terminal device is a terminal device not of the second network. However, since the second network cannot know the identification of the terminal device in the first network, the privacy of the terminal device can be protected and the security of the first network can be improved.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first information may be a setting value. For example, the first identifier in the first information may be a setting value, wherein the first identifier of all terminal devices in the first network is the same. Alternatively, the first information of different terminal devices may be different. For example, a different identifier may be assigned to each terminal device of the first network, and the identifier is used by the second network to identify the terminal device as a terminal device of the first network, but the second network cannot identify the identity of the terminal device. Alternatively, the first information may include the identifier of the first network, and the first information of different terminal devices is different. For example, the first identifier may include the identifier of the first network. At this time, the first identifier may include the function of the first indication, that is, the first identifier may indicate that the first identifier is the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, and the second network can determine that the terminal device is the identifier of the first network through the first identifier, but the second network cannot identify the identity of the terminal device through the first identifier, thereby implicitly including the function of the first indication.

[0013] Based on this solution, the same first information can be assigned to all terminal devices in the first network, and a first information can also be assigned to each terminal device in the first network. The first information can also include an identifier of the first network. In this way, the second network can identify the terminal device as a terminal device in the first network based on the first information, but cannot identify the identity of the terminal device based on the first information. This can protect the privacy of the terminal device and improve the security of the first network.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first network open function network element may receive a first response message to the first request message from the second network open function network element. The first response message may include the location information of the terminal device. The first network open function network element may determine the identity of the terminal device in the first network based on the identity of the first network, the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and at least one of the first information. The second transaction number may be used to identify the service request of the first network. The first network open function network element may send a location response message based on the identity of the terminal device in the first network. The location response message may include the location information of the terminal device.

[0015] Based on this solution, the second network open function network element can identify the service request of the first network through the second transaction number. The first network open function network element and the second network open function network element can communicate with each other through the identification of the first network, the first transaction number, the second transaction number and the first information, which can improve the security of the first network and protect the privacy of the terminal device.

[0016] In one possible implementation, after sending the first request message to the second network open function network element, the first network open function network element may further receive a second data request message from the second network open function network element. The second data request message may include at least one of the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number, and the first information. The second data request message may be used to request data required for positioning. The first network open function network element may send a second response message to the second network open function network element. The second response message may include the collected data required for positioning.

[0017] Based on this solution, the first network open function network element can determine the identifier of the terminal device in the first network based on the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number and at least one of the first information, thereby collecting the data required for the positioning of the terminal device, and sending the collected data to the second network open function network element to realize the positioning of the terminal device. Therefore, there is no need to deploy network elements related to positioning services in the first network, which can save construction and operation and maintenance costs and reduce operation and maintenance complexity.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first network open function network element may store an association between at least two of the first network identifier, the first transaction number, the terminal device identifier on the first network and the first information, and the second transaction number. For example, the association between the first transaction number and the terminal device identifier on the first network may be stored, or the association between the first network identifier, the first transaction number, the terminal device identifier on the first network and the first information, and the second transaction number may be stored.

[0019] Based on this solution, the first network open function network element can communicate with the second network open function network element according to the stored association relationship, and determine the identity of the terminal device in the first network, thereby avoiding the leakage of the identity of the terminal device in the first network, protecting the privacy of the terminal device, and improving the security of the first network.

[0020] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide another communication method. This method can be performed by a second network open function network element of a second network in embodiments of the present application. In this method, the second network open function network element can receive a first request message from a first network open function network element. The first request message can include an identifier of the first network, and the first request message can be used to request the second network to determine location information of a terminal device. The terminal device here can be located in the first network. The second network open function network element can receive the location information of the terminal device determined by the first location management function network element of the second network, and send the location information to the first network open function network element.

[0021] Based on this solution, there is no need to deploy positioning-related network elements in the first network. When there is a positioning demand, the second network can be requested to provide positioning services to realize positioning services for terminal devices in the first network, which can save the construction and operation and maintenance costs of the first network and reduce the operation and maintenance complexity.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first transaction number may also be included, which may be used to identify the service request of the terminal device. The second network open function network element may generate a second transaction number based on the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network. The second transaction number may be used to identify the service request of the first network.

[0023] Based on this solution, the second network open function network element can use the second transaction number to identify service requests from different first networks.

[0024] In one possible implementation, after the second network open function network element receives the first request message sent by the first network open function network element, it may also send a second transaction number and at least one of the first information, as well as an identifier of the first network, to the gateway mobile location center network element of the second network. In this way, the gateway mobile location center network element may send a third request message to the first location management function network element of the second network through the access and management function network element of the second network. The third request message may be used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device. The first location management function network element may be selected by the access and mobility management function network element based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The first information here may be used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0025] Based on this solution, the access and mobility management function element can select an access and mobility management function element for the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to locate the terminal device. Furthermore, because the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, the privacy of the terminal device can be guaranteed, thereby improving the security of the first network.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the second network open function network element may receive an identifier or address of a first location management function network element of the second network from a unified data management function network element of the second network. The second network open function network element may determine the first location management function network element based on the identifier or address, and send a third request message to the first location management function network element. The third request message may be used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device.

[0027] Based on this solution, the first location management function network element can be selected by the unified data management function network element for the first network, and the second network open function network element can determine the location information of the terminal device through the first location management function network element.

[0028] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first request message sent by the first network open function network element, the second network open function network element may send a third request message to the first location management function network element of the second network. The third request message may be used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device. The first location management function network element is selected by the unified data management function network element of the second network based on the identifier of the first network.

[0029] Based on this solution, the second network does not need to deploy a gateway mobile location center network element and an access and mobility management function network element during deployment. The first location management function network element can be selected through the unified data management function network element, and the first location management function network element can realize the positioning of the terminal device, which can save construction and operation and maintenance costs and reduce the complexity of operation and maintenance.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the first location management function network element is selected when the unified data management function network element checks the subscription data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network and determines that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services.

[0031] Based on this solution, the unified data management function network element can view the contract data according to the identifier of the first network to perform authority control, and select the first location management function network element that provides positioning services for the first network according to the identifier of the first network.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first information may include at least one of a first identifier and a first indication of the terminal device. The first identifier may be a universal identifier of the terminal device in the first network. The universal identifier may be a universal identifier for all terminal devices in the first network, or it may be a universal identifier for some terminal devices in the first network. For example, the universal identifier may be different for each terminal device in the first network. The first indication may be used to indicate that the first identifier is an identifier of a terminal device in the first network or an identifier of a terminal device not in the second network. When the first identifier in the first information is a set value, the access and mobility management function network element may select a first location management function network element based on the second transaction number and the first information. When the first identifiers of different terminal devices are different, the first location management function network element may be determined based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. When the first identifier includes the identifier of the first network and the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element is determined based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first identifier.

[0033] Based on this solution, the second network can select the first location management function network element for the first network according to the second transaction number and / or the first information to realize the positioning of the terminal device, avoid using the identification of the terminal device in the first network, protect the privacy of the terminal device, and improve the security of the first network.

[0034] In one possible implementation, before receiving the terminal device's location information, the second network open function network element may also receive a first data request message. The first data request message may include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The first data request message may be used to obtain data required for positioning. The second network open function network element may determine the identifier of the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and send a second data request message to the first network. The second data request message may include at least one of the first transaction number, the first network identifier, the second transaction number, and the first information.

[0035] Based on this solution, the second network open function network element can request the first network open function network element for the data required for positioning based on the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number and at least one of the first information, so as to realize the positioning of the terminal device, avoid using the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, protect the privacy of the terminal device, and improve the security of the first network.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the second network open function network element may search for the corresponding identifier of the first network according to the second transaction number, and send the location information of the terminal device to the first network open function network element of the first network.

[0037] Based on this solution, the second network open function network element can identify the service request of the first network according to the second transaction number, and can communicate with the first network open function network element according to the second transaction number.

[0038] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method. This method may be performed by a unified data management function network element of a second network. In this method, the unified data management function network element may receive an identifier of a first network. The identifier of the first network may be sent by a second network open function in the second network.

[0039] In one example, the unified data management function network element can view the contract data of the first network based on the identifier of the first network. If the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, the unified data management function network element can select an access and mobility management function network element for the first network. The unified data management function network element can send the identifier and / or address of the access and mobility management function network element to the network management mobile location center of the second network. Therefore, the network management mobile location center can send a second transaction number to the access and management function network element, and the access and management function network element can select a first location management function network element for the first network. The first location management function network element here can be used to determine the location information of the terminal device of the first network.

[0040] In another example, the unified data management function network element can view the subscription data of the first network based on the identifier of the first network. If the first network has permission to obtain positioning services, the unified data management function network element can select a first location management function network element for the first network. The first location management function network element can be used to determine the location information of the terminal device of the first network.

[0041] Based on this solution, the unified data management function network element can perform authority authentication based on the identifier of the external network, that is, it can view the contract data of the external network based on the identifier of the external network to determine whether the external network has the authority to obtain positioning services. The unified data management function network element does not need to obtain the identifier of the terminal device for authority authentication, which can ensure the privacy of the terminal device of the first network and improve the security of the first network.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method can be performed by a communication system. In the method, a first network open function network element can receive a location request message for requesting location information of a terminal device. The terminal device and the first network open function network element here can be located in a first network. The first network open function network element can send a first request message to a network element in a second network, and the first request message can include an identifier of the first network. The first request message is used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device. The network element in the second network can determine a first location management function network element in the second network for determining the location information of the terminal device. The first location management function network element can determine the location information of the terminal device and send the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element. The second network open function network element can send the location information to the first network open function network element.

[0043] In one possible implementation, after receiving the location request message, the first network open function network element may generate a first transaction number based on the location request message. This first transaction number may be used to identify the service request of the terminal device. The first request message may include the first transaction number. After receiving the first request message, the second network open function network element may generate a second transaction number based on the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network. This second transaction number may be used to identify the service request of the first network.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the first request message may include first information. The first information here may be used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0045] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first request message, the second network open function network element may also send the second transaction number and at least one of the first information, as well as the identifier of the first network, to the gateway mobile location center network element. The gateway mobile location center may be located in the second network. The gateway mobile location center network element may send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the access and mobility management function network element. The access and mobility management function network element may be located in the second network. The access and mobility management function network element may select the first location management function network element in the second network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The access and management function network element may generate a third request message and send the third request message to the first location management function. The third request message here may be used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device.

[0046] In one possible implementation, after the second network open function network element sends the second transaction number and at least one of the first information and the identifier of the first network to the gateway mobile location center network element, the gateway mobile location center may send the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element, which may be located in the second network. The unified data management function network element may check the subscription data of the first network based on the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, it may select the access and mobility management function network element for the first network. The unified data management function network element may send the identifier or address of the selected access and mobility management function network element to the gateway mobile location center network element. The gateway mobile location center network element may determine the access and mobility management function network element based on the identifier or address, and send the second transaction number to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0047] In one possible implementation, after receiving the first request message, the second network open function network element may send the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element. The unified data management function network element may check the contract data of the first network based on the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, select the first location management function network element for the first network. The unified data management function network element may send the identifier or address of the selected first location management function network element to the second network open function network element. The second network open function network element may send a third request message to the first location management function network element. The third request message here can be used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device.

[0048] In a possible implementation manner, the first information may be received from the first network open function network element; or, the first information may also be generated by the second network open function network element according to the identifier of the first network.

[0049] In one possible implementation, when the first information is a set value, the access and mobility management function network element may select the first location management function network element based on the second transaction number and the first information. Alternatively, when the first information is different for different terminal devices, the first location management function network element may be determined based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. Alternatively, when the first information includes an identifier of the first network to which the terminal device belongs, and the first information is different for different terminal devices, the first location management function network element may be determined based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0050] In one possible implementation, before determining the location information of the terminal device, the first location management function network element may send a first data request message to the second network open function network element. The first data request message may include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The first data request message may be used to obtain data required for positioning. The second network open function network element may determine the identifier of the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The second network open function network element may send a second data request message to the first network open function network element. The second data request message may include the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number, and at least one of the first information. The second data request message is used to request the data required for positioning. The first network open function network element may collect the data required for positioning based on the second data request message and send a second response message to the second network open function network element. The second response message may include the collected data required for positioning. The second network open function network element may send the data required for positioning to the first location management function network element. The first location management function network element determines the location information based on the data required for positioning.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the second network open function network element may search for the corresponding first network identifier based on the second transaction number. The second network open function network element may send a first response message to the first network open function network element. The first response message includes the location information. The first network open function network element may determine the identifier of the terminal device in the first network based on at least one of the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and the first information. The first network open function network element may send a location request response based on the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, where the location request response includes the location information.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the first network may be a non-public network, and the second network may be a public network or a public land mobile network.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication system. The system may include a first network and a second network. The first network may include a first network open function network element, and the second network may include a second network open function network element and at least one location management function network element.

[0054] The first network open function network element may be configured to receive a location request message requesting location information of a terminal device. The terminal device is located in the first network. The first network open function network element may also be configured to send a first request message to a second network open function network element. The first request message may include an identifier of the first network, and the first request message may be used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device. The network element in the second network may be configured to determine a first location management function network element in the second network for determining the location information of the terminal device. The first location management function network element may be configured to determine the location information of the terminal device and send the location information to the second network open function network element. The second network open function network element may be configured to receive the location information and send the location information to the first network open function network element.

[0055] In one possible implementation, after receiving the location request message, the first network open function network element may further be configured to generate a first transaction number based on the location request message. The first transaction number is used to identify the service request of the terminal device, and the first request message may also include the first transaction number. The second network open function network element may further be configured to generate a second transaction number based on the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network after receiving the first request message. The second transaction number may be used to identify the service request of the first network.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the second network may further include a gateway mobile location center (GMC) network element and an access mobility management function (AMF) network element. Before the first location management function (AMF) network element determines the location information of the terminal device, the second network open function (ANF) network element may be further configured to, after receiving the first request message, send at least one of a second transaction number and the first information, as well as an identifier of the first network, to the GMC. The first information herein may be used to identify the terminal device, and the first information may be different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network. The GMC network element may be configured to send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The AMF network element may be configured to generate a third request message, which may be used to request the first GMC network element to determine the location information of the terminal device. The AMF network element may be further configured to select the first GMC network element based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The AMF network element may also be configured to send the third request message to the first GMC network element.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the second network may further include a unified data management function network element. The gateway mobile location center may also be configured to send the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element after receiving the second transaction number and the first network identifier. The unified data management function network element may be configured to check the contract data of the first network based on the identifier of the first network, and when determining that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, select an access and mobility management function network element for the first network, and send the identifier or address of the selected access and management function network element to the gateway mobile location center network element. The gateway mobile location center network element may also be configured to determine the access and mobility management function network element based on the identifier or address, and send the second transaction number to the access and management function network element.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the second network may further include a unified data management function network element. After receiving the first request message sent by the first network open function network element, the second network open function network element may also be used to send the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element. The unified data management function network element may be used to select a first location management function network element for the first network when it determines that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services based on the identifier of the first network and the contract data of the first network. The unified data management function network element may also be used to send the identifier or address of the selected first location management function network element to the second network open function network element. The second network open function network element may also be used to send a third request message to the first location management function network element, and the third request message may be used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device.

[0059] In a possible implementation manner, the first information may be received from the first network open function network element, or the first information may be generated by the second network open function network element according to the identifier of the first network.

[0060] In one possible implementation, when the first information is a setting value, the first location management function network element is determined based on the second transaction number and the first information; or when the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element can be determined based on the second transaction number and at least one of the first information; or when the first information includes an identifier of the first network to which the terminal device belongs, and the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element can be determined based on the second transaction number and at least one of the first information.

[0061] In one possible implementation, before determining the location information, the first location management function network element may further be configured to send a first data request message to the second network open function network element. The first data request message may include at least one of a transaction number and the first information. The first data request message may be used to request data required for positioning. The second network open function network element may further be configured to receive the first data request message, determine the identifier of the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and send a second data request message to the first network open function network element. The second data request message may include at least one of the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number, and the first information. The second data request message may be used to request data required for positioning. The first network open function network element may further be configured to collect data required for positioning based on the second data request message and send a second response message to the second network open function network element. The second response message may include the collected data required for positioning. The second network open function network element may further be configured to send the data required for positioning to the first location management function network element. The first location management function network element may further be configured to determine the location information of the terminal device based on the data required for positioning.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the second network open function network element may be further configured to determine an identifier of the first network based on the second transaction number. The second network open function network element may be further configured to send a first response message to the first network open function network element of the first network. The first response message may include location information. The first network open function network element may be further configured to determine an identifier of the terminal device in the first network based on at least one of the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and the first information. The first network open function network element may be further configured to send a location request response based on the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, where the location request response may include the location information of the terminal device.

[0063] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may include various modules / units for executing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, such as a communication unit and a processing unit.

[0064] In one design, the processing unit is used to receive a location request message for requesting location information of a terminal device through the communication unit; the terminal device is located in the first network; the processing unit is also used to send a first request message to a second network open function network element of a second network through the communication unit; the first request message includes an identifier of the first network; the first request message is used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device; the processing unit is also used to receive the location information of the terminal device sent by the second network open function network element through the communication unit; the processing unit is also used to carry the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and send the location request response through the communication unit.

[0065] In one design, after receiving the location request message via the communication unit, the processing unit is further configured to generate a first transaction number based on the location request message; the first transaction number is used to identify the service request of the terminal device. When the processing unit sends the first request message to the second network open function network element via the communication unit, the processing unit may specifically be configured to send the first request message carrying the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number to the second network open function network element.

[0066] In one design, the first request message includes first information; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identification of the terminal device in the first network.

[0067] In one design, the first information is a setting value; or, the first information of different terminal devices is different; or, the first information includes an identifier of the first network, and the first information of different terminal devices is different.

[0068] In one design, the processing unit carries the location information of the terminal device in the location request response of the location request message, and when sending the location request response through the communication unit, is specifically used to: receive a first response message to the first request message from the second network open function network element through the communication unit; the first response message includes the location information. The processing unit is specifically used to determine the identification of the terminal device in the first network based on at least one of the identification of the first network, the first transaction number, the second transaction number and the first information. The second transaction number is used to identify the service request of the first network; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identification of the terminal device in the first network. The processing unit is specifically used to send the location request response through the communication unit based on the identification of the terminal device in the first network; the location request response includes the location information.

[0069] In one design, after the processing unit sends a first request message to a second network open function network element of a second network through the communication unit, the processing unit is further configured to receive a second data request message sent by the second network open function network element through the communication unit, where the second data request message includes at least one of the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number, and the first information; the second data request message is used to request data required for positioning, the second transaction number is used to identify the service request of the first network; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network. The processing unit is further configured to send a second response message to the second network open function network element through the communication unit; the second response message includes the data required for positioning.

[0070] In one design, the apparatus further includes a storage unit that can be configured to store an association between at least two of the identifier of the first network, the first transaction number, the identifier of the terminal device on the first network, the first information, and the second transaction number.

[0071] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may include various modules / units for executing the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, such as a communication unit and a processing unit.

[0072] The processing unit is configured to receive, via the communication unit, a first request message from a first network open function network element of a first network; the first request message includes an identifier of the first network; the first request message is configured to request the second network to determine location information of a terminal device; and the terminal device is located in the first network. The processing unit is further configured to receive, via the communication unit, the location information determined by a first location management function network element of the second network. The processing unit is further configured to send the location information to the first network open function network element via the communication unit.

[0073] In one design, the first request message further includes a first transaction number; the first transaction number is used to identify the service request of the terminal device. The processing unit is further configured to generate a second transaction number based on the first transaction number and an identifier of the first network; the second transaction number is used to identify the service request of the first network.

[0074] In one design, after receiving the first request message sent by the first network open function network element of the first network through the communication unit, the processing unit is further used to send a second transaction number and at least one of the first information and the identifier of the first network to the gateway mobile location center network element of the second network through the communication unit, so that the gateway mobile location center network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element of the second network through the access and mobility management function network element of the second network; the third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device; the first location management function network element is selected by the access and mobility management function network element based on the second transaction number and at least one of the first information; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0075] In one design, the processing unit is further configured to receive, via the communication unit, an identifier or address of a first location management function network element of the second network from a unified data management function network element of the second network. The processing unit is further configured to determine the first location management function network element based on the identifier or address. After receiving, via the communication unit, a first request message sent by a first network open function network element of the first network, the processing unit is further configured to send, via the communication unit, a third request message to the first location management function network element; the third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device.

[0076] In one design, the first location management function network element is a unified data management function network element of the second network, which checks the contract data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network and selects it when determining that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services.

[0077] In one design, the first information is received from the first network open function network element; or, the first information is generated by the second network open function network element according to the identifier of the first network.

[0078] In one design, when the first information is a setting value, the first location management function network element is determined based on the second transaction number and the first information; or when the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element is determined based on the second transaction number and at least one of the first information; or when the first information includes an identifier of the first network to which the terminal device belongs, and the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element is determined based on the second transaction number and at least one of the first information.

[0079] In one design, before receiving the location information of the terminal device through the communication unit, the processing unit is further configured to receive a first data request message through the communication unit, the first data request message including at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, the first data request message being used to obtain data required for positioning. The processing unit is further configured to determine an identifier of the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and to send a second data request message to the first network open function network element of the first network through the communication unit; the second data request message including at least one of the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number, and the first information.

[0080] In one design, when the processing unit sends the location information to the first network open function network element through the communication unit, it is specifically used to: search for the corresponding first network identifier according to the second transaction number, and send the location information to the first network open function network element of the first network through the communication unit.

[0081] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may include various modules / units for executing the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, such as a communication unit and a processing unit.

[0082] The communication unit is used to receive an identifier of the first network; the unified data management function network element is located in the second network;

[0083] The processing unit is configured to query the subscription data of the first network based on the identifier of the first network. Upon determining that the first network has permission to obtain positioning services, the processing unit selects an access and mobility management function network element for the first network. The access and mobility management function network element may be configured to request location information of a terminal device in the first network from a first location management function network element; the first location management function network element is configured to determine the location information of the terminal device; and the access and mobility management function network element and the first location management function network element are located in a second network.

[0084] Alternatively, the processing unit is configured to query the subscription data of the first network based on the identifier of the first network, and upon determining that the first network has permission to obtain positioning services, select a first location management function network element for the first network; the first location management function network element is configured to determine location information of a terminal device in the first network; and the first location management function network element is located in the second network.

[0085] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-executable instructions. When a controller is running, the processor executes the computer-executable instructions in the memory to utilize hardware resources in the controller to perform the steps of the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the steps of the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the steps of the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0086] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer executes the methods in the above aspects.

[0087] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product storing instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods in the above aspects.

[0088] In addition, the beneficial effects of the fourth to eleventh aspects described above can be compared with the beneficial effects shown in the first and third aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] Figure 1 One of the communication system schematic diagrams provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 2 One of the communication system schematic diagrams provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Figure 3 One of the communication system schematic diagrams provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 4 This is one of the structural diagrams of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 5 This is one of the structural diagrams of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 6 This is one of the structural diagrams of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 7 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 8 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Figure 9 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 10 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Figure 11 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Figure 12 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0101] Figure 13 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0102] Figure 14 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Figure 15 One of the exemplary flow charts of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0104] Figure 16 One of the schematic diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] Figure 17 One of the schematic diagrams of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Figure 18 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] Below, some terms used in the embodiments of the present application are explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0108] 1) Public networks: These are the networks that typically provide network services to terminal devices in daily life. These networks, also known as public land mobile networks (PLMNs), are established and operated by the government or its approved operators to provide land mobile communications services to the public. These networks are typically interconnected with the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to form a regional or national communications network.

[0109] 2) Private networks: In addition to public networks, carriers or individuals may also build non-public networks (NPNs) to meet user needs. Private networks, also known as non-public networks, are networks open to specific users, such as internal networks in companies, schools, or factories. Devices not signed up for private networks are not allowed to access them.

[0110] 3) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, for elements (element) in the singular form "a", "an" and "the", unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, it does not mean "one or only one", but means "one or more than one". For example, "a device" means one or more such devices. Furthermore, at least one (at least one of)..." means one or any combination of subsequent associated objects, for example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC.

[0111] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system, such as new radio access technology (NR), and future communication systems such as 6G system.

[0112] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0113] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0114] The following describes the scenarios to which the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is applicable. Figure 1 As shown, this scenario may include a terminal device 101, a first network 102, and a second network 103. Here, the first network 102 may be a non-public network, and the second network 103 may be a public network or a public land mobile network. The terminal device 101 is located in the first network 102. When positioning the terminal device 101 is required, the first network 102 may send a request message to the second network 103, requesting that the second network 103 provide positioning services to determine the location information of the terminal device 101. After determining the location information of the terminal device 101, the second network 103 may send the location information to the first network 102.

[0115] The following introduction Figure 1 The architecture of the first network 102 and the second network 103 may include two cases.

[0116] Case 1:

[0117] like Figure 2As shown, the first network 102 may include a network exposure function (NEF) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, an access network (AN) device, an application function network element (AF) network element, a user plane function (UPF) network element, and a session management function network element (SMF) network element. The AMF may receive a request message for obtaining location information of a terminal device and send a request message to the NEF to inform the NEF that it needs to obtain positioning services from the second network 103. The terminal device 101 may be located in the first network 102, and the first network 102 may provide communication services for the terminal device 101.

[0118] The second network 103 may include an NEF, a gateway mobile location center (GMLC) network element, a unified data management function (UDM) network element, an AMF, a location management function (LMF) network element, and a policy control function (PCF) network element. The NEF may receive a message sent by the NEF of the first network to request the location information of the terminal device, and send the request message to the UDM through the GLMC, informing the UDM to select an AMF for the first network 102. The GLMC may send a request message to the AMF selected by the UDM, informing the AMF to request the LMF to provide positioning services for the first network 102. The LMF may determine the location information of the terminal device and send the location information to the NEF through the AMF and the GLMC.

[0119] It should be understood that the first network 102 and the second network 103 in the embodiment of the present application are not limited to Figure 2 The architecture shown, Figure 2 The names of the network elements shown in the figure are only used as an example and are not intended to limit the network elements included in the communication system architecture used by the method of the present application.

[0120] Case 2:

[0121] like Figure 3 As shown, the architecture of the first network 102 can be as follows Figure 2As shown, it includes network elements such as NEF, AMF, AN equipment, AF, UPF and SMF. The architecture of the second network 103 may include NEF, UDM and LMF. Among them, NEF can receive a request message sent by the NEF of the first network to request the location information of the terminal device, and send the request message to the UDM, requesting the UDM to select LMF for the first network 102. NEF can send a request message to the LMF selected by the UDM through the service interface, informing the LMF to provide positioning services for the first network 102. LMF can determine the location information of the terminal device and send the location information to the NEF. It should be understood that the first network 102 and the second network 103 of the embodiment of the present application are not limited to Figure 3 The architecture shown, Figure 3 The names of the network elements shown in the figure are only used as an example and are not intended to limit the network elements included in the communication system architecture used by the method of the present application.

[0122] The functions of each network element or device of the communication system according to the embodiment of the present application are described in detail below:

[0123] The terminal device, which can also be called user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users. For example, the terminal device may include a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. At present, the terminal device can be: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc. Among them, Figure 1 The terminal device described in the figure is shown as UE, which is only an example and does not limit the terminal device.

[0124] The wireless access network can be Figure 2 and Figure 3The access network (AN) shown provides wireless access services to the terminal device. The access network device is a device in the communication system that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. The access network device is a node in the wireless access network, which can also be called a base station or a radio access network (RAN) node (or device). Currently, some examples of access network devices include: gNB, transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wifi) access point (AP).

[0125] For example, the wireless access network device in the embodiment of the present application can be divided into two parts according to the protocol stack function: a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Among them, a wireless access network device can include a CU and at least one DU, such as Figure 4As shown. The CU is connected to at least one DU and can be used to manage or control the at least one DU. This structure can separate the protocol layers of the radio access network device in the communication system, wherein some protocol layer functions are implemented in the CU, and the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, and the DU is centrally controlled by the CU. Taking the radio access network device as a gNB as an example, the protocol layer of the gNB includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a media access control sublayer (MAC) layer, and a physical layer. Among them, illustratively, the CU can be used to implement the functions of the RRC layer, the SDAP layer, and the PDCP layer, and the DU can be used to implement the functions of the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the protocol stack included in the CU and the DU. The CU and DU can be connected using the F1 interface, the CU and other wireless access network devices can be connected using the Xn interface, and the CU and 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC) can be connected using the NG interface. Figure 5 shown.

[0126] For example, the CU in the embodiment of the present application can be further divided into a control plane (CU-control plane, CU-CP) network element and at least one user plane (CU-user plane, CU-UP) network element. Among them, CU-CP can be used for control plane management, and CU-UP can be used for user plane data transmission. The interface between CU-CP and CU-UP can be an E1 port. The interface between CU-CP and DU can be F1-C, which is used for transmission of control plane signaling. The interface between CU-UP and DU can be F1-U, which is used for user plane data transmission. CU-UP and CU-UP can be connected through the Xn-U port for user plane data transmission. For example, taking gNB as an example, the structure of gNB can be as follows Figure 6 shown.

[0127] The network open function network element NEF can be used to enable 3GPP to securely provide network service capabilities to third-party AFs (e.g., service capability servers (SCS), application servers (AS), etc.). For example, in 5G, the network open function network element can be NEF, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in future communication systems, such as 6G, the network open function network element can still be an NEF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the network open function network element is an NEF, the NEF can provide Nnef services to other network function network elements.

[0128] The policy control function network element PCF can be used to be responsible for policy control decisions, provide functions such as service data flow and application detection, gating, QoS and flow-based charging control, etc. For example, in 5G, the policy control function network element can be a PCF (policy control function) network element, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in future communication systems, such as 6G, the policy control function network element can still be a PCF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the policy control function network element is a PCF network element, the PCF network element can provide Npcf services.

[0129] The main function of the application function network element AF is to interact with the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) core network to provide services, to influence service flow routing, access network capability exposure, policy control, etc. For example, in 5G, the application function network element can be an AF network element, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in future communications, such as 6G, the application function network element may still be an AF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the application function network element is an AF network element, the AF network element may provide Naf services.

[0130] The access and management function network element AMF can be used to manage the access control and mobility of the terminal device. In actual application, it includes the mobility management function in the mobility management entity (MME) in the network framework of long term evolution (LTE), and adds access management function. Specifically, it can be responsible for the registration of the terminal device, mobility management, tracking area update process, reachability detection, selection of session management function network element, mobile state transition management, etc. For example, in 5G, the access and mobility management function network element can be an AMF (access and mobility management function) network element, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in future communications, such as 6G, the access and mobility management function network element can still be an AMF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the access and mobility management function network element is an AMF network element, the AMF can provide Namf services.

[0131] The session management function network element SMF can be used to be responsible for the session management of the terminal device (including session establishment, modification and release), selection and reselection of user plane function network elements, Internet protocol (IP) address allocation of the terminal device, quality of service (QoS) control, etc. For example, in 5G, the session management function network element can be an SMF (session management function) network element, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in future communication systems, such as 6G, the session management function network element can still be an SMF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the session management function network element is an SMF network element, the SMF can provide Nsmf services.

[0132] The unified data management function network element UDM can be used to manage the subscription data of the terminal device, registration information related to the terminal device, etc. For example, in 5G, the unified data management function network element can be a unified data management function network element (UDM), such as Figure 2 As shown, in future communication systems, such as 6G, the unified data management function network element can still be a UDM network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the unified data management function network element is a UDM network element, the UDM network element can provide Nudm services.

[0133] The Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC) is the first node for external location programs to access the public network or public land network, and performs registration authorization checks and requests for routing information from the HLR. For example, in 5G, the Gateway Mobile Location Centre network element may be a Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), e.g. Figure 2 As shown, in future communication systems, such as 6G, the gateway mobile location center network element can still be a GLMC network element, or have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0134] The location management function LMF may be used to determine the location of the UE, obtain downlink location measurement or location estimation from the UE, etc. For example, in 5G, the location management function LMF may be used to determine the location of the UE, obtain downlink location measurement or location estimation from the UE, etc. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in future communication systems, such as 6G, the location management function network element can still be an LMF network element, or have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0135] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to specific scenarios. Figure 7 This is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, shown from the perspective of device interaction, which may include the following steps:

[0136] Step 701: A first network open function network element of a first network receives a location request message for requesting location information of a terminal device.

[0137] The terminal device is located in the first network. The location request message may be sent by the terminal device to the AMF. Alternatively, the location request message may be sent by the APP server to the application layer function (AF) when the application (APP) installed on the terminal device wants to obtain the location information of the terminal device, and then sent by the AF to the AMF. Alternatively, the location request message may also be sent by a third-party server in the first network, for example, it may be sent by the positioning server in the first network to the first network open function network element. When the terminal device sends a location request message, the location request message may be sent through NAS signaling, or the terminal device, AF or third-party server may also send the location request message through the newly added signaling for sending location request messages. After receiving the location request message, the AMF may send a location request message to the first network open function network element. The above-mentioned location request message may include the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, such as a temporary identifier (subscription concealed identifier, SUCI), a unique identifier (subscription permanent identifier, SUPI), a globally unique UE temporary identifier (globally unique temporary UE identity, GUTI), a temporary identifier (generic public subscription identifier, GPSI) and other identifiers.

[0138] In one embodiment, after receiving the location request message, the first network open function network element may generate a first transaction number. The first transaction number may be used to identify the service request of the terminal device. A first transaction number may be generated for the service request of each terminal device, and the first transaction numbers of the service requests of different terminal devices are different. Alternatively, a first transaction number may be generated for each service request of each terminal device, and the first transaction numbers of different service requests of the same terminal device are different, and the first transaction numbers of different terminal devices are different. The first network open function network element may also maintain an association relationship between the first transaction number and the identifier of the terminal device in the first network. The first network open function network element may also send the association relationship between the first transaction number and the identifier of the terminal device in the first network to the AMF, so that the AMF stores the association relationship.

[0139] Step 702: The first network open function network element sends a first request message to the second network open function network element of the second network, and the second network open function receives the first request message sent by the first network open function.

[0140] The first request message may include the identifier of the first network and may be used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device. The first request message may also include the first transaction number. Exemplarily, the first request message may include the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first network open function network element may further generate the first information of the terminal device. The first information may include at least one of a first identifier and a first indication. The first information of the terminal device is described in detail below and may include the following three situations.

[0142] Case 1:

[0143] The first information includes at least one of a first identifier and a first indication. Exemplarily, the first information may include the first identifier and the first indication, or the first information may include the first identifier, or the first information may include the first indication. The first identifier may be a universal identifier for all terminal devices located in the first network. For example, the first identifier may be a set value, such as all 0s or all 1s. The first indication may indicate that the terminal device identified by the first identifier is a terminal device of the first network, or the first indication may indicate that the terminal device is not a terminal device of the second network. It should be understood that the first identifier here is different from the aforementioned identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0144] Case 2:

[0145] The first information includes at least one of a first identifier and a first indication. Exemplarily, the first information may include the first identifier and the first indication, or the first information may include the first identifier, or the first information may include the first indication. The first identifier may identify a different terminal device, but is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network. For example, a different first identifier may be assigned to each terminal device located in the first network. The first indication may indicate that the terminal device identified by the first identifier is a terminal device of the first network, or the first indication may indicate that the terminal device is not a terminal device of the second network.

[0146] Case 3:

[0147] The first information includes at least one of a first identifier and a first indication. Exemplarily, the first information may include the first identifier and the first indication, or the first information may include the first identifier, or the first information may include the first indication. The first identifier may identify different terminal devices and may be different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network. For example, a different first identifier may be assigned to each terminal device located in the first network. In addition, the first identifier may also include the identifier of the first network. In other words, the first identifier may be used to identify that the terminal device is located in the first network. The first indication may indicate that the terminal device is not a terminal device of the second network.

[0148] When the first network open function network element sends the first request message to the second network open function network element, the first information may also be included in the first request message. Exemplarily, the first request message may include the first network identifier, the first transaction number, and the first information. The first network open function network element may also store an association between the first network identifier, the first transaction number, the first information, and the terminal device's identifier on the first network.

[0149] In another embodiment, the first information in the aforementioned cases 1 to 3 may be generated by the second network open function network element according to the first request message sent by the first network open function network element. Exemplarily, the first request message may include the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number.

[0150] In another embodiment, the second network open function network element may further generate a second transaction number based on the first request message. The second transaction number may be used to identify the service request of the first network. The second network open function network element may generate different second transaction numbers for different first networks, or may also generate different second transaction numbers for different service requests of the same first network. For example, a second transaction number may be generated for a positioning service request of a first terminal device of the same first network, and another second transaction number may be generated for a positioning service request of a second terminal device of the same first network. The second network open function network element may store the association between the identifier of the first network and the second transaction number, or the second network open function network element may store the association between the identifier of the first network, the first transaction number, and the second transaction number, or the second network open function network element may store the association between the identifier of the first network, the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and the first information.

[0151] For example, if the first request message sent by the first network open function includes the identifier of the first network, the second network open function network element may store the association between the second transaction number and the identifier of the first network, or may store the association between the second transaction number, the identifier of the first network, and the first information. If the first request message sent by the first network open function network element includes the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number, the second network open function network element may store the association between the identifier of the first network, the first transaction number, and the second transaction number, or may store the association between the identifier of the first network, the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and the first information.

[0152] The second network open function network element may also send the association relationship between the first transaction number, the second transaction number, the identifier of the first network, and the first information to the first network open function network element, so that the first network open function network element stores the aforementioned association relationship. Upon receiving the association relationship, the first network open function network element may determine whether the identifier of the first network is its own identifier, and may also determine whether the identifier of the first network corresponds to the first transaction number. Upon determining that the identifier of the first network is its own identifier and that the identifier of the first network corresponds to the first transaction number, the first network open function network element may store the aforementioned association relationship.

[0153] Step 703: The second network open function network element receives the location information determined by the first location management function network element of the second network.

[0154] The first location management function network element here can be determined by the following two methods, which are introduced below respectively.

[0155] Method 1:

[0156] The first location management function network element may be selected by the access and mobility management function network element of the second network. Figure 8 As shown, the following steps may be included:

[0157] Step 801: After receiving the first request message sent by the first network open function network element, the second network open function network element sends at least one of the second transaction number and the first information and the identifier of the first network to the gateway mobile location center network element of the second network.

[0158] The gateway mobile location center network element may determine the need to provide positioning services for the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. For example, the gateway mobile location center may determine the need to provide positioning services for the first network based on the second transaction number, or the gateway mobile location center may determine the need to provide positioning services for the first network based on the first information.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first information in the above-mentioned cases 1-3 may also be generated by the gateway mobile location center network element based on the second transaction number. If the second network function network element sends the second transaction number and the identifier of the first network to the gateway mobile location center, the gateway mobile location center network element may generate the first information based on the second transaction number and the identifier of the first network. The gateway mobile location center network element may store the association between the second transaction number, the identifier of the first network, and the first information.

[0160] Step 802: The gateway mobile location center network element sends the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element.

[0161] Among them, since the gateway mobile location center network element determines that it needs to provide services for the first network based on the second transaction number and at least one of the first information, it can perform authority authentication based on the identifier of the first network, and therefore can send the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element.

[0162] Step 803: The unified data management function network element checks the subscription data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, selects an access and mobility management function network element for the first network.

[0163] The unified data management function network element may select a default access and mobility management function network element, or the unified data management function network element may select an access and mobility management function network element that can provide services for the first network based on the identifier of the first network.

[0164] Step 804: The unified data management function network element sends the identifier or address of the selected access and management function network element to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0165] Step 805: The gateway mobile location center network element sends at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the access and management function network element.

[0166] The gateway mobile location center network element may send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the corresponding access and management function network element according to the identifier or address of the access and management function network element fed back by the unified data management function network element.

[0167] Step 806: The access and management function network element selects a first location management function network element according to at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0168] If the first information is the above-mentioned case 1, the access and management function network element selects the first location management function network element based on the second transaction number and the first information. If the first information is the above-mentioned case 2 or case 3, the access and management function network element may select the first location management function network element based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0169] In one embodiment, the access and management function network element can select a default first location management function network element, or the access and management function network element can select a first location management function network element that can provide services for the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0170] Step 807: The access and management function network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element.

[0171] The third request message here is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device. The third request message may include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0172] Method 2:

[0173] The first location management function network element may be selected by the unified data management function network element of the second network. Figure 9 As shown, the following steps may be included:

[0174] Step 901: The second network open function network element sends the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element of the second network.

[0175] The second network open function network element may send the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element through a service-oriented interface.

[0176] Step 902: The unified data management function network element checks the contract data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, selects the first location management function network element.

[0177] When selecting the first location management function network element, the unified data management function network element may select a default first location management function network element, or may select a first location management function network element that can provide services for the first network according to the identifier of the first network.

[0178] Step 903: The unified data management function network element sends the identifier or address of the first location management function network element to the second network open function network element.

[0179] Step 904: The second network open function network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element.

[0180] The third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device. The third request message may include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The second network open function network element may send the third request message to the first location management function network element based on the identifier or address of the first location management function network element fed back by the unified data management function network element. The second network open function network element may send the third request message to the first location management function network element based on the service-based interface.

[0181] Through the above-mentioned method 1 and method 2, the second network open function network element can send a third request message to the first location management function network element, requesting the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device. After receiving the third request message, the first location management function network element can trigger the process of collecting the data required for positioning. Figure 10 As shown, the flowchart for the first location management function network element to obtain data required for positioning may include the following steps:

[0182] Step 1001: A first location management function network element sends a first location data collection request message to an access and management function network element.

[0183] The first location data collection request message may include data to be collected and may also include at least one of a second transaction number and the first information. The access and management functional unit may determine, based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, that the location data collection request message is intended for a terminal device on the first network, rather than a terminal device managed by the access and management functional unit.

[0184] Step 1002: The access and management function network element sends a second location data request message to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0185] The second location data request message may include the same content as the first location data collection request message. For example, the second location data request message may include the data to be collected and may also include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0186] Step 1003: The gateway mobile location center network element sends a first data request message to the second network open function network element.

[0187] The first data request message here may include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and the first data request message may be used to obtain data required for positioning.

[0188] In this embodiment of the present application, the first location management function network element may send the first data request message to the second network open function network element through the above steps 1001 to 1003. In another embodiment, to save construction and maintenance costs of the second network, the first data request message may be sent to the second network open function network element through the following step 1004.

[0189] Step 1004: The first location management function network element sends a first data request message to the second network open function network element.

[0190] The first location management function network element may send a first data request message to the second network open function network element through a service-oriented interface. The first data request message may include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and the first data request message is used to obtain data required for positioning.

[0191] Step 1005: The second network open function network element sends a second data request message to the first network open function network element.

[0192] After receiving the first data request message, the second network open function network element may determine the identifier of the corresponding first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and may send the second data request message to the first network open function network element of the corresponding first network. The second network open function network element may also search for the association between the second transaction number, the first information, and the first transaction number based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and search for the corresponding first transaction number. The second data request message here may include at least one of the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number, and the first information. Exemplarily, the second data request message may include the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and the first information, or the second data request message may include the second transaction number and the identifier of the first network.

[0193] Step 1006: The first network open function network element sends the second data request message to the access and management function network element of the first network.

[0194] After receiving the second data request message, the first network open function network element may determine whether the second data request message is valid based on at least one of the second transaction number, the first transaction number, the first network identifier, and the first information carried in the second data request message. A valid message here may mean that the message is correctly sent to the corresponding first network. For example, if the second data request message carries the first network identifier, the first network open function network element may determine whether the first network identifier is its own identifier. Upon determining that the first network identifier is its own identifier, the first network open function network element may determine that the second data request message is valid. Alternatively, if the second data request message carries the first network identifier, the first transaction number, and the second transaction number, the first network open function network element may determine whether the first network identifier is its own identifier and whether the association between the first network identifier and the first transaction number is correct. If the first network identifier is its own identifier and the association between the first network identifier and the first transaction number is correct, the first network open function network element may store the corresponding second transaction number.

[0195] The first network open function network element may also determine an identifier of the terminal device on the first network based on at least one of the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and the first information. The second data request message may be sent to an access and management function network element of the first network that manages the terminal device. The second data request message may also carry the identifier of the terminal device on the first network.

[0196] Step 1007: The access and management function network element of the first network collects data required for positioning.

[0197] The access and management function network element of the first network can collect data required for positioning according to the identification of the terminal device in the first network.

[0198] Step 1008: The access and management function network element of the first network sends the collected data required for positioning to the first network open function network element.

[0199] The access and management function network element of the first network can carry the collected data required for positioning in a response message and send it to the first network open function network element. The response message can also carry the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0200] Step 1009: The first network open function network element sends a second response message to the second network open function network element.

[0201] The second response message may carry the collected data required for positioning. Optionally, when sending the second response message, the first network open function may also determine the terminal device's identifier on the first network based on the aforementioned response message, and search for the corresponding first transaction number and second transaction number based on the terminal device's identifier on the first network. The second response message may also carry at least one of the first network identifier, the first transaction number, and the second transaction number.

[0202] Step 1010: The second network open function network element sends a response message to the second location data request message to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0203] The response message to the second location data request message may carry the collected data required for positioning, and may also carry at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0204] Step 1011: The gateway mobile location center network element sends a response message to the first location data request message to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0205] The response message to the first location data request message here may carry the collected data required for positioning, and may also carry at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0206] Step 1012: The access and mobility management function network element sends a first response message to the first location management function network element.

[0207] The first response message here may carry data required for positioning, and may also carry at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0208] In this embodiment of the present application, the second network open function network element may send a first response message to the first location data request message to the first location management function network element through steps 1010 to 1012. In another embodiment, the second network open function network element may further send a first response message to the first location data request message to the first location management function network element through the following step 1013.

[0209] Step 1013: The second network open function network element sends a first response message to the first location management function network element.

[0210] The second network open function network element may send a first response message to the first location management function network element through a service-oriented interface. The first response message may carry data required for positioning and may also carry at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0211] Through the above process, the first location management function obtains the data required for positioning, so the first location management function network element can calculate the location information of the terminal device based on the collected data required for positioning. The location information here may include the location of the terminal device, calculation accuracy and other information. Figure 11 This section describes how the first location management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element.

[0212] like Figure 11 As shown, the following steps may be included:

[0213] Step 1101: The first location management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the access and management function network element.

[0214] The location information here may include information such as the location of the terminal device and calculation accuracy. The first location management function network element may also send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the access and management function network element. It should be understood that at least one of the second transaction number and the first information may be sent simultaneously with the location information of the terminal device or separately.

[0215] Step 1102: The access and management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0216] The access and management function network element may further send at least one of the first information and the second transaction number to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0217] Step 1103: The gateway mobile location center network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element.

[0218] The location information of the terminal device here may include information such as the location of the terminal device and calculation accuracy. The gateway mobile location center network element may also send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the second network open function network element.

[0219] In this embodiment of the present application, the first location management function network element can send the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element through the above steps 1101 to 1103. In another embodiment, the first location management function network element can send the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element through the following step 1104.

[0220] Step 1104: The first location management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element.

[0221] The first location management function network element may send the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element through the service interface. The first location management function network element may also send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the second network open function network element.

[0222] Through the above steps 1101 to 1103 or step 1104, the second network open function network element can receive the location information of the terminal device sent by the first location management function network element.

[0223] Step 704: the second network open function network element sends the location information to the first network open function network element, and the first network open function network element receives the location information of the terminal device sent by the second network open function network element.

[0224] The terminal device location information here may include information such as the terminal device's location and calculation accuracy. The second network open function network element may determine the corresponding first network identifier based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. For example, the second network open function network element may search for an association based on the second transaction number to determine the corresponding first network identifier for the second transaction number. The second network open function network element may also determine the corresponding first transaction number based on the second transaction number. The second network open function network element may also send at least one of the first transaction number, the second transaction number, the first network identifier, and the first information to the first network open function network element.

[0225] Step 705: The first network open function network element carries the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and sends the location request response.

[0226] If the location request message is sent by the terminal device, the first network open function network element may send the location request response to the access and management function network element of the first network that manages the terminal device. If the location request message is sent by the AF, the first network open function network element may send the location request response to the AF.

[0227] In one embodiment, if the second network open function network element also sends at least one of the first transaction number, the second transaction number, the identifier of the first network, and the first information, the first network open function network element may determine whether the location request response is valid. For example, if the second network open function network element also sends the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network, the first network open function network element may determine whether the identifier of the first network is its own identifier and whether the correspondence between the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number is correct. If it is determined that the identifier of the first network is its own identifier and that the correspondence between the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number is correct, the first network open function network element may carry the location information in the location request response and send the location request response.

[0228] The following describes the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application through specific examples.

[0229] Example 1

[0230] like Figure 12 FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method when a terminal device initiates a positioning request, which may include the following steps:

[0231] Step 1201: If the terminal device is in a connection idle state, the terminal device needs to establish a signaling connection between the terminal device and the access and management function network element.

[0232] If the terminal device has established a signaling connection with the access and management function network element, the terminal device may execute step 902. The terminal device is located in the first network, which provides communication services for the terminal device. The access and management function network element is a network element in the first network.

[0233] Step 1202: The terminal device sends a location request message to the access and management function network element.

[0234] Step 1203: The access and management function network element sends a location request message to the first network open function network element.

[0235] The access and management function network element may obtain the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, and send the identifier of the terminal device in the first network to the first network open function network element.

[0236] Step 1204: The first open function network element generates a first transaction number according to the location request message.

[0237] The first transaction number here is used to identify the service request of the terminal device. For detailed description, please refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0238] Step 1205: The first open function network element sends a first request message to the second open function network element.

[0239] The first request message may include an identifier of the first network, and may be used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device. The first request message may also include a first transaction number.

[0240] Step 1206: The second open function network element generates a second transaction number according to the first request message.

[0241] The second transaction number can be used to identify the service request of the first network. For detailed description, please refer to Figure 7The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0242] Step 1207: The second open function network element sends at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and the identifier of the first network to the gateway mobile location center.

[0243] The first information here is used to identify the terminal device, but the first information is different from the identification of the terminal device in the first network. The first information may include at least one of the first identification and the first indication. For detailed description, please refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0244] Step 1208: The gateway mobile location center sends the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element.

[0245] Since the gateway mobile location center network element determines that it needs to provide services for the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, it can perform authority authentication based on the identifier of the first network, and therefore can send the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element.

[0246] Step 1209: The unified data management function network element checks the subscription data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, selects an access and mobility management function network element for the first network.

[0247] The unified data management function network element can perform permission authentication based on the identifier of the first network and select an access and management function network element for the first network. A default access and mobility management function network element can be selected. Alternatively, an access and mobility management function network element that can provide services for the first network can be selected.

[0248] Step 1210: The unified data management function network element sends the identifier or address of the selected access and management function network element to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0249] Step 1211: The gateway mobile location center network element sends at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the access and management function network element.

[0250] The gateway mobile location center network element may send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the corresponding access and management function network element according to the identifier or address of the access and management function network element fed back by the unified data management function network element.

[0251] Step 1212: The access and management function network element selects a first location management function network element according to at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0252] Among them, the access and management function network element can select the default first location management function network element, or the access and management function network element can select the first location management function network element that can provide services for the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

[0253] Step 1213: The access and management function network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element.

[0254] Step 214: The first location management function network element collects data required for positioning and determines the location information of the terminal device.

[0255] The location information of the terminal device may include the location of the terminal device and the calculation accuracy and other information. The first location management function network element may be configured as follows: Figure 10 The process shown acquires the data required for positioning.

[0256] Step 1215: The first location management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the access and management function network element.

[0257] Optionally, the first location management function network element may carry the location information of the terminal device in a third response message of the third request message. Alternatively, the first location management function network element may send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the access and management function Wang Yuanfang Asong.

[0258] Step 1216: The access and management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0259] The access and management function network element may further send at least one of the first information and the second transaction number to the gateway mobile location center network element.

[0260] Step 1217: The gateway mobile location center network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element.

[0261] The location information of the terminal device here may include information such as the location of the terminal device and calculation accuracy. The gateway mobile location center network element may also send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the second network open function network element.

[0262] Step 1218: The second network open function network element sends the location information to the first network open function network element.

[0263] The second network open function network element may determine the corresponding first network identifier based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and send the location information to the first network open function network element. Optionally, the second network open function network element may also send at least one of the second transaction number, the first transaction number, the first network identifier, and the first information to the first network open function network element.

[0264] Step 1219: The first network open function network element carries the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and sends the location request response.

[0265] Optionally, the first network open function network element may further determine an identifier of the terminal device on the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number, the first transaction number, an identifier of the first network, and the first information. The first network open function network element may send the location information to the access and management function network element. The first network open function network element may also send the identifier of the terminal device on the first network to the access and management function network element.

[0266] Step 1220: The access and management function network element may send the location information to the corresponding terminal device.

[0267] Among them, the access and management function network element can send the location information to the corresponding terminal device according to the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0268] Example 2

[0269] like Figure 13 As shown, an exemplary flow chart of a communication method for an application layer function network element to initiate a positioning service request may include the following steps:

[0270] Step 1301: The application layer function network element sends a location request message to the first network open function network element.

[0271] The location request message is used to request location information of a terminal device, and the terminal device is located in a first network. The location request message may include an identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0272] In the second embodiment, steps 1302 to 1316 can be Figure 12 Steps 1204 to 1218 are identical and will not be repeated here.

[0273] Step 1317: The first network open function network element carries the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and sends the location request response.

[0274] The first network open function network element may send the location request response to the application layer function network element. Optionally, the location request response may also include an identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0275] Example 3

[0276] like Figure 14 As shown, an exemplary flow chart of a communication method for initiating a positioning service request for a terminal device may include the following steps:

[0277] In the third embodiment, steps 1401 to 1406 can be combined with the following steps: Figure 12 Steps 1201 to 1206 are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0278] Step 1407: The second network open function network element sends the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element.

[0279] Step 1408: The unified data management function network element checks the contract data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the authority to obtain positioning services, selects the first location management function network element.

[0280] The unified data management function network element may select a default first location management function network element, or may select a first location management function network element that can provide services for the first network according to an identifier of the first network.

[0281] Step 1409: The unified data management function network element sends the identifier or address of the first location management function network element to the second network open function network element.

[0282] Step 1410: The second network open function network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element.

[0283] The third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device. The third request message may include at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The second network open function network element may send the third request message to the first location management function network element based on the identifier or address of the first location management function network element fed back by the unified data management function network element. The second network open function network element may send the third request message to the first location management function network element based on the service-based interface.

[0284] Step 1411: The first location management function network element collects data required for positioning and determines the location information of the terminal device.

[0285] The location information of the terminal device may include the location of the terminal device and the calculation accuracy and other information. The first location management function network element may be configured as follows: Figure 10 The process shown acquires the data required for positioning.

[0286] Step 1412: The first location management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element.

[0287] Among them, the first location management function network element can send the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element through the service interface.

[0288] Step 1413: The second network open function network element sends the location information to the first network open function network element.

[0289] The second network open function network element may determine the corresponding first network identifier based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and send the location information to the first network open function network element. Optionally, the second network open function network element may also send at least one of the second transaction number, the first transaction number, the first network identifier, and the first information to the first network open function network element.

[0290] Step 1414: The first network open function network element carries the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and sends the location request response.

[0291] Optionally, the first network open function network element may further determine an identifier of the terminal device on the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number, the first transaction number, an identifier of the first network, and the first information. The first network open function network element may send the location information to the access and management function network element. The first network open function network element may also send the identifier of the terminal device on the first network to the access and management function network element.

[0292] Step 1415: The access and management function network element may send the location information to the corresponding terminal device.

[0293] Among them, the access and management function network element can send the location information to the corresponding terminal device according to the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0294] Example 4

[0295] like Figure 15 As shown, an exemplary flow chart of a communication method for an application layer function network element to initiate a positioning service request may include the following steps:

[0296] Step 1501: The application layer function network element sends a location request message to the first network open function network element.

[0297] The location request message is used to request location information of a terminal device, and the terminal device is located in a first network. The location request message may include an identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0298] Step 1502: The first open function network element generates a first transaction number according to the location request message.

[0299] The first transaction number here is used to identify the service request of the terminal device. For detailed description, please refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0300] Step 1503: The first open function network element sends a first request message to the second open function network element.

[0301] The first request message may include an identifier of the first network, and may be used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device. The first request message may also include a first transaction number.

[0302] The second transaction number can be used to identify the service request of the first network. For detailed description, please refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0303] Step 1504: The second open function network element generates a second transaction number according to the first request message.

[0304] In the fourth embodiment, steps 1505 to 1511 can be combined with Figure 14 Steps 1407 to 1413 shown are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0305] Step 1512: The first network open function network element carries the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and sends the location request response.

[0306] The first network open function network element may send the location request response to the application layer function network element. Optionally, the location request response may also include an identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

[0307] Same as above idea, Figure 16 As shown, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device that can implement the communication method described above. The device 1600 may include a communication unit 1601 and a processing unit 1602. Optionally, it also includes a storage unit 1603. The device 1600 can implement the functions of the first network open function network element in the communication method described above. The processing unit 1602 can be connected to the storage unit 1603 and the communication unit 1601 respectively, and the storage unit 1603 can also be connected to the communication unit 1601.

[0308] The storage unit 1603 is used to store computer programs;

[0309] For example, the communication unit 1601 may receive a location request message for requesting location information of a terminal device. The description of the terminal device and the location request message may refer to FIG. Figure 7 Related description in the method embodiment shown.

[0310] The communication unit 1601 can also send a first request message to the second network open function network element of the second network, and receive the location information of the terminal device sent by the second network open function network element. The description of the first request message and the location information of the terminal device can be found in the above description. Figure 7 Related description in the method embodiment shown.

[0311] The communication unit 1601 may also carry the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and send the location request response. Figure 7 Related description in the method embodiment shown.

[0312] In a possible implementation, after receiving the location request message, the processing unit 1602 is configured to generate a first transaction number according to the location request message. The description of the first transaction number can be found in the above description. Figure 7 When sending the first request message to the second network open function network element, the communication unit 1601 may send the first request message carrying the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number to the second network open function network element.

[0313] In a possible implementation, when sending a location request response, the communication unit 1601 is specifically configured to: receive a first response message to the first request message from the second network open function network element. The description of the first response message can be found in the above description. Figure 7 The processing unit 1602 can determine the identity of the terminal device in the first network according to at least one of the identity of the first network, the first transaction number, the second transaction number and the first information. The description of the second transaction number and the first information can refer to the above description. Figure 7 The related descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated any more.

[0314] In a possible implementation, after sending the first request message to the second network open function network element of the second network, the communication unit 1601 may also receive a second data request message sent by the second network open function network element. The description of the second data request message can refer to the above description. Figure 7 The communication unit 1601 may send a second response message to the second network open function network element. The description of the second response message may refer to the above description. Figure 7 Related description in the method embodiment shown.

[0315] In a possible implementation, the storage unit 1603 is used to store an association relationship between at least two of the identifier of the first network, the first transaction number, the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, the first information, and the second transaction number.

[0316] For the description of the above multiple network elements, please refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0317] The above-mentioned device 1600 can also be a chip, wherein the communication unit can be the input / output circuit or interface of the chip, and the processing unit can be a logic circuit. The logic circuit can process the data to be processed according to the steps described in the above-mentioned method to obtain the processed data.

[0318] Same as above idea, Figure 17 As shown, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device that can implement the communication method described above. The device 1730 may include a communication unit 1731 and a processing unit 1732. Optionally, it also includes a storage unit 1733. The device 1730 can implement the functions of the first network open function network element in the communication method described above. The processing unit 1732 can be connected to the storage unit 1733 and the communication unit 1731 respectively, and the storage unit 1733 can also be connected to the communication unit 1731.

[0319] The storage unit 1733 is used to store computer programs;

[0320] For example, the communication unit 1731 receives a first request message sent by a first network open function network element of the first network. The description of the first request message can be found in FIG. Figure 7 The communication unit 1731 may also receive the location information determined by the first location management function network element of the second network and send the location information to the first network open function network element. The description of the location information of the terminal device can refer to the relevant description in the above method embodiment.

[0321] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 1732 may generate a second transaction number based on the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network. Figure 7 Related description in the method embodiment shown.

[0322] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first request message sent by the first network open function network element of the first network, the communication unit 1731 may send at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, as well as the identifier of the first network, to the gateway mobile location center network element of the second network, so that the gateway mobile location center network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element of the second network through the access and mobility management function network element of the second network. The description of the third request message can be found in Figure 7 Related description in the method embodiment shown.

[0323] In a possible implementation, after receiving the first request message sent by the first network open function network element of the first network, the communication unit 1731 sends a third request message to the first location management function network element of the second network. The description of the third request message can be found in Figure 7 Related description in the method embodiment shown.

[0324] In a possible implementation, the communication unit 1731 receives a first data request message. The processing unit 1732 is configured to determine an identifier of the first network based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information. The communication unit 1731 is configured to send a second data request message to the first network open function network element. The description of the first data request message and the second data request message can be found in FIG. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0325] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 1732 is configured to search for an identifier of the corresponding first network according to the second transaction number. When sending the location information to the first network open function network element, the communication unit 1731 sends the location information to the first network open function network element of the first network.

[0326] For the description of the above multiple network elements, please refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0327] The above-mentioned device 1730 can also be a chip, wherein the communication unit can be the input / output circuit or interface of the chip, and the processing unit can be a logic circuit. The logic circuit can process the data to be processed according to the steps described in the above-mentioned method and obtain the processed data.

[0328] Similar to the above concept, the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device. Figure 18 As shown, it is a structural diagram of the device provided in the embodiment of the present application. The device 1800 includes at least one processor 1820, which is used to implement the functions of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The device 1800 may also include a communication interface 1810. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module or other type of communication interface, which is used to communicate with other devices through a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 1810 is used for the device in the device 1800 to communicate with other devices. The processor 1820 can complete the following Figure 16 The functions of the processing unit 1602 shown may be performed as follows Figure 17 The functions of the processing unit 1702 shown in FIG. 1 and the communication interface 1810 can be performed as follows: Figure 16 The functions of the communication unit 1601 shown may be performed as follows Figure 17 The functions of the communication unit 1701 are shown.

[0329] Communication device 1800 may also include at least one memory 1830 for storing program instructions and / or data. Memory 1830 is coupled to processor 1820. Coupling in the embodiments of the present application refers to an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Processor 1820 may operate in conjunction with memory 1830. Processor 1820 may execute program instructions stored in memory 1830. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0330] The specific connection medium between the communication interface 1810, the processor 1820 and the memory 1830 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 18 The memory 1830, the processor 1820 and the communication interface 1810 are connected via a bus 1840. Figure 18 The connections between the other components are shown in bold lines, which are only for illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 18 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0331] The above-mentioned device can execute the communication method described in the embodiment of this application. Please refer to the above text for the specific implementation and technical effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0332] As another form of this embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed, the method described in the above method embodiment is performed.

[0333] As another form of this embodiment, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, and when the instructions are executed, the method described in the above method embodiment is performed.

[0334] As another form of this embodiment, a communication system is provided, which may include: Figure 16 The communication device shown is as Figure 17 The communication device shown.

[0335] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0336] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DR RAM).

[0337] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated into the processor.

[0338] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0339] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0340] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0341] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0342] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0343] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0344] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0345] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0346] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first network open function network element of the first network receives a location request message for requesting location information of the terminal device; The terminal device is located in the first network; The first network open function network element sends a first request message to a second network open function network element of the second network; The first request message includes an identifier of the first network; The first request message is used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device; The first network open function network element receives the location information of the terminal device sent by the second network open function network element; The first network open function network element carries the location information of the terminal device in a location request response corresponding to the location request message, and sends the location request response.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After the first network open function network element receives the location request message, the method further includes: The first network open function network element generates a first transaction number according to the location request message; the first transaction number is used to identify the service request of the terminal device; The first network open function network element sending a first request message to the second network open function network element includes: The first network open function network element sends a first request message carrying the identifier of the first network and the first transaction number to the second network open function network element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first request message further includes first information; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first information is a setting value; or, the first information of different terminal devices is different; or, the first information includes an identifier of the first network, and the first information of different terminal devices is different.

5. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that The first network open function network element carries the location information of the terminal device in a location request response to the location request message, and sends the location request response, including: The first network open function network element receives a first response message to the first request message from the second network open function network element; the first response message includes the location information; The first network open function network element determines, based on at least one of an identifier of the first network, a first transaction number, a second transaction number, and first information, an identifier of the terminal device in the first network; the first transaction number is used to identify a service request of the terminal device; the second transaction number is used to identify the service request of the first network; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network; The first network open function network element sends the location request response according to the identifier of the terminal device in the first network; the location request response includes the location information.

6. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that After the first network open function network element sends the first request message to the second network open function network element of the second network, the method further includes: The first network open function network element receives a second data request message sent by the second network open function network element, where the second data request message includes at least one of a first transaction number, an identifier of the first network, a second transaction number, and first information; the second data request message is used to request data required for positioning, the first transaction number is used to identify a service request of the terminal device; the second transaction number is used to identify the service request of the first network; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network; The first network open function network element sends a second response message to the second network open function network element; the second response message includes the data required for positioning.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Also includes: The first network open function network element stores an association relationship between at least two of the identifier of the first network, the first transaction number, the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, the first information, and the second transaction number.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The second network open function network element of the second network receives the first request message from the first network open function network element of the first network; The first request message includes an identifier of the first network; The first request message is used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device; The terminal device is located in the first network; The second network open function network element receives the location information determined by the first location management function network element of the second network; The second network open function network element sends the location information to the first network open function network element.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first request message further includes a first transaction number; the first transaction number is used to identify the service request of the terminal device; The second network open function network element generates a second transaction number according to the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network; The second transaction number is used to identify the service request of the first network.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that After the second network open function network element of the second network receives the first request message sent by the first network open function network element of the first network, the method further includes: The second network open function network element sends the second transaction number and at least one of the first information, as well as the identifier of the first network, to the gateway mobile location center network element of the second network, so that the gateway mobile location center network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element of the second network through the access and mobility management function network element of the second network; the third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device; the first location management function network element is selected by the access and mobility management function network element based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second network open function network element receives the identifier or address of the first location management function network element of the second network from the unified data management function network element of the second network; The second network open function network element determines the first location management function network element according to the identifier or address; After the second network open function network element receives the first request message sent by the first network open function network element of the first network, the method further includes: The second network open function network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element; the third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first location management function network element is selected when the unified data management function network element of the second network checks the contract data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network and determines that the first network has the permission to obtain positioning services.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information is received from the first network open function network element; or the first information is generated by the second network open function network element according to the identifier of the first network.

14. The method according to claim 10 or 13, characterized in that When the first information is a set value, the first location management function network element is determined according to the second transaction number and the first information; or When the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element is determined according to at least one of the second transaction number and the first information; or The first information includes an identifier of the first network to which the terminal device belongs, and when the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element is determined based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: Before the second network open function network element receives the location information of the terminal device, the method further includes: The second network open function network element receives a first data request message, where the first data request message includes at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and the first data request message is used to obtain data required for positioning; The second network open function network element determines the identifier of the first network based on the second transaction number and at least one of the first information, and sends a second data request message to the first network open function network element; the second data request message includes the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number and at least one of the first information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The second network open function network element sending the location information to the first network open function network element includes: The second network open function network element searches for the corresponding first network identifier according to the second transaction number; The second network open function network element sends the location information to the first network open function network element.

17. A communication method, characterized in that: include: A first network open function network element receives a location request message for requesting location information of a terminal device, where the terminal device and the first network open function network element are located in a first network; The first network open function network element sends a first request message to the second network open function network element; The first request message includes an identifier of the first network; The first request message is used to request the second network to determine the location information of the terminal device; The network element in the second network determines a first location management function network element in the second network for determining the location information of the terminal device; The first location management function network element determines the location information of the terminal device; The first location management function network element sends the location information of the terminal device to the second network open function network element; The second network open function network element sends the location information to the first network open function network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: After the first network open function network element receives the location request message, the method further includes: The first network open function network element generates a first transaction number according to the location request message; the first transaction number is used to identify the service request of the terminal device; the first request message includes the first transaction number; After the second network open function network element receives the first request message, the method further includes: The second network open function network element generates a second transaction number according to the first transaction number and the identifier of the first network; the second transaction number is used to identify the service request of the first network.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The first request message further includes first information, where the first information is used to identify the terminal device. The first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: After the second network open function network element receives the first request message, the method further includes: The second network open function network element sends at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and an identifier of the first network to a gateway mobile location center network element, where the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network; the gateway mobile location center is located in the second network; The gateway mobile location center network element sends at least one of the second transaction number and the first information to the access and mobility management function network element; the access and mobility management function network element is located in the second network; the network element in the second network determines the first location management function network element in the second network for determining the location information of the terminal device, including: The access and mobility management function network element selects the first location management function network element in the second network according to at least one of the second transaction number and the first information; After receiving at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, the access and mobility management function network element further includes: The access and management function network element generates a third request message, where the third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device; The access and mobility management function network element sends the third request message to the first location management function network element.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that: After the second network open function network element sends at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and the identifier of the first network to the gateway mobile location center network element, the method further includes: The gateway mobile location center sends the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element; the unified data management function network element is located in the second network; The unified data management function network element checks the subscription data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the permission to obtain the positioning service, selects the access and mobility management function network element for the first network, and sends the identifier or address of the selected access and mobility management function network element to the gateway mobile location center network element; The gateway mobile location center network element sends a second transaction number to the access and mobility management function network element, including: The gateway mobile location center network element determines the access and mobility management function network element according to the identifier or address, and sends the second transaction number to the access and mobility management function network element.

22. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: After the second network open function network element receives the first request message, the method further includes: The second network open function network element sends the identifier of the first network to the unified data management function network element; The network element in the second network determines a first location management function network element in the second network for determining the location information of the terminal device, including: The unified data management function network element checks the contract data of the first network according to the identifier of the first network, and when it is determined that the first network has the permission to obtain the positioning service, selects the first location management function network element for the first network; The unified data management function network element sends the identifier or address of the selected first location management function network element to the second network open function network element; The second network open function network element sends a third request message to the first location management function network element; the third request message is used to request the first location management function network element to determine the location information of the terminal device.

23. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The first information is received from the first network open function network element; or the first information is generated by the second network open function network element according to the identifier of the first network.

24. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that: When the first information is a set value, the first location management function network element is determined according to the second transaction number and the first information; or When the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element is determined according to at least one of the second transaction number and the first information; or The first information includes an identifier of the first network to which the terminal device belongs, and when the first information of different terminal devices is different, the first location management function network element is determined based on at least one of the second transaction number and the first information.

25. The method according to claim 18, 20 or 21, characterized in that: Before the first location management function network element determines the location information of the terminal device, the method further includes: The first location management function network element sends a first data request message to the second network open function network element, where the first data request message includes at least one of the second transaction number and the first information, and the first data request message is used to obtain data required for positioning; The second network open function network element determines the identifier of the first network according to at least one of the second transaction number and the first information; The second network open function network element sends a second data request message to the first network open function network element; the second data request message includes at least one of the first transaction number, the identifier of the first network, the second transaction number, and the first information; the second data request message is used to request data required for positioning; the first information is used to identify the terminal device, and the first information is different from the identifier of the terminal device in the first network; The first network open function network element collects the data required for positioning according to the second data request message; The first network open function network element sends a second response message to the second network open function network element; the second response message includes the collected data required for positioning; The second network open function network element sends the data required for positioning to the first location management function network element; The first location management function network element determining the location information includes: The first location management function network element determines the location information according to the data required for positioning.

26. The method according to claim 18, 20 or 21, characterized in that: The second network open function network element sending the location information to the first network open function network element includes: The second network open function network element searches for the corresponding first network identifier according to the second transaction number; The second network open function network element sends a first response message to the first network open function network element; the first response message includes the location information; The first network open function network element determines, based on at least one of the first transaction number, the second transaction number, and the first information, an identifier of the terminal device in the first network; The first network open function network element sends a location request response according to the identifier of the terminal device in the first network, and the location request response includes the location information.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1, 8 or 17, characterized in that: The first network is a non-public network, and the second network is a public network or a public land mobile network.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The apparatus comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is configured to store computer programs or instructions; The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction in a memory, so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 16 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 17 to 27 is executed.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when called by a computer, enable the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method according to any one of claims 8 to 16, or the method according to any one of claims 17 to 27.

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