A method and apparatus for managing network devices

Abstract

This disclosure proposes a network device management method and apparatus, relating to the field of communications. The method involves a network device sending a first sensing support identifier to a core network element. This first sensing support identifier identifies that the network device supports sensing functions and assists the core network element in configuring a network device management list that includes tracking areas corresponding to the network devices supporting sensing functions. This disclosure enables the core network element to obtain sensing capability information of network devices and configure a list of sensing-capable network devices for user equipment, providing a foundation for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a network device management method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Using communication technology to assist sensing technology provides sensing technology with higher sensing accuracy and a wider range of applications. Conversely, using sensing technology to assist communication technology provides communication systems with information, including but not limited to information related to communication channels or the environment, to improve system communication services. Therefore, sensing applications can be expanded and user equipment communication performance improved by using network devices with sensing capabilities. However, in current mobile network communication systems, the problem of how to acquire the sensing capabilities of network devices still needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure proposes a network device management method and apparatus, providing a method for acquiring the network device's sensing capabilities using core network elements, thereby providing a foundation for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions and improving system communication performance.

[0004] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a network device management method, executed by a network device. The method includes: sending a first perception support identifier to a core network element, wherein the first perception support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports perception functions and to assist the core network element in configuring a network device management list to a user equipment (UE), wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support perception functions.

[0005] In some embodiments, sending a first perception support identifier to a core network element includes at least one of the following: sending a first perception support identifier to a core network element via a network connection establishment request message; sending a first perception support identifier to a core network element via a network configuration update request message; or sending a first perception support identifier to a core network element via an initialization user equipment message.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a feedback message sent by a core network element, wherein the feedback message includes a second perception indication, the second perception indication being used to identify that the core network element supports perception functions.

[0007] In some embodiments, receiving feedback messages sent by core network elements includes: receiving a network connection establishment response message sent by a core network element when a first sensing support identifier is sent via a network connection establishment request message; and receiving a network configuration update confirmation message sent by a core network element when a first sensing support identifier is sent via a network configuration update request message.

[0008] In some embodiments, before sending the first sensing support identifier to the core network element, the method further includes: receiving an inquiry request sent by the core network element, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functions; sending the first sensing support identifier to the core network element includes: in response to the inquiry request, sending the first sensing support identifier to the core network element.

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a network device management method, executed by a core network element. The method includes: receiving a first sensing support identifier sent by a network device, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; configuring a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions; and sending the network device management list to a user equipment (UE).

[0010] In some embodiments, receiving a first sensing support identifier sent by a network device includes at least one of the following: receiving a first sensing support identifier via a network connection establishment request message; receiving a first sensing support identifier via a network configuration update request message; or receiving a first sensing support identifier via an initialization user equipment message.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a feedback message to a network device, wherein the feedback message includes a second perception support identifier, the second perception support identifier being used to identify that the core network element supports perception functions.

[0012] In some embodiments, sending a feedback message to the network device includes: sending a network connection establishment response message to the network device when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network connection establishment request message; and sending a network configuration update confirmation message to the network device when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network configuration update request message.

[0013] In some embodiments, before receiving a first sensing support identifier sent by a network device, the method further includes: sending an inquiry request to the network device, the inquiry request being used to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functionality.

[0014] In some embodiments, configuring the network device management list includes: determining the tracking area corresponding to the network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area; and using the list of tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions as the network device management list.

[0015] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a network device management method executed by a user equipment (UE). The method includes receiving a network device management list configured by a core network element, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0016] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a network device management method, comprising: a network device sending a first sensing support identifier to a core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; the core network element configuring a network device management list according to the first sensing support identifier, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions; and a user equipment (UE) receiving the network device management list configured by the core network element.

[0017] A fifth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a network device, the network device including: a transceiver module, configured to send a first sensing support identifier to a core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions, and is used to assist the core network element in configuring a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0018] A sixth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a core network element, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a first sensing support identifier sent by a network device, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; a configuration module for configuring a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions; the transceiver module is further configured to send the network device management list to a user equipment (UE).

[0019] A seventh aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a user equipment (UE), the apparatus including: a transceiver module, configured to receive a network device management list configured by core network elements, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0020] An eighth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a communication system, characterized in that the communication system includes a user equipment (UE), a core network element, and a network device, wherein the network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; the core network element configures a network device management list according to the first sensing support identifier, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions; the core network element sends the network device management list to the UE; and the UE receives the network device management list.

[0021] A ninth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor connected to the transceiver and the memory respectively, configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and capable of implementing the method of any one of the first to fourth aspect embodiments described above.

[0022] A tenth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a computer storage medium storing computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions are able to implement the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspect embodiments described above.

[0023] This disclosure provides a network device management method and apparatus. The network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element. The first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions and to assist the core network element in configuring a network device management list. The network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions, providing a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions and improving system communication performance.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] in:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 This is an example diagram illustrating the transmission of a perception support identifier according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 10 This is an example diagram illustrating the transmission of a perception support identifier according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 11 This is an example diagram illustrating the transmission of a perception support identifier according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of a network device management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a block diagram of a network device management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a block diagram of a network device management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a network device management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0045] With the rapid development of wireless sensing and mobile communication technologies, combining sensing technologies for information acquisition with communication technologies for information transmission has become an inevitable trend in the future development of communication networks. 5G systems based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard provide integrated sensing and communication functions. The sensing capabilities are provided by the same 5G NR wireless communication systems and infrastructure used for communication, enabling communication-assisted sensing or sensing-assisted communication. This provides a wider range of application scenarios, applicable to multiple fields such as transportation, aviation, smart cities, and smart homes. For example, sensing information related to communication channels or the environment can be used to improve the communication services of the 5G system itself, and sensing information can be used to assist in radio resource management, interference mitigation, beam management, and mobility.

[0046] Awareness of wireless communication channels and the environment can further improve the performance of communication systems. Some examples of awareness-assisted communication scenarios are:

[0047] - By sensing the location and channel environment of the UE, the beam scanning range can be reduced, and the beam training time can be shortened.

[0048] - By sensing the UE's location, speed, motion trajectory, and channel environment, beam prediction is performed, reducing the overhead of beam measurement and the latency of beam tracking.

[0049] - To improve the performance of channel estimation by sensing the attributes of the UE and the channel environment.

[0050] A Tracking Area (TA) is a concept established by the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system for location management of User Equipment (UE). In an LTE network, the entire network coverage area is divided into several TAs. A TA encompasses the radio network coverage area of ​​one or more Radio Access Network (RAN) base stations. The Tracking Area ID (TAI) consists of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and the Tracking Area Code (TAC). When the UE is idle, the core network can determine the tracking area where the UE is located. When there is a data service requirement, the core network will page the UE in all cells within the tracking area where the UE is registered.

[0051] Multiple Tracking Areas (TAs) form a TA List, which is assigned to a User Equipment (UE). When a UE moves within this TA List, it does not need to perform a TA update, reducing frequent interactions with the network. However, when a UE enters a new TA area not in its registered TA List, a TA update is required. TAs help the core network quickly locate UEs within manageable network overhead.

[0052] When a user device is within a sensing-enabled tracking area, it can utilize sensing-enabled communication services provided by the communication system. For example, a remote health monitoring system can monitor the status of personnel, medications, and diagnoses in medical facilities, playing a supporting role in medical care; it can monitor and issue early warnings for polar regions, volcanoes, oceans, and forests, enabling environmental monitoring and protection; it can assist smart homes, providing more intelligent application scenarios; and it can establish intrusion detection systems to ensure the security of the monitoring area.

[0053] In order for user equipment (UE) to use sensing-enabled communication services, it is necessary to obtain and configure information on sensing-enabled network devices for the user. For communication systems with integrated sensing capabilities, how to configure a list of sensing-enabled network devices for the UE has not yet been resolved.

[0054] To this end, this disclosure proposes a network device management method and apparatus, providing a scheme for obtaining the awareness capabilities of network device nodes through core network elements, enabling the configuration of a list of network devices with awareness capabilities to user equipment through core network elements, and providing a foundation for user equipment to use communication services with awareness functions.

[0055] The network device management method and apparatus provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by a network device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the solutions provided can be used with fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology and its subsequent communication technologies, such as 5G-advanced and sixth-generation (6G), and are not limited thereto in this disclosure. The network device described in this disclosure can be a base station based on the aforementioned communication technologies. Taking a 5G scenario as an example, the network device can be a 5G radio access network (NG-RAN) node, such as a gNB or ng-eNB, where a gNB can be used for standalone networking, while an ng-eNB can be used for backward compatibility with 4G networks to adapt to the application requirements of different core networks. Specific use cases depend on the application scenario and are not limited here.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0058] S101, send the first perception support identifier to the core network element.

[0059] The first sensing support identifier is used to identify network devices that support sensing functions and to assist core network elements in configuring the network device management list. The network device management list includes the tracking areas corresponding to the network devices that support sensing functions. In other words, the sensing support identifier can be a specific set of data used to indicate that a device possesses sensing capabilities during communication.

[0060] The core network elements described in this disclosure can be network elements in a 5G core network, or network elements in a core network based on subsequent 5G communication technologies. Taking a 5G core network as an example, the core network elements described in this disclosure can be Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF), or other network elements capable of receiving network device awareness capabilities and configuring a network device management list for the UE. This disclosure does not impose any restrictions on these elements.

[0061] In the embodiments of this disclosure, network devices can assist core network elements in configuring a network device management list for user equipment (UE) by sending information to the core network element. The information sent by the network device to the core network element includes at least an identifier indicating that the network device supports sensing functionality. It is understood that not all network devices on the network side have sensing capabilities. Network devices with sensing capabilities can proactively send a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, or they can passively send the first sensing support identifier in response to a request from the core network element; this is not limited in this disclosure.

[0062] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first perception support identifier may be carried in a communication message sent by the network device to the core network element. In this embodiment, the type of the communication message is not limited.

[0063] Understandably, the first sensing support identifier can be either "empty" or "not empty" to indicate whether a network device supports sensing functionality. For example, when a network device sends a first sensing support identifier (i.e., the identifier has a value and is "not empty"), it indicates that the network device has sensing capability (or supports sensing functionality); when a network device does not send a first sensing support identifier (i.e., the identifier is empty), it indicates that the network device does not have sensing capability. For core network elements, determining whether a network device has sensing capability can be done by checking whether the first sensing support identifier has been received.

[0064] In one optional embodiment, the first sensing support identifier can be identified by "0" and "1" to indicate whether the network device supports sensing functionality. For example, if the network device sends a value of "1" for the first sensing support identifier, it indicates that the network device has sensing capability (or supports sensing functionality); if the network device does not send a value of "0" for the first sensing support identifier, it indicates that the network device does not have sensing capability. For core network elements, the presence or absence of sensing capability can be determined by receiving the first sensing support identifier and judging its value. It should be understood that the above values ​​are merely examples and should not constitute a limitation of this disclosure.

[0065] Core network elements can obtain network devices that support sensing functions, thereby configuring a list of network devices that support sensing functions. This list can be provided to UEs with sensing capabilities to perform sensing (such as intrusion detection) in a network environment (area) that supports sensing.

[0066] In summary, according to the network device management method provided in this disclosure, the network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element. The first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions and to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list. The network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports sensing functions. This enables the core network element to obtain information about network devices with sensing capabilities, thereby configuring the network device management list and providing a foundation for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions.

[0067] based on Figure 1 The embodiment shown, Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by core network elements. Figure 2 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0068] S201, Receive an inquiry request sent by a core network element.

[0069] The query request is used to inquire whether the network device supports the sensing function.

[0070] In the embodiments of this disclosure, step S201 is an optional step. In other words, a network device with sensing capabilities can actively send a first sensing support identifier to a core network element, or it can passively send a first sensing support identifier in response to a request from a core network element.

[0071] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this disclosure, core network elements can be understood as network elements with sensing capabilities; in other words, network elements without sensing capabilities do not send query requests to network devices.

[0072] In another implementation, it is not necessary to consider whether the core network elements have sensing capabilities. In other words, even core network elements without sensing capabilities can send query requests to network devices.

[0073] S202, in response to the query request sent by the core network element, sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element.

[0074] The first sensing support identifier is used to identify network devices that support sensing functions and to assist core network elements in configuring the network device management list. The network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network devices that support sensing functions.

[0075] In this disclosure, after receiving an inquiry request from a core network element, the network device, in response, can send a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, providing information on whether the network device supports sensing functions. For example... Figure 1 As described in the embodiments, when a network device has sensing capability, in response to an inquiry request from a core network element, it sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element. The value of this identifier can be any value, and the core network element determines that the network device has sensing capability upon receiving this value. Alternatively, the value of this identifier is a specific value, such as "1", which indicates that the network device has sensing capability. After receiving this value, the core network element needs to determine whether the value indicates that the network device has sensing capability. Correspondingly, when a network device does not have sensing capability, in response to an inquiry request from a core network element, the network device does not send any message to the core network element. The core network element determines that the network device has sensing capability as long as it does not receive the first sensing support identifier. Alternatively, the network device does not send the first sensing support identifier to the core network element, and the value of this identifier is a specific value, such as "0", which indicates that the network device does not have sensing capability. After receiving this value, the core network element needs to determine whether the value indicates that the network device has sensing capability.

[0076] In embodiments of this disclosure, network devices may send a first perception support identifier to core network elements via different carriers.

[0077] For example, network devices send a first awareness support identifier to core network elements via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message). Specifically, NG-RAN nodes inform the AMF that the node has awareness capabilities by sending an NGSETUP REQUEST message containing appropriate data, wherein the NG SETUP REQUEST message includes an awareness support identifier indicating that the NG-RAN node supports awareness.

[0078] For example, network devices send a first awareness support identifier to core network elements via a RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message. Specifically, NG-RAN nodes inform the AMF that the node has awareness capabilities by sending a RANCONFIGURATION UPDATE message. This message includes a set of appropriate updated configuration data that has just been put into use, including the awareness support identifier indicating that the NG-RAN node supports awareness. For instance, a network node may not have prior awareness capabilities. For example, base stations prior to Release 18 may not be able to receive their own transmitted signals and therefore lack awareness capabilities. After an update or upgrade, such as to Release 19, the base station can support awareness functions and has put into use a set of appropriate updated configuration data, thus gaining awareness capabilities. In this case, the base station can send an awareness support identifier to the AMF via a configuration update message.

[0079] For example, network devices send a first awareness support identifier to core network elements by initializing a user equipment message (INITIAL UE MESSAGE). Specifically, NG-RAN nodes inform the AMF (Awareness Provider Function) that the node has awareness capabilities by sending an INITIAL UE MESSAGE message. It is understood that the NG-RAN node should assign a unique RAN UE NGAP ID to the UE, and the NG-RAN node should include this ID in the INITIAL UE MESSAGE message. When the NG-RAN node supports awareness, the awareness support identifier can be included in the INITIAL UE MESSAGE message and sent to the AMF.

[0080] S203, Receive feedback messages sent by core network elements.

[0081] The feedback message includes a second perception support identifier, which is used to identify whether the core network element supports perception functions.

[0082] In the embodiments of this disclosure, core network elements can be understood as network elements that all have sensing capabilities. In other words, network elements that do not have sensing capabilities will not initiate the process described in this solution.

[0083] In another embodiment, the process described in this solution can be initiated regardless of whether the core network element has sensing capability. However, if the core network element does not have sensing capability when it sends a feedback message to the network device, the process will be interrupted.

[0084] In embodiments of this disclosure, the feedback messages received by the network device from the core network element include: when a first sensing support identifier is sent via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message), receiving a network connection establishment response message (NG SETUP RESPONSE message) sent by the core network element; and when a first sensing support identifier is sent via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message), receiving a network configuration update acknowledgment message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message) sent by the core network element.

[0085] Corresponding to the above example, for instance, when an NG-RAN node informs the AMF that it has sensing capabilities by sending an NG SETUPREQUEST message containing appropriate data to the AMF, the AMF responds with an NG SETUPRESPONSE message containing appropriate data, including a sensing support indication when the AMF supports sensing.

[0086] For example, when an NG-RAN node informs the AMF that it has awareness capabilities by sending a RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message to the AMF, the AMF responds with a RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message to confirm that the AMF has successfully updated its configuration data, including the awareness support identifier that the AMF supports awareness.

[0087] It is understood that step 203 above is an optional step. That is, when the network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element by initializing the user equipment message (INITIAL UE MESSAGE), the core network element does not need to send a feedback message to the network device.

[0088] In summary, according to the network device management method provided in this disclosure, the network device receives an inquiry request sent by a core network element, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functionality; in response to the inquiry request sent by the core network element, the network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functionality and to assist the core network element in configuring a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functionality; the network device receives a feedback message sent by the core network element, wherein the feedback message includes a second sensing support identifier, used to identify that the core network element supports sensing functionality, thereby assisting the core network element in configuring a network device management list and providing a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functionality.

[0089] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by core network elements. In this embodiment, the core network elements can be network elements in a 5G core network, or network elements in a core network based on subsequent 5G communication technologies. Taking a 5G core network as an example, the core network elements described in this disclosure can be Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF), or other network elements capable of receiving network device awareness capabilities and configuring a network device management list for the UE. This disclosure does not impose any limitations on these elements.

[0090] like Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0091] S301, Receive the first perception support identifier sent by the network device.

[0092] The first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions.

[0093] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the solutions provided can be used with fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) and its subsequent communication technologies, such as 5G-advanced and sixth-generation mobile communication technology (6G), and are not limited thereto in this disclosure. The network equipment described in this disclosure can be a base station based on the above-mentioned communication technologies. Taking a 5G scenario as an example, the network equipment can be a 5G radio access network (NG-RAN) node, such as a gNB or ng-eNB, where a gNB can be used for standalone networking, while an ng-eNB can be used for backward compatibility with 4G networks to adapt to the application requirements of different core networks. Its specific use cases depend on the application scenario and are not limited here.

[0094] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first perception support identifier may be carried in a communication message sent by the network device to the core network element. In this embodiment, the type of the communication message is not limited.

[0095] Understandably, the first sensing support identifier can be either "empty" or "not empty" to indicate whether a network device supports sensing functionality. For example, when a network device sends a first sensing support identifier (i.e., the identifier has a value and is "not empty"), it indicates that the network device has sensing capability (or supports sensing functionality); when a network device does not send a first sensing support identifier (i.e., the identifier is empty), it indicates that the network device does not have sensing capability. For core network elements, determining whether a network device has sensing capability can be done by checking whether the first sensing support identifier has been received.

[0096] In one optional embodiment, the first sensing support identifier can be identified by "0" and "1" to indicate whether the network device supports sensing functionality. For example, if the network device sends a value of "1" for the first sensing support identifier, it indicates that the network device has sensing capability (or supports sensing functionality); if the network device does not send a value of "0" for the first sensing support identifier, it indicates that the network device does not have sensing capability. For core network elements, the presence or absence of sensing capability can be determined by receiving the first sensing support identifier and judging its value. It should be understood that the above values ​​are merely examples and should not constitute a limitation of this disclosure.

[0097] S302, Configure the network device management list.

[0098] The network device management list includes the tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0099] In the embodiments of this disclosure, core network elements can obtain the sensing capability information of network devices from network devices and use this information as auxiliary information to configure a network device management list. Specifically, core network elements can obtain information about network devices with sensing capabilities, such as their IDs. Through the mapping relationship between the network device IDs and their coverage areas, the wireless network coverage areas of the network devices with sensing capabilities are configured into a network device management list, such as a Tracking Area List (TA List), and provided to the UE. The resulting network device management list can include the tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions, thereby enabling the UE to provide sensing services within the tracking areas covered by the network device management list. That is, a UE with sensing capabilities can perform sensing (such as intrusion detection) within a network environment (area) that supports sensing.

[0100] S303, send the network device management list to the UE.

[0101] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the core network elements take into account the NG-RAN's sensing capabilities and configure a network device management list, i.e., a TA list, which contains all NG-RAN nodes that support sensing and can be used to provide the UE with subsequent sensing operations, such as intrusion detection.

[0102] In some embodiments of this disclosure, core network elements can send the aforementioned network device management list to the UE via the access network. Specifically, the list can be sent by an access network device (e.g., a base station), which then forwards it to the UE.

[0103] It should be noted that the base stations through which the core network elements send the aforementioned network device management list can be base stations with sensing capabilities or base stations without sensing capabilities; this disclosure does not impose any restrictions.

[0104] In summary, according to the network device management method provided in this disclosure, the core network element receives a first sensing support identifier sent by the network device, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions, and configures a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports sensing functions, thereby enabling the core network element to obtain information about network devices with sensing capabilities, so as to configure the network device management list and provide a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions.

[0105] based on Figure 3 The embodiment shown, Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by core network elements. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0106] S401 sends an inquiry request to the network device.

[0107] The query request is used to inquire whether the network device supports the sensing function.

[0108] In the embodiments of this disclosure, step S401 is an optional step. In other words, a network device with sensing capabilities can actively send a first sensing support identifier to a core network element. The core network element can passively receive the information, or it can actively query the network device to receive the first sensing support identifier from the network device.

[0109] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this disclosure, core network elements can be understood as network elements with sensing capabilities; in other words, network elements without sensing capabilities do not send query requests to network devices.

[0110] In another implementation, it is not necessary to consider whether the core network elements have sensing capabilities. In other words, even core network elements without sensing capabilities can send query requests to network devices.

[0111] S402, Receive the first perception support identifier sent by the network device.

[0112] The first sensing support identifier is used to identify network devices that support sensing functions.

[0113] In embodiments of this disclosure, receiving a first sensing support identifier sent by a network device includes at least one of the following: receiving a first sensing support identifier via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message); receiving a first sensing support identifier via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message); or receiving a first sensing support identifier via an initial user equipment message (INITIAL UE MESSAGE message).

[0114] In other words, core network elements can receive the first perception support identifier sent by network devices through different communication message carriers. The principle is the same as... Figures 1 to 2 The embodiments described herein will not be repeated here.

[0115] S403 sends a feedback message to the network device.

[0116] The feedback message includes a second perception support identifier, which is used to identify whether the core network element supports perception functions.

[0117] In embodiments of this disclosure, sending feedback messages to the network device includes: when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message), sending a network connection establishment response message (NG SETUP RESPONSE message) to the network device; and when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message), sending a network configuration update acknowledgment message (RANCONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message) to the network device.

[0118] In a specific example of this disclosure, when the feedback message sent by the core network element to the network device is a network connection establishment response message (NG SETUP RESPONSE message), a feedback message including specific data can be sent, which includes the awareness support identifier of the core network element; when the feedback message sent by the core network element to the network device is a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message), a feedback message confirming that the configuration data has been updated can be sent, which includes the awareness support identifier of the core network element.

[0119] S404, determine the tracking area corresponding to the network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area.

[0120] In the embodiments of this disclosure, each network device has a unique identifier, and the tracking area corresponding to the network device with sensing capabilities can be identified based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area.

[0121] In embodiments of this disclosure, the tracking area may be a network coverage area containing one or more 5G radio access network nodes (gNBs) or ng-eNBs.

[0122] Specifically, core network elements can obtain information about network devices with sensing capabilities, such as their IDs. By mapping the network device IDs to their coverage areas, they can configure the wireless network coverage areas of the network devices with sensing capabilities into a network device management list, such as a Tracking Area List (TA List), and provide it to the UE. The resulting network device management list can include the tracking areas corresponding to the network devices that support sensing functions, thereby enabling the UE to provide sensing services within the tracking areas covered by the network device management list.

[0123] S405 uses the list of tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions as the network device management list.

[0124] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the tracking areas corresponding to the confirmed network devices with sensing capabilities can be recorded as a list called TA List, which serves as a network device management list. When the UE is within the tracking area included in the TA List, it can use communication services that support sensing capabilities.

[0125] S406, Send the network device management list to the UE.

[0126] In summary, according to the network device management method provided in this disclosure, the core network element sends an inquiry request to the network device, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functionality; receives a first sensing support identifier sent by the network device, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functionality; sends a feedback message to the network device, wherein the feedback message includes a second sensing support identifier, wherein the second sensing support identifier is used to identify that the core network element supports sensing functionality; determines the tracking area corresponding to the network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area; and determines the tracking area corresponding to the network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area, thereby enabling the core network element to obtain sensing capability information from the network device and configure the network device management list with the assistance of the sensing capability information of the network device, providing a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functionality and improving system communication performance.

[0127] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the method can be executed by a user equipment (UE) and may include the following steps.

[0128] S501, receives the network device management list configured by the core network elements.

[0129] The network device management list includes the tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0130] The UE can receive the network device management list configured by the core network elements through the access network RAN. The access network RAN ​​equipment can be a base station, such as a gNB or ng-eNB.

[0131] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the user equipment (UE) can receive a network device management list (TA List) configured by the core network element. Specifically, the UE can receive the TA List through an access network device, such as a network device base station. The network device can be a base station with sensing capabilities or a base station without sensing capabilities, and this is not limited here.

[0132] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the TA List may include tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions. When the user equipment (UE) is in the tracking area of ​​the network device included in the TA List, it can communicate through the network device that supports sensing functions and perform sensing services based on the communication network.

[0133] In summary, according to the network device management method provided in this disclosure, the UE can receive a network device management list configured by the core network element through the access network device. This network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices supporting sensing capabilities. This assists the core network element in obtaining information about sensing-capable network devices, enabling the configuration of the network device management list and providing a foundation for user equipment to use communication services with sensing capabilities.

[0134] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method can be executed by a communication system including network devices and core network elements.

[0135] Before describing the method steps of this embodiment, the communication system architecture that can implement the solution of this embodiment will be introduced. Figure 7 A communication system architecture diagram for implementing this scheme is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the architecture includes core network elements and network devices. The process by which core network elements learn about the sensing capabilities of network devices and configure the TA list can involve only the core network elements and network devices. The core network elements acquire the sensing capabilities of network devices by sending a first sensing indication to the core network element. This first sensing support identifier identifies that the network device supports sensing capabilities, enabling the core network element to obtain information about network devices with sensing capabilities, thus facilitating the configuration of the network device management list for users. It is understood that this architecture may also include user equipment (UE). Figure 7 (Not shown in the image) As a use case after the core network element has configured the TA list, after the core network element obtains the network device sensing capability, when the user has corresponding communication-based sensing service requirements, the core network element can send the configured network device management list to the UE. The network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports the sensing function.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0137] S601, the network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element.

[0138] The first sensing support identifier is used to identify network devices that support sensing functions.

[0139] S602, core network elements configure a network device management list based on the first perception support identifier.

[0140] The network device management list includes the tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0141] S603, the core network element sends a network device configuration list to the UE, and the UE receives the network device configuration list.

[0142] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the user equipment (UE) can receive the network device management list configured by the core network element through the access network (i.e., network device).

[0143] The above steps S601 to S603 can be referred to Figures 1 to 5 The relevant steps will not be elaborated here.

[0144] According to the network device management method provided in this disclosure, through the interaction between network devices, core network elements, and user equipment (UE), the network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; the core network element configures a network device management list based on the first sensing support identifier, wherein the network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device supporting sensing functions; the user equipment (UE) receives the network device management list configured by the core network element, thereby enabling the core network element to obtain sensing capability information from the network device and configure a network device management list with sensing capabilities with the assistance of the network device sensing capability information, providing a basis for the user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions and improving system communication performance.

[0145] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a network device management method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by a communication system including network devices, core network elements, and user equipment (UE). Figure 6 Examples, such as Figure 8 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0146] S701, the core network element sends an inquiry request to the network device.

[0147] The query request is used to inquire whether the network device supports the sensing function.

[0148] As an example, a core network element sends a Sensing_Ability_Request to a network device to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functionality.

[0149] S702, the network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element.

[0150] The first sensing support identifier is used to identify network devices that support sensing functions.

[0151] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first awareness support identifier sent by the network device to the core network element includes at least one of the following: sending the first awareness support identifier to the core network element via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message); sending the first awareness support identifier to the core network element via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message); and sending the first awareness support identifier to the core network element via an initial user equipment message (INITIAL UE MESSAGE message).

[0152] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first perception support identifier sent by the network device to the core network element can be sent through different message carriers.

[0153] In one specific example of this disclosure, such as Figure 9 As shown, when a network device initiates the corresponding procedure by sending a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message), the message includes specific data, including a sensing support identifier when the network device supports sensing.

[0154] In one specific example of this disclosure, such as Figure 10 As shown, when a network device initiates the corresponding procedure by sending a RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message, the message includes a specific set of updated configuration data that the network device has just been put into use, including the perception support identifier when the network device supports perception.

[0155] In one specific example of this disclosure, such as Figure 11 As shown, when a network device initiates the corresponding procedure by sending an INITIAL UE MESSAGE message, the network device will pre-assign a unique identifier RAN UE NGAP ID to the user equipment UE. The message sent includes this unique identifier and the perception support identifier when the network device supports perception.

[0156] S703, core network elements send feedback information to network devices.

[0157] The feedback information includes a second perception support identifier, which is used to identify whether the core network element supports perception functions.

[0158] In embodiments of this disclosure, sending feedback messages to the network device includes: when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message), sending a network connection establishment response message (NG SETUP RESPONSE message) to the network device; and when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message), sending a network configuration update acknowledgment message (RANCONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message) to the network device.

[0159] In one specific example of this disclosure, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the feedback message sent by the core network element to the network device is in the form of a network connection establishment response message (NG SETUP RESPONSE message), a feedback message containing specific data can be sent, which includes the awareness support identifier of the core network element.

[0160] In one specific example of this disclosure, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the feedback message sent by the core network element to the network device is in the form of a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message), a feedback message confirming that the configuration data has been updated can be sent, which includes the awareness support identifier of the core network element.

[0161] S704: Core network elements determine the tracking area corresponding to a network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area.

[0162] In embodiments of this disclosure, a tracking area may include one or more network devices, each network device having a unique identifier. The tracking area corresponding to a network device with sensing capabilities can be identified based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area.

[0163] In embodiments of this disclosure, the tracking area may be a network coverage area containing one or more 5G radio access network nodes gNB or ng-eNB; when this disclosure is implemented in mobile communication technologies after 5G, the tracking area may also be a network coverage area containing one or more corresponding base stations.

[0164] In S705, the core network elements will use the list of tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions as the network device management list.

[0165] The network device management list includes the tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0166] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the core network element can configure a network device management list (TA List). The TA List contains tracking areas (TAs) corresponding to network devices that support sensing capabilities, and all network devices included in the TA List support sensing capabilities. When the UE is in a tracking area included in the TA List, it can use communication services that support sensing functions.

[0167] In a specific example of this disclosure, the network device can be a 5G radio access network node (NG-RAN), which may include ng-eNB and gNB. The core network element can be a 5G core network element (AMF), i.e., Access and Mobility Management Function. The user equipment (UE) can be a portable mobile phone. When the 5G core network needs to configure a Tracking Area List (TA List) supporting the sensing function for the UE, the AMF sends an inquiry request to the NG-RAN through the N2 interface to inquire whether the NG-RAN supports the sensing function. After receiving the inquiry request message, the NG-RAN sends a first sensing support identifier to the AMF, indicating the NG-RAN's sensing capability. The AMF receives the first sensing support identifier and sends a second sensing support identifier to the NG-RAN as a feedback message, indicating the AMF's sensing capability. When the AMF obtains information about one or more NG-RANs with sensing capabilities, the AMF obtains the Tracking Area (TA) corresponding to the wireless network coverage area of ​​these NG-RANs according to the mapping relationship, adds the corresponding TA to the Tracking Area List (TAlist), and configures the TA List as a network device management list for the UE. The NG-RAN sends information to the UE through the N1 interface.

[0168] S706, the core network element sends a network device configuration list to the UE, and the UE receives the network device configuration list.

[0169] In summary, through the embodiments described in this disclosure, the AMF considers the sensing capabilities of NG-RAN when setting up a list of TAs available for sensing for the UE; that is, all NG-RAN nodes included in the TA list support sensing. Therefore, the beneficial effect of the technical solution of this disclosure is that the AMF can acquire the sensing capabilities of NG-RAN for subsequent sensing operations, such as setting up TA lists for UEs with sensing needs.

[0170] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspectives of network devices and user equipment, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network device and the user equipment may include hardware structures and software modules, and may implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions may be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0171] Corresponding to the network device management methods provided in the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a network device management device. Since the network device management device provided in this disclosure corresponds to the network device management methods provided in the above embodiments, the implementation methods of the network device management methods are also applicable to the network device management device provided in this embodiment, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0172] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device management device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network device management device 800 can be used in network devices.

[0173] like Figure 12 As shown, the device 800 may include a transceiver module 810, which is used to send a first sensing support identifier to the core network element. The first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions and to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list. The network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports sensing functions.

[0174] According to the network device management device provided in this disclosure, the network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element. The first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions and to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list. The network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports sensing functions. This enables the network device to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list, providing a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions and improving system communication performance.

[0175] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 810 is further configured to: receive an inquiry request sent by a core network element, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports the sensing function; respond to the inquiry request sent by the core network element, send a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports the sensing function and to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports the sensing function; and receive a feedback message sent by the core network element, wherein the feedback message includes a second sensing support identifier, used to identify that the core network element supports the sensing function.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first awareness support identifier sent by the network device to the core network element includes at least one of the following: sending the first awareness support identifier to the core network element via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message); sending the first awareness support identifier to the core network element via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message); or sending the first awareness support identifier to the core network element via an initial user equipment message (INITIAL UE MESSAGE message).

[0177] In some embodiments, the feedback messages received by the network device from the core network element include: when a first sensing support identifier is sent via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message), receiving a network connection establishment response message (NG SETUP RESPONSE message) sent by the core network element; and when a first sensing support identifier is sent via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message), receiving a network configuration update acknowledgment message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message) sent by the core network element.

[0178] In summary, according to the network device management apparatus provided in this disclosure, the network device receives an inquiry request sent by a core network element, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functionality; in response to the inquiry request sent by the core network element, the network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functionality and to assist the core network element in configuring a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functionality; the network device receives a feedback message sent by the core network element, wherein the feedback message includes a second sensing support identifier, used to identify that the core network element supports sensing functionality, thereby assisting the core network element in configuring a network device management list, providing a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functionality, and improving system communication performance.

[0179] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device management device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network device management device 900 can be used in core network elements.

[0180] like Figure 13 As shown, the device 900 may include a transceiver module 910 for receiving a first perception support identifier sent by a network device, wherein the first perception support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports perception functions; a configuration module 920 for configuring a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support perception functions; and the transceiver module 910 is also used to send the network device management list to the UE.

[0181] According to the network device management device provided in this disclosure, the core network element receives a first sensing support identifier sent by the network device, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; and configures a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports sensing functions, thereby realizing the configuration of the network device management list by the network device assisting the core network element, providing a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions, and improving system communication performance.

[0182] like Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the device 900 further includes a mapping module 930, used to determine the tracking area corresponding to the network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area.

[0183] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 910 is further configured to: send an inquiry request to the network device, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports the sensing function; send a feedback message to the network device, wherein the feedback message includes a second sensing support identifier, the second sensing support identifier being used to identify that the core network element supports the sensing function; and use a list of tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support the sensing function as a network device management list.

[0184] In embodiments of this disclosure, receiving a first sensing support identifier sent by a network device includes at least one of the following: receiving a first sensing support identifier via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message); receiving a first sensing support identifier via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message); or receiving a first sensing support identifier via an initial user equipment message (INITIAL UE MESSAGE message).

[0185] In embodiments of this disclosure, sending feedback messages to the network device includes: when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network connection establishment request message (NG SETUP REQUEST message), sending a network connection establishment response message (NG SETUP RESPONSE message) to the network device; and when a first sensing support identifier is received via a network configuration update request message (RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message), sending a network configuration update acknowledgment message (RANCONFIGURATION UPDATE ACKNOWLEDGE message) to the network device.

[0186] In the embodiments of this disclosure, a tracking area may contain one or more network devices, and a network device can only be in one tracking area and has a unique identifier. The tracking area corresponding to a network device with sensing capabilities can be identified based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area.

[0187] In embodiments of this disclosure, the tracking area may be a network coverage area containing one or more 5G radio access network nodes (gNBs) or ng-eNBs.

[0188] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the tracking areas corresponding to the confirmed network devices with sensing capabilities can be recorded as a list called TA List, which serves as a network device management list. When the UE is within the tracking area included in the TA List, it can use communication services that support sensing capabilities.

[0189] In summary, according to the network device management method provided in this disclosure, the core network element sends an inquiry request to the network device, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functionality; receives a first sensing support identifier sent by the network device, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functionality; sends a feedback message to the network device, wherein the feedback message includes a second sensing support identifier, wherein the second sensing support identifier is used to identify that the core network element supports sensing functionality; determines the tracking area corresponding to the network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area; and determines the tracking area corresponding to the network device based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area, thereby enabling the core network element to obtain sensing capability information from the network device and configure the network device management list with the assistance of the sensing capability information of the network device, providing a basis for user equipment to use communication services with sensing functionality and improving system communication performance.

[0190] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device management device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network device management device 1000 can be used in user equipment (UE).

[0191] like Figure 15 As shown, the device 1000 may include a transceiver module 1010 for receiving a network device management list configured by the core network elements, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions.

[0192] According to the network device management device provided in this disclosure, the user equipment (UE) receives a network device management list configured by the core network element. The network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions. This enables the network device to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list, providing a basis for the user equipment to use communication services with sensing functions and improving system communication performance.

[0193] This disclosure also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned... Figure 8-11 The apparatus shown.

[0194] Please see Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 can be a network device, a user device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the user device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0195] The communication device 1100 may include one or more processors 1101. The processor 1101 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0196] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include one or more memories 1102, which may store a computer program 1104. The processor 1101 executes the computer program 1104 to cause the communication device 1100 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1102 may also store data. The communication device 1100 and the memory 1102 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0197] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may also include a transceiver 1105 and an antenna 1106. The transceiver 1105 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1105 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0198] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include one or more interface circuits 1107. The interface circuit 1107 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1101. The processor 1101 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 1100 to perform the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0199] In one implementation, the processor 1101 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0200] In one implementation, processor 1101 may store computer program 1103, which runs on processor 1101 and causes communication device 1100 to execute the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 1103 may be embedded in processor 1101, in which case processor 1101 may be implemented in hardware.

[0201] In one implementation, the communication device 1100 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-type metal oxide semiconductors (NMOS), p-type metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0202] The communication device described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a user equipment, but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device is not limited by the figures. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be:

[0203] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0204] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0205] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0206] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0207] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0208] (6) Others, etc.

[0209] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 17 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 17 The chip shown includes a processor 1201 and an interface 1202. There can be one or more processors 1201, and multiple interfaces 1202.

[0210] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1203 for storing necessary computer programs and data.

[0211] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0212] This application also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0213] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0214] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When a computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, it generates, in whole or in part, the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0215] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., involved in this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate the order of sequence.

[0216] At least one in this application can also be described as one or more, and multiple can be two, three, four or more, and this application does not impose any limitation. In the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order or size among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0217] As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, device, and / or apparatus (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0218] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include backend components (e.g., as a data server), or computing systems that include middleware components (e.g., an application server), or computing systems that include frontend components (e.g., a user computer with a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with embodiments of the systems and technologies described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication of any form or medium (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet.

[0219] Computer systems can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally located far apart and typically interact through communication networks. Client-server relationships are created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[0220] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this disclosure can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0221] Furthermore, it should be understood that the various embodiments of this application can be implemented individually or in combination with other embodiments, where the scheme allows.

[0222] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples 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 implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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.

[0223] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0224] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network device management method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: A first sensing support identifier is sent to the core network element. This first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions and to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list. The network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions; The step of sending the first perception support identifier to the core network element includes at least one of the following: A request message is established through a network connection, and the first perception support identifier is sent to the core network element. The first perception support identifier is sent to the core network element via a network configuration update request message; The first perception support identifier is sent to the core network element by initializing the user equipment message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a feedback message sent by the core network element, wherein the feedback message includes a second perception support identifier, which is used to identify that the core network element supports perception functions.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The feedback message received from the core network element includes: When the first sensing support identifier is sent via the network connection establishment request message, the network connection establishment response message sent by the core network element is received; or When the first perception support identifier is sent via the network configuration update request message, the network configuration update confirmation message sent by the core network element is received.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network device management list is used by the user equipment (UE) to autonomously execute communication services based on the sensing function within the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports the sensing function.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before sending the first perception support identifier to the core network element, the method further includes: Receive an inquiry request sent by the core network element, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports the sensing function; Sending the first sensing support identifier to the core network element includes: In response to the query request, the first perception support identifier is sent to the core network element.

6. A network device management method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a core network element, and the method includes: The network device receives a first sensing support identifier, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions. Configure a network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions. Send the network device management list to the user equipment (UE); The first sensing support identifier sent by the receiving network device includes at least one of the following: Establish a request message through a network connection and receive the first perception support identifier; Receive the first perception support identifier via a network configuration update request message; The first perception support identifier is received by initializing the user equipment message.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A feedback message is sent to the network device, wherein the feedback message includes a second perception support identifier, which is used to identify that the core network element supports perception functions.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Sending feedback messages to the network device includes: When the first sensing support identifier is received via a network connection establishment request message, a network connection establishment response message is sent to the network device. When the first perception support identifier is received via a network configuration update request message, a network configuration update confirmation message is sent to the network device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, Before receiving the first sensing support identifier sent by the network device, the method further includes: Send an inquiry request to the network device, wherein the inquiry request is used to inquire whether the network device supports sensing functionality.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The configured network device management list includes: The tracking area corresponding to the network device is determined based on the mapping relationship between the network device and the tracking area; The list of tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions is used as the network device management list.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The network device management list is used by the user equipment (UE) to autonomously execute communication services based on the sensing function within the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports the sensing function.

12. A network device management method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a user equipment (UE), and the method includes: The core network element receives a network device management list configured by the core network element. The network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions. The network device management list is configured by the core network element based on a first sensing support identifier, which is received by the core network element from the network device. The first sensing support identifier identifies that the network device supports sensing functions, and includes at least one of the following: The core network element establishes a request message through a network connection and receives the first perception support identifier; The core network element receives the first perception support identifier through the network configuration update request message; The core network element receives the first perception support identifier by initializing the user equipment message.

13. A network device management method, characterized in that, include: The network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; The core network element configures a network device management list based on the first sensing support identifier, wherein the network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports the sensing function; User equipment (UE) receives the network device management list configured by the core network element. The network device management list is used by the user equipment (UE) to perform communication services based on sensing functions. The network device sends a first perception support identifier to the core network element, including at least one of the following: The network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element through a network connection establishment request message; The network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element through a network configuration update request message; The network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element by initializing user equipment messages.

14. A network device, the network device comprising: The transceiver module is used to send the first perception support identifier to the core network elements. The first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions and to assist the core network element in configuring the network device management list. The network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports sensing functions. The transceiver module is also used for at least one of the following: A request message is established through a network connection, and the first perception support identifier is sent to the core network element. The first perception support identifier is sent to the core network element via a network configuration update request message; The first perception support identifier is sent to the core network element by initializing the user equipment message.

15. A core network element, the core network element comprising: The transceiver module is used to receive a first sensing support identifier sent by the network device, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; The configuration module is used to configure the network device management list, wherein the network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions. The transceiver module is also used to send the network device management list to the user equipment (UE); The transceiver module is also used for at least one of the following: Establish a request message through a network connection and receive the first perception support identifier; Receive the first perception support identifier via a network configuration update request message; The first perception support identifier is received by initializing the user equipment message.

16. A user equipment (UE), the UE comprising: The transceiver module is used to receive a network device management list configured by the core network element. The network device management list includes tracking areas corresponding to network devices that support sensing functions. The network device management list is configured by the core network element based on a first sensing support identifier, which is received by the core network element from the network device. The first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions, and the first sensing support identifier includes at least one of the following: The core network element establishes a request message through a network connection and receives the first perception support identifier; The core network element receives the first perception support identifier through the network configuration update request message; The core network element receives the first perception support identifier by initializing the user equipment message.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes user equipment (UE), core network elements, and network equipment, wherein... The network device sends a first sensing support identifier to the core network element, wherein the first sensing support identifier is used to identify that the network device supports sensing functions; The core network element configures a network device management list based on the first sensing support identifier, wherein the network device management list includes the tracking area corresponding to the network device that supports the sensing function; The core network element sends the network device management list to the UE; The UE receives the network device management list; The network device sends a first perception support identifier to the core network element, including at least one of the following: The network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element through a network connection establishment request message; The network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element through a network configuration update request message; The network device sends the first perception support identifier to the core network element by initializing user equipment messages.

18. A communication device, wherein, include: transceiver; Memory; The processor is connected to the transceiver and the memory respectively, and is configured to control the wireless signal transmission and reception of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and is capable of implementing the method of any one of claims 1-13.

19. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions can implement the method of any one of claims 1-13.

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