A communication method, a communication device, and a communication system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, a communication device and a communication system. The method comprises: receiving, by a data analysis network element, a request message from a core network element or a third party network element, the request message being used to request an analysis result; sending, by the data analysis network element, block information and an analysis result corresponding to the block information to the core network element or the third party network element; wherein a coverage range of a block corresponding to the block information is smaller than a coverage range of a cell. According to the scheme, the data analysis network element provides the core network element or the third party network element with an analysis result of a block granularity smaller than a cell granularity, so that the core network element or the third party network element can perform more refined operations according to the analysis result of the block granularity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in some application scenarios, it is necessary to analyze the status of cells or tracking areas to make corresponding decisions based on the analysis results. However, existing analysis results cannot meet the requirements of certain businesses. For example, in connected vehicle applications, connected vehicle application servers control the autonomous driving of vehicles through networks (such as 5G networks). Because autonomous driving has very high safety requirements, current analysis results cannot meet the requirements of connected vehicle applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system for providing analysis results at a block granularity that is smaller than the cell granularity.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a data analysis network element or a module (such as a chip) applied in the data analysis network element. Taking the execution of the method by a data analysis network element as an example, the method includes: the data analysis network element receiving a request message from a core network element or a third-party network element, the request message being used to request analysis results; the data analysis network element sending block information and the analysis results corresponding to the block information to the core network element or the third-party network element; wherein, the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the cell.

[0005] According to the above scheme, the data analysis network element provides the core network element or third-party network element with analysis results at the block level, which is smaller than the cell level. This allows the core network element or third-party network element to perform more refined operations based on the block-level analysis results.

[0006] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device; the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the first terminal device; the data analysis network element obtains the location information of the first terminal device from the location management network element; the data analysis network element determines the block information based on the step size information and the location information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0007] According to the above scheme, the block information of the block where the first terminal device is located can be determined, which facilitates the subsequent determination of the analysis results of the terminal devices within the block information. Thus, corresponding operations can be performed on the terminal devices corresponding to the block information based on the analysis results.

[0008] As one possible implementation, the request message includes path information; the data analysis network element determines the block information based on the step size information and the path information.

[0009] According to the above scheme, the block information corresponding to the path information can be determined, which facilitates the subsequent determination of the analysis results of the terminal devices within the block information corresponding to the path information. Thus, corresponding operations can be performed on the terminal devices corresponding to the block information based on the analysis results.

[0010] As one possible implementation, the request message may also include the step size information; or, the data analysis network element may determine the step size information.

[0011] As one possible implementation, the step size information includes step size and / or block type information.

[0012] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the block information.

[0013] According to the above scheme, core network elements or third-party network elements carry block information in the request message, which facilitates the subsequent determination of the analysis results of terminal devices within the block information. This allows for the execution of corresponding operations on the terminal devices corresponding to the block information based on the analysis results. Furthermore, this scheme determines the block information by core network elements or third-party network elements, eliminating the need for data analysis network elements to determine the block information, thus reducing the overhead of data analysis network elements.

[0014] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information; the data analysis network element determines the analysis result based on the first data.

[0015] According to the above scheme, the analysis result corresponding to the block information can be determined based on the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block information, thus achieving accurate determination of the analysis result corresponding to the block information.

[0016] As one possible implementation method, the analysis result includes indication information and / or a weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, wherein the indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is greater than a preset threshold.

[0017] According to the above scheme, providing the core network element or third-party network element with instruction information and / or the weighted average of the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information helps the core network element or third-party network element to issue correct instructions to the terminal devices within the block information.

[0018] As one possible implementation, the first data includes the throughput of the terminal device; or, the first data includes the number of quality of service flows abnormally released by the terminal device.

[0019] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element obtains first association information of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; the data analysis network element obtains first data and second association information of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device; the data analysis network element obtains third association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information from the location management network element; the data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the first association information, the second association information, the third association information, and the first data of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0020] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information and the fourth association information based on the first information in the first association information, the first information in the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; the data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the second information in the fourth association information, the second information in the third association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0021] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element determines the fourth association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the third information in the first association information and the third information in the third association information; the data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the fourth information in the fourth association information, the fourth information in the second association information, and the first data of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0022] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element obtains the first association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; the data analysis network element obtains the first data and second association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device; the data analysis network element obtains the third association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the location management network element; the data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the first association information, the first data of the terminal devices, the second association information, the third association information, and the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0023] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element determines the fourth associated information and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the fifth information in the first associated information, the fifth information in the second associated information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; the data analysis network element determines the location information and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the sixth information in the fourth associated information, the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the sixth information in the third associated information, and the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; the data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the block information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, and the first data.

[0024] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element determines the fourth association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the seventh information in the first association information, the seventh information in the third association information, and the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; the data analysis network element determines the location information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the eighth information in the fourth association information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the eighth information in the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; the data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the block information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, and the first data.

[0025] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element obtains the first association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; the data analysis network element obtains the second association information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device; the data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the first association information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0026] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element determines the location information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the ninth information in the first associated information, the ninth information in the second associated information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; the data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the block information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, and the first data.

[0027] As one possible implementation method, the data analysis network element determines the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information; or, the data analysis network element obtains the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information from the network open network element.

[0028] As one possible implementation method, the first associated information includes the terminal device's identification information, the access network device's globally unique identifier, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information; the second associated information includes the access network device's globally unique identifier, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and the time information; the third associated information includes the terminal device's identification information and the time information.

[0029] As one possible implementation, the block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0030] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a core network element, a third-party network element, or a module (such as a chip) applied in a core network element or a module (such as a chip) applied in a third-party network element. Taking the execution of the method by a core network element or a third-party network element as an example, the method includes: the core network element or the third-party network element sending a request message to a data analysis network element, the request message being used to request analysis results; the core network element or the third-party network element receiving block information and the analysis results corresponding to the block information from the data analysis network element; wherein, the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the cell.

[0031] According to the above scheme, the data analysis network element provides the core network element or third-party network element with analysis results at the block level, which is smaller than the cell level. This allows the core network element or third-party network element to perform more refined operations based on the block-level analysis results.

[0032] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device, and the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the first terminal device.

[0033] As one possible implementation, the request message includes path information, and the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the block corresponding to the path information.

[0034] As one possible implementation, the request message also includes step information, which includes step size and / or block type information, used to determine the block information.

[0035] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the block information.

[0036] As one possible implementation method, the analysis result includes indication information and / or a weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, wherein the indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is greater than a preset threshold.

[0037] As one possible implementation, the block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0038] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a location management network element or a module (such as a chip) applied in a location management network element. Taking the execution of the method by a location management network element as an example, the method includes: the location management network element receiving a request message from a data analysis network element, the request message including block information and the identification information of the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the request message being used to request association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information being smaller than the coverage area of ​​the cell; the location management network element obtaining the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; the location management network element selecting terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information from the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell according to the block information and the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; and the location management network element sending the association information of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information to the data analysis network element.

[0039] As one possible implementation method, the associated information includes time information and the identification information of the terminal device.

[0040] As one possible implementation, the request message also includes an event identifier, which identifies the type of the requested event, namely, the associated information of the terminal device residing on the block.

[0041] As one possible implementation, the block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may be a data analysis network element or a module (such as a chip) applied in a data analysis network element. This device has the function of implementing any of the methods described in the first aspect. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described function.

[0043] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may be a core network element, a third-party network element, a module (such as a chip) applied in a core network element, or a module (such as a chip) applied in a third-party network element. This device has the function of implementing any of the implementation methods of the second aspect described above. This function can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described function.

[0044] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may be a location management network element or a module (such as a chip) applied in a location management network element. This device has the function of implementing any of the implementation methods of the third aspect described above. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the device is running, the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the device to perform any of the implementation methods in the first to third aspects described above.

[0046] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication apparatus including units or means for performing various steps of any of the implementation methods in the first to third aspects described above.

[0047] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and execute any of the implementation methods described in the first to third aspects. The processor may include one or more devices.

[0048] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device including a processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to invoke a program stored in the memory to execute any of the implementation methods described in the first to third aspects. The memory may be located within or outside the device. Furthermore, the processor may be one or more.

[0049] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause any of the implementation methods of the first to third aspects described above to be executed.

[0050] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, cause any of the implementation methods in the first to third aspects described above to be performed.

[0051] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, including: a processor for executing any of the implementation methods in the first to third aspects described above.

[0052] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, including a data analysis network element for performing any implementation method of the first aspect described above, and a core network element or a third-party network element for performing any implementation method of the second aspect described above.

[0053] As one possible implementation, the communication system also includes a location management network element for performing any implementation of the third aspect described above. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a point-to-point interface.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle's driving route;

[0057] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the vehicle's driving route;

[0058] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture. Figure 1The 5G network architecture shown may include terminal devices, access network devices, and core network devices. Terminal devices access the data network (DN) through access network devices and core network devices. The core network devices include some or all of the following network elements: unified data management (UDM) network elements, unified data repository (UDR) network elements, network exposure function (NEF) network elements (not shown in the figure), application function (AF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, network data analytics function (NWDAF) network elements, network repository function (NRF) network elements (not shown in the figure), and location management function (LMF) network elements (not shown in the figure).

[0065] Access network equipment can be radio access network (RAN) equipment. Examples include: base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, next-generation base stations in the 6th generation (6G) mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems. It can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station; for example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). RAN equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, or donor nodes. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the RAN equipment.

[0066] Terminal devices can be user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can include mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, urban air mobility vehicles (such as drones and helicopters), ships, robots, robotic arms, and smart home devices.

[0067] Access network equipment and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the access network equipment and terminal equipment.

[0068] The AMF (Automatic Mobility Management) network element includes functions such as mobility management and access authentication / authorization. In addition, it is responsible for transmitting user policies between terminal devices and the PCF (Programmable Default Function).

[0069] The SMF network element includes functions such as performing session management, executing control policies issued by the PCF, selecting the UPF, and allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminal devices.

[0070] UPF network elements, as interfaces with data networks, include functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-based billing and statistics, and bandwidth limiting.

[0071] UDM network elements include functions such as managing contracted data and authorizing user access.

[0072] UDR network elements include functions for storing and retrieving data of various types, such as contract data, policy data, and application data.

[0073] NEF network elements are used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0074] An Application Provider (AF) element conveys the application's requests to the network, such as QoS requirements or user state event subscriptions. An AF can be a third-party functional entity or an application server deployed by the operator.

[0075] PCF network elements include policy control functions such as billing at the session and service flow levels, QoS bandwidth guarantee and mobility management, and terminal device policy decisions.

[0076] NRF network elements can be used to provide network element discovery functionality, providing network element information corresponding to the network element type based on requests from other network elements. NRF network elements also provide network element management services, such as network element registration, updates, deregistration, and network element status subscription and push.

[0077] NWDAF (Network Data Center) elements are primarily used to collect data (including one or more of the following: terminal device data, access network device data, core network data, and third-party application device data). This data can be data from the terminal device, access network device, core network element, or third-party application device itself, or data from the terminal device on that access network device, core network element, or third-party application device. The collected data is then analyzed, and the results are output for use by the network, network management equipment, and applications in decision-making. NWDAFs can utilize machine learning models for data analysis. In 3GPP Release 17, the training and inference functions of NWDAFs were separated. An NWDAF can support only model training, only data inference, or both. An NWDAF supporting model training can also be called a training NWDAF, or an NWDAF supporting model training logical function (MTLF) (abbreviated as NWDAF(MTLF)). A training NWDAF can train a model based on the acquired data to obtain the trained model. An NWDAF that supports data inference can also be called an inference NWDAF, or an NWDAF that supports analytics logical function (AnLF) (abbreviated as NWDAF(AnLF)). An inference NWDAF can input input data into a trained model to obtain analysis results or inference data. In this embodiment, a training NWDAF refers to an NWDAF that at least supports model training. As a possible implementation, a training NWDAF can also support data inference. An inference NWDAF refers to an NWDAF that at least supports data inference. As a possible implementation, an inference NWDAF can also support model training. If an NWDAF supports both model training and data inference, it can be called a training NWDAF, an inference NWDAF, a training-inference NWDAF, or simply an NWDAF. In this embodiment, an NWDAF can be a separate network element or co-located with other network elements, such as being placed in a PCF network element or an AMF network element.

[0078] The LMF (Local Position Controller) network element is used to manage the location information of terminal devices. It can calculate or verify the location of the terminal device and / or estimate its speed, providing the accuracy of the estimate. The LMF network element can receive location requests from the AMF (Agency Position Controller) network element via the Nlmf interface. The granularity of the terminal's location calculated by the LMF network element can be one or more of the following: longitude, latitude, altitude, tracking area, cell, and Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0079] A Domain Provider (DN) is a network located outside of the carrier's network. A carrier's network can connect to multiple DNs, and various services can be deployed on a DN, providing data and / or voice services to terminal devices. For example, a DN might be the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the workshop can act as terminal devices, and a control server for these sensors is deployed within the DN. The control server provides services to the sensors. Sensors can communicate with the control server, receive instructions from it, and transmit the collected sensor data back to the control server accordingly. Another example is a DN serving as an internal office network for a company. Employees' mobile phones or computers can act as terminal devices, accessing information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

[0080] Figure 1 Nudr, Npcf, Namf, Nudm, Nsmf, Naf, and Nnwdaf are the service interfaces provided by UDR, PCF, AMF, UDM, SMF, AF, and NWDAF, respectively, used to call the corresponding service operations. N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface sequence numbers, and their meanings are as follows:

[0081] 1) N1: The interface between the AMF network element and the terminal device, which can be used to transmit non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (such as QoS rules from the AMF network element) to the terminal device.

[0082] 2) N2: The interface between the AMF network element and the access network equipment, which can be used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the access network equipment.

[0083] 3) N3: The interface between the access network equipment and the UPF network element, mainly used to transmit uplink and downlink user plane data between the access network equipment and the UPF network element.

[0084] 4) N4: The interface between SMF network elements and UPF network elements. It can be used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the distribution of forwarding rules, QoS rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. from the control plane to the user plane, as well as the reporting of information from the user plane.

[0085] 5) N6: The interface between the UPF network element and the DN, used to transmit uplink and downlink user data streams between the UP network element F and the DN.

[0086] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture based on a point-to-point interface. For a description of the functions of the network elements, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 The functions of the corresponding network elements will not be described in detail here. Figure 2 and Figure 1 The main difference is: Figure 1 The interfaces between the various control plane network elements are service-oriented interfaces. Figure 2 The interfaces between the various control plane network elements are point-to-point interfaces.

[0087] exist Figure 2 In the architecture shown, the interface names and functions between the various network elements in the core network are as follows:

[0088] 1) N5: The interface between AF network element and PCF network element, which can be used for application service request distribution and network event reporting.

[0089] 2) N7: The interface between PCF network elements and SMF network elements, which can be used to issue protocol data unit (PDU) session granularity and service data flow granularity control strategies.

[0090] 3) N8: The interface between the AMF network element and the UDM network element. It can be used by the AMF network element to obtain access and mobility management related subscription data and authentication data from the UDM network element, as well as by the AMF network element to register the current mobility management information of the terminal device with the UDM network element.

[0091] 4) N9: User plane interface between UPF network elements, used to transmit uplink and downlink user data streams between UPF network elements.

[0092] 5) N10: The interface between the SMF network element and the UDM network element. It can be used for the SMF network element to obtain session management-related subscription data from the UDM network element, and for the SMF network element to register terminal device current session-related information with the UDM network element.

[0093] 6) N11: The interface between SMF network elements and AMF network elements. It can be used to transmit PDU session tunnel information between access network devices and UPF network elements, transmit control messages sent to terminal devices, and transmit radio resource control information sent to access network devices.

[0094] 7) N15: The interface between PCF network elements and AMF network elements, which can be used to issue terminal equipment policies and access control related policies.

[0095] 8) N23: The interface between the PCF network element and the NWDAF network element. The NWDAF network element can collect data from the PCF network element through this interface. It should be noted that the NWDAF network element can also have interfaces with other devices (such as AMF network elements, UPF network elements, access network devices, terminal devices, etc.), which are not fully shown in the figure.

[0096] 9) N35: The interface between UDM network elements and UDR network elements, which can be used by UDM network elements to obtain user subscription data information from UDR network elements.

[0097] 10) N36: The interface between PCF network elements and UDR network elements, which can be used by PCF network elements to obtain policy-related contract data and application data related information from UDR network elements.

[0098] It is understood that the aforementioned network element or function can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). As one possible implementation method, the aforementioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, multiple devices working together, or a functional module within a single device; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0099] As one implementation method, the data analysis network element in this application embodiment can be the aforementioned NWDAF network element, or it can be a network element with the functionality of the aforementioned NWDAF network element in future communications such as 6G networks. For ease of explanation, the following description uses an NWDAF network element as an example, and the NWDAF network element will be abbreviated as NWDAF.

[0100] As one implementation method, the location management network element in the embodiments of this application can be the aforementioned LMF network element, or it can be a network element in future communications such as 6G networks that has the functionality of the aforementioned LMF network element. For ease of explanation, the following description will use the location management network element as an LMF network element as an example, and the LMF network element will be abbreviated as LMF.

[0101] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the technologies related to the embodiments of this application will be introduced below.

[0102] I. NWDAF enables business data analysis through pairwise associations.

[0103] Typically, in order to perform end-to-end terminal device-level data analysis between access network devices, core network devices, and AF network elements (which can be AF network elements within the core network or third-party AF network elements), NWDAF needs to consider associating the data of terminal devices distributed across access network devices, core network devices (also known as core network network elements), and third-party AF network elements. NWDAF can determine the data of terminal devices by associating them pairwise using the association information.

[0104] For example, the following approach can be adopted: Access Network Device - AMF Network Element - SMF Network Element - UPF Network Element - AF Network Element.

[0105] When reporting data, both the access network device and the AMF network element carry a timestamp, the identification information (RAN UE NGAP ID) assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and the globally unique identifier (Global RAN Node ID) of the access network device. In other words, each piece of data is identified using associated information, including the timestamp, RAN UE NGAP ID, and Global RAN Node ID. NGAP stands for Next Generation Application Protocol. Therefore, the NWDAF uses the timestamp, RAN UE NGAP ID, and Global RAN Node ID to associate the data of the terminal device on the access network device and the AMF. In this embodiment, the timestamp is also referred to as time information; both have the same meaning.

[0106] In this embodiment of the application, the globally unique identifier of the access network device can also be replaced by the identifier of the mobility management network element, wherein the identifier of the mobility management network element can be, for example, a globally unique AMF ID (globally unique AMFidentifier, GUAMI).

[0107] In this embodiment of the application, the identification information allocated by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface can also be replaced by the identification information allocated by the mobility management network element to the terminal device on the N2 interface. The identification information allocated by the mobility management network element to the terminal device on the N2 interface can be, for example, AMF UE NGAP ID.

[0108] Similarly, NWDAF can associate terminal device data on access network devices and UPF network elements through timestamps and access network tunnel information (AN Tunnel Info); it can associate terminal device data on SMF network elements and PCF network elements through timestamps and subscription permanent identifier (SUPI); it can associate terminal device data on AMF network elements and SMF network elements through timestamps and SUPI; it can associate terminal device data on SMF network elements and UPF network elements through timestamps and terminal device identification information (UE IP); and it can associate terminal device data on AF network elements and UPF network elements through timestamps and Internet Protocol 5-tuple (IP 5-tuple).

[0109] II. Minimization of drive test (MDT) data

[0110] MDT data refers to measurement report data measured by terminal devices and reported to the network management device via access network devices, and / or measurement report data measured and reported to the network management device by access network devices. The measurement report data measured by the access network devices is data at the terminal device level. The network management device can use this measurement report data to identify issues such as weak coverage, coverage vulnerabilities, and over-coverage. Because terminal devices and / or access network devices can proactively measure and report data, actual drive testing is unnecessary, thus saving costs.

[0111] The MDT data at the terminal device level includes the following measurements:

[0112] 1) The uplink or downlink IP throughput measured by the access network equipment, which is measured per UE per physical resource block (PRB). The terminal device may also report the 5QI value corresponding to the PRB when reporting IP throughput. In this embodiment, IP throughput may also be simply referred to as throughput.

[0113] 2) The number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices as measured by the access network equipment.

[0114] Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is a crucial application scenario for 5G networks. V2X application servers (also known as V2X AFs) responsible for controlling autonomous driving can use 5G networks to control vehicle movement or collect vehicle status information. Autonomous driving is highly safety-critical; if the V2X AF's control signals cannot be transmitted to the vehicle quickly and reliably, it could lead to fatal accidents. Therefore, autonomous driving places extremely high demands on 5G networks. For example, Table 1 below outlines the performance requirements of autonomous driving for 5G networks.

[0115] Table 1

[0116]

[0117] Table 1 is for illustrative purposes only. In actual applications, the performance requirements of autonomous driving for 5G networks can be determined based on the specific circumstances.

[0118] Because autonomous driving places very high demands on 5G networks, a network performance monitoring mechanism is needed on the network side to feed back the network performance monitoring results to V2X AF. V2X AF can dynamically adjust application layer parameters based on the network performance monitoring results, such as adjusting vehicle distance, coding method, coding parameters, and autonomous driving level.

[0119] To enable network performance monitoring of autonomous driving on the network side, in this embodiment, the NWDAF can collect cell-level data from network management devices (i.e., operations, administration and management (OAM) devices). This cell-level data reflects the vehicle's status during operation. The NWDAF analyzes the cell-level data to obtain cell-level data analysis results, and then sends these results to the V2X AF. The V2X AF determines the application layer parameters for autonomous driving based on these cell-level data analysis results, such as encoding the autonomous driving level.

[0120] For example, taking the data analysis results at the cell level as the QoS Sustainability analysis results, Table 2 below shows the input data required by NWDAF to determine the QoS Sustainability analysis results, and Table 3 below shows the QoS Sustainability analysis results determined by NWDAF.

[0121] Table 2

[0122]

[0123] Table 3

[0124]

[0125]

[0126] refer to Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle's travel route. The vehicle sequentially passes through cells 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9. The NWDAF calculates the RAN UE IP Throughput and / or the number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices in each of these cells. When the RAN UE IP Throughput exceeds a first reporting threshold, the NWDAF sends an indication to the V2XAF indicating that the RAN UE IP Throughput exceeds the first reporting threshold; and / or when the number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices exceeds a second reporting threshold, the NWDAF sends an indication to the V2XAF indicating that the number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices exceeds the second reporting threshold.

[0127] In the above scheme, NWDAF can provide V2X AF with service quality sustainability analysis results at the cell level. V2X AF can then set application layer parameters for vehicles at the entire cell level based on the service quality sustainability analysis results at the cell level.

[0128] This scheme has the following problems: the granularity of the cell-level QoS sustainability analysis results is too coarse, which may not be very meaningful for setting vehicle application layer parameters. This is because: cell coverage ranges from a few hundred meters to several kilometers, or even tens of kilometers. The cell-level QoS sustainability analysis results are averages for the entire cell, and do not mean that the RAN UE IP Throughput at every location in the cell is greater than or less than the first reporting threshold. For example, the signal is better at the cell center, so the RAN UE IP Throughput at the cell center is greater than the first reporting threshold, but the signal is relatively poor at the cell edge, so the RAN UE IP Throughput at the cell edge may be less than the first reporting threshold. Similarly, it does not mean that the number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices at every location in the cell is greater than or less than the second reporting threshold. For example, the signal is better at the cell center, so the number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices at the cell center is less than the second reporting threshold, but the signal is relatively poor at the cell edge, so the number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices at the cell edge is greater than the second reporting threshold.

[0129] Therefore, the network side needs to establish a service quality sustainability data analysis at a more granular level than that of a cell, to achieve separate analysis of different areas within a cell, so that V2X AF can set the application layer parameters of the vehicle more accurately.

[0130] This application provides a region planning method based on block granularity. A block can be a rectangular, circular, square, or other shaped area; the shape of the block is not limited in this application. The block granularity is smaller than the cell granularity, meaning the coverage area of ​​a block will not exceed the coverage area of ​​a single cell. A block can pass through one or more cells, or through one or more tracking areas (TAs), where a tracking area includes one or more cells.

[0131] Taking a rectangular area as an example, a block can be determined using the location of the terminal device, the length, width, and direction of the rectangle. For instance, by using the location of the terminal device as the center of the rectangle, and then combining the length, width, and direction of the rectangle, a rectangular area can be determined, and this rectangular area is a block.

[0132] Taking a circular area as an example, a block can be determined by the location of the terminal device and the step size. For instance, by taking the location of the terminal device as the center of the circle and combining it with the step size, a circular area can be determined, and this circular area is a block.

[0133] It is worth noting that the description of "block" in the embodiments of this application can be replaced by other region types with a smaller granularity than cell, such as "island" or "cluster". In other words, the embodiments of this application do not limit the concept of "block", but only limit the region types with a smaller granularity than cell. Therefore, any scheme that uses a smaller granularity than cell for data collection and analysis falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0134] refer to Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the vehicle's travel route, where a block is a rectangular area as an example. During the journey, the vehicle passes through different blocks sequentially according to its direction of travel. Each block passes through one or more cells or one or more tracking areas, and the coverage area of ​​each block is smaller than that of a single cell.

[0135] refer to Figure 5 The above is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps:

[0136] Step 501: A core network element or a third-party network element sends a request message to the NWDAF. The NWDAF then receives the request message.

[0137] The core network elements mentioned here include, but are not limited to: AMF network elements, SMF network elements, PCF network elements, UPF network elements, or core network AF network elements. Third-party network elements refer to third-party application servers, also known as third-party AF network elements, such as a V2XAF from a specific enterprise.

[0138] This request message is used to request analysis results.

[0139] As one implementation method, the request message includes an identifier for the analysis type (Analytics ID), and is used to request the analysis results corresponding to that analysis type. In one implementation method, if the identifier for the analysis type is QoS Sustainability, then the request message is used to request the analysis results corresponding to QoS Sustainability.

[0140] Step 502: The NWDAF sends block information and the corresponding analysis results to the core network element or a third-party network element. Correspondingly, the core network element or the third-party network element receives the block information and the corresponding analysis results.

[0141] In one implementation method, each block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to that block information. The coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to each block information is smaller than the coverage area of ​​a cell, where a cell refers to the cell where the terminal device is currently located, or the cell at a specified location, or the cell corresponding to the block information. Figure 4 For example, the coverage area of ​​a block corresponding to a block information is smaller than the coverage area of ​​a small cell. The coverage area of ​​a block corresponding to block information can be represented by latitude and longitude ranges, or by latitude, longitude, and altitude ranges. For instance, when a block is a rectangular area, the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is indicated by the following information: rectangle, longitude and latitude of center point = (41°24'N, 2°10'E), length = 1km, width = 1.5km, and direction. Here, rectangle indicates the rectangular type, length and width indicate the coverage area, direction can be the vector direction perpendicular to the long side of the rectangle from the center point in the reference coordinate system, and longitude and latitude of center point refer to the latitude and longitude coordinates of the center location of the block.

[0142] For each block information, the block may be entirely within a tracking area or cell, in which case the block corresponds to one tracking area or cell. Alternatively, the block may be at the edge of a tracking area or cell, in which case the block may correspond to multiple tracking areas or cells, such as two or three tracking areas, or two or three cells.

[0143] In one implementation method, in step 502, the NWDAF sends a block information and the corresponding analysis result to a core network element or a third-party network element. In another implementation method, in step 502, the NWDAF sends multiple block information and the analysis result corresponding to each of the multiple block information to a core network element or a third-party network element.

[0144] Based on the above scheme, NWDAF provides core network elements or third-party network elements with block-level analysis results that are smaller than cell-level analysis results, enabling core network elements or third-party network elements to perform more refined operations based on the block-level analysis results.

[0145] As one implementation method, before step 502 above, NWDAF needs to determine which block(s) corresponding to the analysis results to obtain. Therefore, NWDAF needs to determine the block information first. For example, three different implementation methods for NWDAF to obtain block information are described below.

[0146] As one implementation method, the request message in step 501 above includes the identification information of a terminal device, such as the identification information of a first terminal device. This request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the first terminal device, that is, to request the analysis results corresponding to the block where the first terminal device is located. NWDAF can obtain the identification information of the first terminal device from this request message, then obtain the location information of the first terminal device from LMF, and then NWDAF determines the block information corresponding to the block where the first terminal device is located based on the step size information and the location information of the first terminal device. The first terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to this block information. For example, NWDAF uses the location indicated by the location information of the first terminal device as the center of the block and combines it with the step size information to determine the block range, thereby obtaining the block information. This step size information includes a step size and / or block type information. The step size can be used to determine the coverage size of the block, and the block type information indicates the shape of the block, such as a circle, square, rectangle, etc. The step size information can be carried in the request message of step 501. If the request message does not carry step size information, NWDAF can determine the step size information based on the moving speed, moving direction, and other information of the first terminal device. For example, if the step size information in the request message or the step size information determined by NWDAF indicates a circular area with a radius of R, the coverage area of ​​the block information corresponding to the block determined by NWDAF can be a circular area with a radius of R centered on the current position of the first terminal device, or it can be a circular area with a radius of R centered on the predicted position of the first terminal device at the next moment or some future moment, or it can be other types of circular areas.

[0147] As another implementation method, the request message in step 501 above includes path information, which represents the historical movement path of the terminal device and / or the future movement path of the terminal device. This path information can be represented by a set of latitude and longitude information, for example, the path information can be represented as: ((41°24'N, 2°10'E), (41°23'N, 2°10'E), (41°23'N, 2°11'E), (41°25'N, 2°11'E), ...), where "N" represents North latitude and "E" represents East longitude. NWDAF can determine one or more block information based on the step size information and the path information. Specifically, NWDAF divides the path indicated by the path information into multiple segments based on the step size information, with each segment corresponding to one block information. For example, when the path information indicates a set of latitude and longitude coordinates, such as ((x1, y1), (x2, y2), ... (x10, y10)), a continuous path can be fitted based on this set of latitude and longitude coordinates. Then, based on the step size information, the path can be divided into one or more blocks. For example, it can be divided into 3 blocks, where the road segments corresponding to block 1 include ((x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x3, y3)), the road segments corresponding to block 2 include ((x4, y4), (x5, y5), (x6, y6)), and the road segments corresponding to block 3 include ((x7, y7), (x8, y8), (x9, y9), (x10, y10)). The step size information includes the step size and / or block type information. The step size can be used to determine the coverage size of the block, and the block type information indicates the shape of the block, such as a circle, square, rectangle, etc. The step size information can be carried in the request message of step 501 above. If the request message does not carry step size information, NWDAF can determine the step size information based on the terminal device's moving speed, moving direction, and other information. For example, if the step size information in the request message or the step size information determined by NWDAF indicates a circular area with a radius of R, then the coverage area of ​​the block information determined by NWDAF is a circular area with a radius of R.

[0148] As another implementation method, the request message in step 501 above includes one or more block information, which is determined by a core network element or a third-party network element. The NWDAF can obtain the one or more block information from the request message. For example, the core network element or the third-party network element can determine the block information of the block where the terminal device is currently located and carry the block information in the request message; or, the core network element or the third-party network element can determine multiple block information corresponding to the terminal device and carry the multiple block information in the request message. The multiple block information may include one or more of the following: the block information of the block where the terminal device is currently located, the block information of the blocks that the terminal device has already passed through, or the block information of the blocks that the terminal device may pass through in the future. For example, the core network element or the third-party network element provides (block information 1, block information 2, block information 3, ...).

[0149] After receiving a request message from a core network element or a third-party network element, NWDAF obtains one or more block information according to any of the three methods mentioned above, then determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to each block information, and determines the analysis result based on the first data, and then sends the analysis result to the core network element or the third-party network element.

[0150] Here, the analysis result is a block-level analysis result. In one implementation, the analysis result includes a weighted average of first data from terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to each block information. That is, first data of the same type from all terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​a block corresponding to a block information is obtained, and then these first data are weighted and averaged to obtain a weighted average. This weighted average can be used as the analysis result corresponding to the block information. In another implementation, after obtaining the weighted average, indication information can be determined based on the weighted average. This indication information indicates whether the weighted value is greater than a preset threshold. This indication information can also be used as the analysis result corresponding to the block information. In other words, the analysis result corresponding to a block information includes the indication information and / or the weighted average. The preset threshold can be carried in the request message of step 501 above, or it can be pre-configured on the NWDAF. As one implementation method, the weights used when performing a weighted average of multiple first data are all the same. For example, the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​a block information includes data 1, data 2, data 3, ..., data N, where N is an integer greater than 1. When the weights corresponding to these N data are all the same, the average value of these N data can be calculated to be equal to (data 1 + data 2 + ... + data N) / N.

[0151] The first data here can be Minimum Drive Test (MDT) data, such as the throughput of the terminal device and / or the number of abnormally released Quality of Service (QoS) flows from the terminal device. The throughput of the terminal device is also called the IP throughput of the terminal device or RAN UE IP Throughput. For an explanation of the meaning of minimum drive test data, please refer to the preceding description.

[0152] The following describes three different implementation methods for NWDAF to determine or obtain the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​one or more block information blocks.

[0153] In the following three implementation methods, the first associated information includes the terminal device's identification information, the access network device's globally unique identifier, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information; the second associated information includes the access network device's globally unique identifier, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information; and the third associated information includes the terminal device's identification information and time information.

[0154] In Method 1, the NWDAF determines the identification information of the tracking area or the cell corresponding to one or more blocks of information, or the NWDAF obtains the identification information of the tracking area or the cell corresponding to one or more blocks of information from the NEF network element. Then, the NWDAF obtains the first association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the AMF network element. The NWDAF obtains the first data and second association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the network management device or the access network device. The NWDAF obtains the third association information of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the LMF. Then, based on the first association information, the second association information, the third association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information, the NWDAF determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks of information.

[0155] Specifically, the NWDAF obtains the first association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information from the AMF network element. This includes: the NWDAF sending the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the one or more block information to the AMF network element; then the AMF network element obtains the first association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell and sends the obtained first association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell to the NWDAF.

[0156] Specifically, the NWDAF obtains the first data and second association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information from the network management device or access network device. This includes: the NWDAF sending the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the one or more block information to the network management device or access network device; then the network management device or access network device obtains the first data and second association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell; and sends the obtained first data and second association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell to the NWDAF.

[0157] Specifically, the NWDAF obtains the third association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks from the LMF. This includes: the NWDAF sending a request message to the LMF, which includes one or more blocks and the identification information of the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks. The request message is used to request the association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks. Then, the LMF obtains the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks. Then, based on the one or more blocks and the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks, the LMF selects the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks from the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell. Finally, the LMF sends the third association information of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks to the NWDAF.

[0158] As one implementation method, NWDAF determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the one or more block information based on the first association information, the second association information, the third association information, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Specifically, NWDAF first determines the first data and fourth association information of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information based on the first information in the first association information, the first information in the second association information, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Then, NWDAF determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the second information in the fourth association information, the second information in the third association information, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information. Here, the first information refers to the intersection of the first association information and the second association information, that is, the first information includes the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information. The fourth related information here refers to the union of the first and second related information, that is, the fourth related information includes the terminal device's identification information, the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information. The second information here refers to the intersection of the fourth and third related information, that is, the second information includes the terminal device's identification information and time information.

[0159] As another implementation method, NWDAF determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more block information based on the first association information, the second association information, the third association information, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Specifically, NWDAF first determines the fourth association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more block information based on the third information in the first association information and the third information of the third association information. Then, NWDAF determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more block information based on the fourth information in the fourth association information, the fourth information in the second association information, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Here, the third information refers to the intersection of the first association information and the third association information, that is, the third information includes the terminal device's identification information and time information. Here, the fourth association information refers to the union of the first association information and the third information, that is, the fourth association information includes the terminal device's identification information, the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information. Here, the fourth information refers to the intersection of the fourth associated information and the second associated information. That is, the fourth information includes the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information.

[0160] For a detailed explanation of this first implementation method, see below. Figure 6 Detailed descriptions are provided in the corresponding embodiments.

[0161] Method 2 involves the NWDAF determining the identification information of the tracking area or cell corresponding to one or more block information, or obtaining the identification information of the tracking area or cell corresponding to one or more block information from the NEF network element. Then, the NWDAF obtains the first association information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information from the AMF network element. The NWDAF obtains the first data and second association information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information from the network management device or access network device. The NWDAF obtains the third association information and location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information from the LMF. Then, based on the first association information, the first data of the terminal devices, the second association information, the third association information, and the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information, the NWDAF determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the one or more block information.

[0162] The specific implementation method for NWDAF to obtain the first associated information of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the AMF network element can be found in the description of the above implementation method one.

[0163] The specific implementation method for NWDAF to obtain the first data and second associated information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the network management device or access network device can be referred to the description in the above implementation method one.

[0164] Specifically, the NWDAF obtains the third association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the LMF. This includes: the NWDAF sending a request message to the LMF, which includes the identification information of the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information; the LMF then obtaining the location information and third association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information; and the LMF then sending the third association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information to the NWDAF.

[0165] As one implementation method, NWDAF determines the first data of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the one or more block information based on the first association information, the first data of the terminal device, the second association information, the third association information, and the location information of the terminal device within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Specifically, NWDAF first determines the fourth association information and the first data of the terminal device within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information based on the fifth information in the first association information, the fifth information in the second association information, and the first data of the terminal device within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Then, N... The WDAF determines the location information and first data of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information based on the sixth information in the fourth association information, the first data of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information, the sixth information in the third association information, and the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information. Then, the NWDAF determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more block information based on the one or more block information, the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information, and the first data. Here, the fifth information refers to the intersection of the first and second association information, that is, the fifth information includes the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information. Here, the fourth association information refers to the union of the first and second association information, that is, the fourth association information includes the identification information of the terminal device, the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information. Here, the sixth information refers to the intersection of the fourth and third related information, that is, the sixth information includes the terminal device's identification information and time information.

[0166] As another implementation method, NWDAF determines the first data of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the one or more block information based on the first association information, the first data of the terminal device, the second association information, the third association information, and the location information of the terminal device within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Specifically, NWDAF first determines the fourth association information and location information of the terminal device within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information based on the seventh information in the first association information, the seventh information in the third association information, and the location information of the terminal device within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information. Then... NWDAF determines the location information and first data of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information based on the eighth information in the fourth association information, the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information, the eighth information in the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information. Then, NWDAF determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more block information based on the at least one block information, the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking areas or cells corresponding to the one or more block information, and the first data. Here, the seventh information refers to the intersection of the first association information and the third association information, that is, the seventh information includes the terminal device's identification information and time information. The fourth association information refers to the union of the first association information and the third association information, that is, the fourth association information includes the terminal device's identification information, the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned to the terminal device by the access network device on the N2 interface, and time information. Here, the eighth information refers to the intersection of the fourth and second related information. That is, the eighth information includes the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information.

[0167] For a detailed explanation of this second implementation method, see below. Figure 7 Detailed descriptions are provided in the corresponding embodiments.

[0168] Method 3: The NWDAF determines the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to one or more blocks of information, or the NWDAF obtains the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to one or more blocks of information from the NEF network element. Then, the NWDAF obtains the first association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the AMF network element. The NWDAF obtains the second association information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the network management device or the access network device. Then, based on the first association information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information, the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information, the NWDAF determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the one or more blocks of information.

[0169] Specifically, the NWDAF obtains the first association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more block information from the AMF network element. This includes: the NWDAF sending the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the one or more block information to the AMF network element; then the AMF network element obtains the first association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell and sends the obtained first association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell to the NWDAF.

[0170] The specific implementation method for NWDAF to obtain the first data and second associated information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks of information from the network management device or access network device can be referred to the description in the above implementation method one.

[0171] As one implementation method, NWDAF determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks based on the first association information, the location information of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks, the second association information, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks. Specifically, NWDAF first determines the location information and first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks based on the ninth information in the first association information, the ninth information in the second association information, the location information of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks. Then, NWDAF determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the blocks corresponding to the one or more blocks based on the location information and first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the one or more blocks. Here, the ninth information refers to the intersection of the first association information and the second association information, that is, the ninth information includes the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identifier information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information. The fourth associated information here refers to the union of the first and second associated information. That is, the fourth associated information includes the terminal device's identification information, the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information.

[0172] For a detailed explanation of implementation method three, see below. Figure 8 Detailed descriptions are provided in the corresponding embodiments.

[0173] The following is combined Figures 6 to 8 The specific embodiments shown above relate to the above. Figure 5 The corresponding solutions will be explained in detail. In the following embodiments, the example is taken where the third-party network element is a V2X AF, and the V2X AF requests the QoS Sustainability analysis results from the NWDAF.

[0174] refer to Figure 6 The above is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps:

[0175] Step 601: The V2X AF sends a request message to the NWDAF. The NWDAF then receives the request message.

[0176] The request message can be a query request message or a subscription request message. For example, the subscription request message can be an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe message.

[0177] The request message includes an identifier for the analysis type (Analytics ID), and is used to request the analysis results corresponding to that analysis type. For example, the identifier for the analysis type is QoS Sustainability.

[0178] In one implementation, the request message further includes an `Analyticsperiod`, which indicates the time interval at which the NWDAF generates block-level analysis results. In another implementation, the `Analyticsperiod` further indicates the time interval at which the NWDAF returns block-level analysis results to the V2X AF; that is, after generating block-level analysis results according to the `Analyticsperiod`, the NWDAF sends the analysis results to the V2X AF. In yet another implementation, the `Analyticsperiod` does not indicate the time interval at which the NWDAF returns block-level analysis results to the V2X AF. In this case, the NWDAF can decide for itself when to return the block-level analysis results to the V2X AF; for example, the NWDAF can return the block-level analysis results to the V2X AF when it determines that the block-level analysis results meet a reporting threshold.

[0179] In one implementation, the request message further includes a reporting threshold, which may include the first reporting threshold and / or the second reporting threshold described in Table 3.

[0180] In one implementation, the request message also includes identification information of the first terminal device, such as a SUPI.

[0181] In one implementation, the request message further includes path information, which represents the historical movement path of the terminal device and / or its future movement path. This path information can be represented by a set of latitude and longitude coordinates, for example, as: ((41°24'N, 2°10'E), (41°23'N, 2°10'E), (41°23'N, 2°11'E), (41°25'N, 2°11'E), ...), where "N" represents North latitude and "E" represents East longitude.

[0182] In one implementation method, if the request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device, the request message may also include step size information, or it may not. If the request message includes path information, the request message may also include step size information, or it may not. The meaning of the step size information can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 5 The description in the corresponding embodiments.

[0183] In one implementation, the request message further includes one or more block information, which is determined by V2X AF, and NWDAF can obtain the one or more block information from the request message.

[0184] The following describes the various types of information that a request message may carry, and some specific examples of the above request messages are given below.

[0185] In the first example, the request message includes identification information for the analysis type.

[0186] In the second example, the request message includes identification information for the analysis type and identification information for the first terminal device.

[0187] In the third example, the request message includes identification information of the analysis type, identification information of the first terminal device, and step size information.

[0188] In the fourth example, the request message includes identification information for the analysis type and path information.

[0189] In the fifth example, the request message includes identification information for the analysis type, path information, and step size information.

[0190] In the sixth example, the request message includes identification information for the analysis type, as well as information about one or more blocks.

[0191] In other examples, the six examples above can be combined with the analysis period and / or reporting threshold to obtain other implementations of the request message. That is, in addition to including the information from any of the six examples above, the request message also includes the analysis period and / or reporting threshold. Taking the first example as an example, the request message includes the analysis type identification information and the analysis period, or it includes the analysis type identification information and the reporting threshold, or it includes the analysis type identification information, the analysis period, and the reporting threshold. Taking the second example as an example, the request message includes the analysis type identification information, the first terminal device identification information, and the analysis period, or it includes the analysis type identification information, the first terminal device identification information, and the reporting threshold, or it includes the analysis type identification information, the first terminal device identification information, the analysis period, and the reporting threshold. And so on.

[0192] It should be noted that, in addition to the example above, there can be other examples of this request message. For instance, the request message may include two or three of the following: the identification information of the first terminal device, the path information, or one or more block information.

[0193] Step 602, NWDAF determines block information.

[0194] The block information determined by NWDAF can be one block or multiple blocks. NWDAF can obtain one or more block information from the aforementioned request message, or determine one block information based on the terminal device identification information in the request message, or determine one or more block information based on the path information in the aforementioned request message. The specific implementation method for NWDAF to determine block information can be found in the foregoing. Figure 5 The relevant descriptions in the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0195] Step 603: NWDAF determines the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0196] One implementation method involves NWDAF determining one or more tracking regions or one or more corresponding cells for each block information based on the mapping relationship between locally stored block information and tracking regions / cells.

[0197] Another implementation method is that NWDAF can send block information to NEF network element, and then NEF network element determines one or more tracking areas or one or more corresponding cells corresponding to each block information according to the mapping relationship between the block information and the tracking area / cell stored locally. Then NEF network element sends the identification information of the determined one or more tracking areas or the identification information of one or more cells to NWDAF.

[0198] Step 604: NWDAF requests a message from AMF. AMF receives the request message accordingly.

[0199] The request message contains cell identification information or tracking area identification information. The cell identification information refers to the identification information of one or more cells corresponding to the block information determined in step 603 above, and the tracking area identification information refers to the identification information of one or more tracking areas corresponding to the block information determined in step 603 above.

[0200] This request message is used to request information about terminal devices within the tracking area or within the cell. The terminal device information includes first association information, which includes SUPI, RAN UE NGAPID, Global RAN Node ID, and Timestamp. Optionally, the RAN UE NGAPID can be replaced by the AMF UE NGAPID, and the Global RAN Node ID can be replaced by GUAMI.

[0201] For example, the request message includes the identification information of cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3. Taking cell 1 as an example, if there are 5 terminal devices in cell 1, the AMF will obtain the first association information of these 5 terminal devices, as follows:

[0202] 1) The first association information of terminal device 1 includes: SUPI1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN NodeID1, Timestamp1;

[0203] 2) The first association information of terminal device 2 includes: SUPI2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN NodeID2, Timestamp2;

[0204] 3) The first associated information of terminal device 3 includes: SUPI3, RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN NodeID3, and Timestamp3;

[0205] 4) The first associated information of terminal device 4 includes: SUPI4, RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RAN NodeID4, and Timestamp4;

[0206] 5) The first associated information of terminal device 5 includes: SUPI5, RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN NodeID5, and Timestamp5.

[0207] Similarly, AMF will also obtain the first association information of terminal devices in cell 2 and the first association information of terminal devices in cell 3.

[0208] In step 605, the AMF sends the first association information of the terminal device to the NWDAF. Correspondingly, the NWDAF receives the first association information of the terminal device.

[0209] The AMF sends the first association information of terminal devices in one or more cells corresponding to the block information to the NWDAF, or sends the first association information of terminal devices in one or more tracking areas corresponding to the block information.

[0210] In step 606, NWDAF sends a request message to LMF. LMF then receives the request message.

[0211] The request message contains an event ID, one or more block information, and identification information of one or more cells or one or more tracking areas corresponding to each block information.

[0212] The event identifier is used to identify the type of the requested event, which is information about the terminal device residing on the block.

[0213] The one or more block information refers to the block information determined in step 602 above.

[0214] As one implementation method, the request message can be a subscription request message, such as the Nlmf_EventExposure_Subscribe message.

[0215] Step 607: LMF determines the third association information of the terminal device corresponding to each block information.

[0216] The third associated information of the terminal device within the block corresponding to each block information includes the terminal device's identification information (such as SUPI) and timestamp. The timestamp is used to identify the time when the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information. For example, terminal device 1 is in block 1 at 16:30:59.

[0217] Specifically, LMF determines the terminal devices in one or more cells or one or more tracking areas corresponding to each block information based on one or more block information and the identification information of one or more cells or one or more tracking areas corresponding to each block information. Then, it filters out the terminal devices in the block from the terminal devices in the cells or tracking areas and obtains the third association information of the terminal devices corresponding to each block information.

[0218] For example, the request message in step 606 above includes block information 1 and the identifier information of cell 1 corresponding to block information 1, as well as block information 2 and the identifier information of cell 1 corresponding to block information 2. The LMF determines that there are 5 terminal devices in cell 1, namely terminal device 1 to terminal device 5. The LMF determines that terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 are within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to block information 1, and that terminal devices 3 to 5 are within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to block information 2. Therefore, the LMF determines that the third association information of the terminal devices corresponding to block information 1 includes the third association information of terminal device 1 and the third association information of terminal device 2, and that the third association information of the terminal devices corresponding to block information 2 includes the third association information of terminal device 3, the third association information of terminal device 4, and the third association information of terminal device 5. The third association information of terminal devices 1 to 5 is as follows:

[0219] 1) The third associated information of terminal device 1 includes: SUPI1, Timestamp1;

[0220] 2) The third associated information of terminal device 2 includes: SUPI2, Timestamp2;

[0221] 3) The third associated information of terminal device 3 includes: SUPI3, Timestamp3;

[0222] 4) The third associated information of terminal device 4 includes: SUPI4, Timestamp4;

[0223] 5) The third associated information of terminal device 5 includes: SUPI5, Timestamp5.

[0224] In step 608, the LMF sends a notification message to the NWDAF. The NWDAF then receives this notification message.

[0225] The notification message includes an event identifier, one or more block information, and third-party associated information about terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​each block. The event identifier is the same as the event identifier in step 606 above. The one or more block information is the same as the block information in step 607 above.

[0226] As one implementation method, the notification message can be an Nlmf_EventExposure_Notify message.

[0227] Step 609: NWDAF obtains information about terminal devices in the tracking area or cell on the access network device through the network management device. The information of the terminal devices includes second association information and MDT data.

[0228] The tracking area or cell here refers to the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information determined in step 603 above.

[0229] The second set of associated information includes the RAN UE NGAP ID, Global RAN Node ID, and timestamp. The MDT data includes the throughput of the terminal device (i.e., IP throughput), or the number of service quality flows abnormally released by the terminal device.

[0230] That is, the access network device reports the second association information and MDT data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell measured by the access network device to the network management device, and then the NWDAF obtains the second association information and MDT data of the terminal devices from the network management device.

[0231] For example, if there are 5 terminal devices in cell 1 on the access network equipment, the access network equipment reports the information of these 5 terminal devices to the network management equipment. The information of each terminal device includes second association information and MDT data. Then, NWDAF can obtain the information of these 5 terminal devices in cell 1 from the network management equipment. The information of these 5 terminal devices is as follows:

[0232] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes MDT data 1 and second association information of terminal device 1, which includes RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN Node ID1 and Timestamp1;

[0233] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes MDT data 2 and second association information of terminal device 2, which includes RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN Node ID2, and Timestamp2;

[0234] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes MDT data 3 and second association information of terminal device 3, which includes RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN Node ID3 and Timestamp3;

[0235] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes MDT data 4 and second association information of terminal device 4, which includes RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RAN Node ID4 and Timestamp4;

[0236] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes MDT data 5 and second association information of terminal device 5, which includes RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN Node ID5 and Timestamp5.

[0237] Step 610: NWDAF determines the MDT data within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to each block information.

[0238] Specifically, NWDAF associates information from terminal devices in the access network (i.e., the second association information and MDT data), information from terminal devices in the LMF (i.e., the third association information), and information from terminal devices in the AMF (i.e., the first association information) to obtain the MDT data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to each block information. The following example illustrates this in detail.

[0239] Taking cell 1 as an example, assuming that through step 605 above, we can obtain information about 5 terminal devices in cell 1, as follows:

[0240] 1) The first association information of terminal device 1 includes: SUPI1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN NodeID1, Timestamp1;

[0241] 2) The first association information of terminal device 2 includes: SUPI2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN NodeID2, Timestamp2;

[0242] 3) The first associated information of terminal device 3 includes: SUPI3, RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN NodeID3, and Timestamp3;

[0243] 4) The first associated information of terminal device 4 includes: SUPI4, RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RAN NodeID4, and Timestamp4;

[0244] 5) The first associated information of terminal device 5 includes: SUPI5, RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN NodeID5, and Timestamp5.

[0245] Through the above step 608, the information of terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 in cell 1 corresponding to block information 1 can be obtained, as well as the information of terminal device 3, terminal device 4 and terminal device 5 in cell 1 corresponding to block information 2, as follows:

[0246] 1) The third associated information of terminal device 1 includes: SUPI1, Timestamp1;

[0247] 2) The third associated information of terminal device 2 includes: SUPI2, Timestamp2;

[0248] 3) The third associated information of terminal device 3 includes: SUPI3, Timestamp3;

[0249] 4) The third associated information of terminal device 4 includes: SUPI4, Timestamp4;

[0250] 5) The third associated information of terminal device 5 includes: SUPI5, Timestamp5.

[0251] Therefore, NWDAF can correlate information from terminal devices in AMF and LMF to obtain the following information:

[0252] 1) The information of terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 in cell 1 corresponding to block information 1, wherein the information of terminal device 1 includes SUPI1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN Node ID1, and Timestamp1, and the information of terminal device 2 includes SUPI2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN Node ID2, and Timestamp2;

[0253] 2) Information on terminal device 3, terminal device 4 and terminal device 5 in cell 1 corresponding to block information 2. The information of terminal device 3 includes SUPI3, RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN Node ID3 and Timestamp3. The information of terminal device 4 includes SUPI4, RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RAN Node ID4 and Timestamp4. The information of terminal device 5 includes SUPI5, RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN Node ID5 and Timestamp5.

[0254] Furthermore, NWDAF associates the above information with information from the terminal device in the access network equipment to obtain the following information:

[0255] 1) The information of terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 in cell 1 corresponding to block information 1, wherein the information of terminal device 1 includes SUPI1, MDT data 1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN Node ID1, and Timestamp1, and the information of terminal device 2 includes SUPI2, MDT data 2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN Node ID2, and Timestamp2;

[0256] 2) Information on terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5 within cell 1 corresponding to block information 2. The information on terminal device 3 includes SUPI3, MDT data 3, RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN Node ID3, and Timestamp3. The information on terminal device 4 includes SUPI4, MDT data 4, RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RANNode ID4, and Timestamp4. The information on terminal device 5 includes SUPI5, MDT data 5, RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN Node ID5, and Timestamp5.

[0257] Step 611: NWDAF determines the weighted average of the MDT data of the terminal device corresponding to each block information.

[0258] Taking MDT data as the throughput of terminal devices as an example, assuming that one block of information corresponds to N terminal devices, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, NWDAF determines the weighted average throughput of the N terminal devices based on their throughput, also known as the average throughput of the terminal devices.

[0259] Taking the number of abnormally released Quality of Service (QoS) flows from terminal devices as an example, assuming that one block of information corresponds to N terminal devices, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, NWDAF determines the weighted average number of abnormally released QoS flows from these N terminal devices based on the number of abnormally released QoS flows from these N terminal devices. This is also known as the weighted average number of abnormally released QoS flows from terminal devices.

[0260] In step 612, the NWDAF sends a notification message to the V2X AF. Correspondingly, the V2X AF receives the notification message.

[0261] The notification message contains identification information for the analysis type and QoS sustainability analysis results corresponding to one or more blocks. The identification information for this analysis type is the same as that in step 601 above.

[0262] Each block information includes block identifier information and the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0263] The QoS sustainability analysis results corresponding to the block information include indication information and / or a weighted average of MDT data. The indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the MDT data corresponding to the block information is greater than a reporting threshold. For example, if the MDT data is the throughput of the terminal device, then the QoS sustainability analysis results corresponding to the block information include the indication information and / or a weighted average of the throughput of the terminal device corresponding to the block information. This indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the throughput of the terminal device corresponding to the block information is greater than a first reporting threshold. As another example, if the MDT data is the number of abnormally released QoS flows by the terminal device, then the QoS sustainability analysis results corresponding to the block information include the indication information and / or a weighted average of the number of abnormally released QoS flows by the terminal device corresponding to the block information. This indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the number of abnormally released QoS flows by the terminal device corresponding to the block information is greater than a second reporting threshold.

[0264] Step 613: V2X AF determines the block information corresponding to the terminal device based on the location information of the terminal device, and adjusts the application layer parameters of the terminal device based on the QoS sustainability analysis results corresponding to the block information.

[0265] The block information and the corresponding QoS sustainability analysis results are received from the notification message in step 612 above.

[0266] Adjusting application layer parameters here includes, but is not limited to, adjusting vehicle distance, adjusting coding method, adjusting coding parameters, and adjusting autonomous driving level.

[0267] According to the above scheme, NWDAF can obtain QoS sustainability analysis results of terminal devices at the block granularity, improving the granularity of the QoS sustainability analysis results. NWDAF sends the QoS sustainability analysis results to V2X AF to assist V2X AF in performing block-granular application layer parameter adjustment operations, improving the accuracy of application layer parameter adjustment and enhancing the practical value of QoS sustainability analysis results for V2X AF.

[0268] refer to Figure 7 The above is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps:

[0269] Steps 701 to 705 are the same as steps 601 to 605 above.

[0270] Step 706: NWDAF sends a request message to LMF. LMF then receives the request message.

[0271] The request message contains an event ID, as well as cell identification information or tracking area identification information. Here, the cell or tracking area refers to the cell or tracking area corresponding to the block information determined in step 703 above.

[0272] The event identifier is used to identify the type of the requested event, which is information about the terminal device residing in the cell or tracking area.

[0273] As one implementation method, the request message can be a subscription request message, such as the Nlmf_EventExposure_Subscribe message.

[0274] Step 707: The LMF determines the information of the terminal devices in each cell or tracking area.

[0275] The information for each terminal device in a cell or tracking area includes third-party association information and location information. The third-party association information includes the terminal device's identification information (such as SUPI) and a timestamp. The timestamp is used to identify the time when the terminal device is located in that cell or tracking area. For example, terminal device 1 is located in cell 1 or tracking area 1 at 16:30:59.

[0276] For example, the request message in step 706 above includes the identification information of cell 1. The LMF determines that there are 5 terminal devices in cell 1, namely terminal device 1 to terminal device 5. Therefore, the information of the terminal devices in cell 1 includes the information of terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5. The information of terminal device 1 to terminal device 5 is as follows:

[0277] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes location information 1 and third association information, which includes SUPI1 and Timestamp1;

[0278] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes location information 2 and third associated information, which includes SUPI2 and Timestamp2;

[0279] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes location information 3 and third associated information, which includes SUPI3 and Timestamp3;

[0280] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes location information 4 and third associated information, which includes SUPI4 and Timestamp4;

[0281] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes location information 5 and third associated information, which includes SUPI5 and Timestamp5.

[0282] In step 708, the LMF sends a notification message to the NWDAF. The NWDAF then receives this notification message.

[0283] The notification message contains an event identifier and information about terminal devices in one or more cells or tracking areas. This terminal device information includes the terminal device's location information and third-party associated information, as described in step 707. The event identifier is the same as the one in step 706 above.

[0284] As one implementation method, the notification message can be an Nlmf_EventExposure_Notify message.

[0285] Step 709 is the same as step 609 above.

[0286] Step 710: NWDAF determines the MDT data corresponding to each cell or tracking area.

[0287] Specifically, NWDAF correlates information from terminal devices in the access network (i.e., second association information and MDT data), information from terminal devices in the LMF (i.e., third association information and terminal device location information), and information from terminal devices in the AMF (i.e., first association information) to obtain the MDT data of the terminal devices corresponding to each cell or tracking area. The following example illustrates this in detail.

[0288] Taking cell 1 as an example, assuming that through step 705 above, we can obtain information about 5 terminal devices in cell 1, as follows:

[0289] 1) The first association information of terminal device 1 includes: SUPI1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN NodeID1, Timestamp1;

[0290] 2) The first association information of terminal device 2 includes: SUPI2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN NodeID2, Timestamp2;

[0291] 3) The first associated information of terminal device 3 includes: SUPI3, RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN NodeID3, and Timestamp3;

[0292] 4) The first associated information of terminal device 4 includes: SUPI4, RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RAN NodeID4, and Timestamp4;

[0293] 5) The first associated information of terminal device 5 includes: SUPI5, RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN NodeID5, and Timestamp5.

[0294] Through step 708 above, the information of terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5 within cell 1 can be obtained, as follows:

[0295] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes location information 1 and third association information, which includes SUPI1 and Timestamp1;

[0296] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes location information 2 and third associated information, which includes SUPI2 and Timestamp2;

[0297] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes location information 3 and third associated information, which includes SUPI3 and Timestamp3;

[0298] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes location information 4 and third associated information, which includes SUPI4 and Timestamp4;

[0299] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes location information 5 and third associated information, which includes SUPI5 and Timestamp5.

[0300] Therefore, NWDAF can correlate information from terminal devices in AMF and LMF to obtain the following information:

[0301] Information about terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5 within community 1, including:

[0302] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes: location information 1, SUPI1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN NodeID1, and Timestamp1;

[0303] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes location information 2, SUPI2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN NodeID2, and Timestamp2;

[0304] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes location information 3, SUPI 3, RAN UE NGAP ID 3, Global RAN Node ID 3, and Timestamp 3;

[0305] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes location information 4, SUPI 4, RAN UE NGAP ID 4, Global RAN Node ID 4, and Timestamp 4;

[0306] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes location information 5, SUPI 5, RAN UE NGAP ID 5, Global RAN Node ID 5, and Timestamp 5.

[0307] Furthermore, NWDAF further associates the above information with information from the terminal equipment of the access network device (i.e., the second association information and MDT data) to obtain the following information:

[0308] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes: location information 1, MDT data 1, SUPI 1, RAN UE NGAP ID 1, Global RAN Node ID 1, and Timestamp 1;

[0309] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes location information 2, MDT data 2, SUPI 2, RAN UE NGAP ID 2, Global RAN Node ID 2, and Timestamp 2;

[0310] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes location information 3, MDT data 3, SUPI 3, RAN UE NGAP ID 3, Global RAN Node ID 3, and Timestamp 3;

[0311] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes location information 4, MDT data 4, SUPI 4, RAN UE NGAP ID 4, Global RAN Node ID 4, and Timestamp 4;

[0312] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes location information 5, MDT data 5, SUPI 5, RAN UE NGAP ID 5, Global RAN Node ID 5, and Timestamp 5.

[0313] Step 711, NWDAF determines the MDT data corresponding to each block information.

[0314] Specifically, NWDAF determines the MDT data within the coverage area of ​​the block information determined in step 702, and the location information and MDT data of the terminal devices in each tracking area or cell determined in step 710.

[0315] Taking the example of step 710 above, if the block range of block information 1 includes position 1 corresponding to position information 1 and position 2 corresponding to position information 2, and the block range of block information 2 includes position 3 corresponding to position information 3, position 4 corresponding to position information 4 and position 5 corresponding to position information 5, then NWDAF determines that the MDT data corresponding to block information 1 includes MDT data 1 and MDT data 2, and the MDT data corresponding to block information 2 includes MDT data 3, MDT data 4 and MDT data 5.

[0316] Steps 712 to 714 are the same as steps 611 to 613 above.

[0317] According to the above scheme, NWDAF can obtain QoS sustainability analysis results of terminal devices at the block granularity, improving the granularity of the QoS sustainability analysis results. NWDAF sends the QoS sustainability analysis results to V2X AF to assist V2X AF in performing block-granular application layer parameter adjustment operations, improving the accuracy of application layer parameter adjustment and enhancing the practical value of QoS sustainability analysis results for V2X AF.

[0318] Should Figure 7 The corresponding embodiments are the same as those described above. Figure 6 The main difference between the corresponding embodiments is: Figure 6 In a corresponding embodiment, the LMF collects information about terminal devices within a cell / tracking area, and then filters the collected information based on block information to obtain information about terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information. This information does not include the location information of the terminal devices. Then, the LMF sends the information about the terminal devices corresponding to the block information to the NWDAF. Figure 7 In a corresponding embodiment, the LMF collects information about terminal devices within the cell / tracking area and sends this information to the NWDAF. This information includes the location information of the terminal devices. Then, the NWDAF filters the received information about terminal devices within the cell / tracking area based on the location information and block information to obtain information about terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0319] refer to Figure 8 The above is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps:

[0320] Steps 801 to 803 are the same as steps 601 to 603 above.

[0321] Step 804: NWDAF requests a message from AMF. AMF receives the request message accordingly.

[0322] The request message contains cell identification information or tracking area identification information. The cell identification information refers to the identification information of one or more cells corresponding to the block information determined in step 803 above, and the tracking area identification information refers to the identification information of one or more tracking areas corresponding to the block information determined in step 803 above.

[0323] This request message is used to request information about terminal devices within the tracking area or within the cell. The terminal device information includes the terminal device's location information and first association information, which includes SUPI, RAN UE NGAP ID, Global RAN Node ID, and Timestamp.

[0324] For example, the request message includes the identification information of cell 1, cell 2, and cell 3. Taking cell 1 as an example, if there are 5 terminal devices in cell 1, the AMF will obtain the information of these 5 terminal devices as follows:

[0325] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes location information 1 and first association information, which includes SUPI1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN Node ID1 and Timestamp1;

[0326] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes location information 2 and first association information, which includes SUPI2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN Node ID2 and Timestamp2;

[0327] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes location information 3 and first association information, which includes SUPI3, RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN Node ID3 and Timestamp3;

[0328] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes location information 4 and first association information, which includes SUPI4, RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RAN Node ID4 and Timestamp4;

[0329] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes location information 5 and first association information, which includes SUPI5, RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN Node ID5 and Timestamp5.

[0330] Similarly, AMF will also obtain information about terminal devices in cell 2 and terminal devices in cell 3.

[0331] One implementation method allows the AMF to obtain the location information of terminal devices within a cell or tracking area from the LMF.

[0332] Step 805: The AMF sends the terminal device information to the NWDAF. Correspondingly, the NWDAF receives the terminal device information.

[0333] AMF sends information about terminal devices within the cell to NWDAF, or sends information about terminal devices within the tracking area.

[0334] Step 806 is the same as step 709 above.

[0335] Step 807: NWDAF determines the MDT data corresponding to each cell or tracking area.

[0336] Specifically, NWDAF correlates information from terminal devices in the access network (i.e., first association information and terminal device location information) with information from terminal devices in the AMF (i.e., second association information and MDT data) to obtain the MDT data of the terminal devices corresponding to each cell or tracking area. The following example illustrates this in detail.

[0337] Taking cell 1 as an example, assuming that through step 805 above, we can obtain information about 5 terminal devices in cell 1, as follows:

[0338] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes location information 1 and first association information, which includes SUPI1, RAN UE NGAP ID1, Global RAN Node ID1 and Timestamp1;

[0339] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes location information 2 and first association information, which includes SUPI2, RAN UE NGAP ID2, Global RAN Node ID2 and Timestamp2;

[0340] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes location information 3 and first association information, which includes SUPI3, RAN UE NGAP ID3, Global RAN Node ID3 and Timestamp3;

[0341] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes location information 4 and first association information, which includes SUPI4, RAN UE NGAP ID4, Global RAN Node ID4 and Timestamp4;

[0342] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes location information 5 and first association information, which includes SUPI5, RAN UE NGAP ID5, Global RAN Node ID5 and Timestamp5.

[0343] Through step 806 above, the information of terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5 within cell 1 can be obtained, as follows:

[0344] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes MDT data 1 and second association information, which includes RAN UENGAP ID1, Global RAN Node ID1 and Timestamp 1;

[0345] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes MDT data 2 and second association information, which includes RAN UENGAP ID2, Global RAN Node ID2 and Timestamp2;

[0346] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes MDT data 3 and second association information, which includes RAN UENGAP ID3, Global RAN Node ID3 and Timestamp 3;

[0347] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes MDT data 4 and second association information, which includes RAN UENGAP ID4, Global RAN Node ID4 and Timestamp4;

[0348] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes MDT data 5 and second association information, which includes RAN UENGAP ID5, Global RAN Node ID5 and Timestamp5.

[0349] Therefore, NWDAF can associate information from terminal devices in AMF and access network equipment to obtain information about terminal device 1, terminal device 2, terminal device 3, terminal device 4, and terminal device 5 within cell 1, where:

[0350] 1) The information of terminal device 1 includes: location information 1, MDT data 1, SUPI 1, RAN UE NGAP ID 1, Global RAN Node ID 1, and Timestamp 1;

[0351] 2) The information of terminal device 2 includes location information 2, MDT data 2, SUPI 2, RAN UE NGAP ID 2, Global RAN Node ID 2, and Timestamp 2;

[0352] 3) The information of terminal device 3 includes location information 3, MDT data 3, SUPI 3, RAN UE NGAP ID 3, Global RAN Node ID 3, and Timestamp 3;

[0353] 4) The information of terminal device 4 includes location information 4, MDT data 4, SUPI 4, RAN UE NGAP ID 4, Global RAN Node ID 4, and Timestamp 4;

[0354] 5) The information of terminal device 5 includes location information 5, MDT data 5, SUPI 5, RAN UE NGAP ID 5, Global RAN Node ID 5, and Timestamp 5.

[0355] Steps 808 to 811 are the same as steps 711 to 714 above.

[0356] According to the above scheme, NWDAF can obtain QoS sustainability analysis results of terminal devices at the block granularity, improving the granularity of the QoS sustainability analysis results. NWDAF sends the QoS sustainability analysis results to V2X AF to assist V2X AF in performing block-granular application layer parameter adjustment operations, improving the accuracy of application layer parameter adjustment and enhancing the practical value of QoS sustainability analysis results for V2X AF.

[0357] Should Figure 8 The corresponding embodiments are the same as those described above. Figure 7 The main difference between the corresponding embodiments is: Figure 7 In a corresponding embodiment, NWDAF interacts with LMF to obtain the location information of terminal devices in the cell or tracking area from LMF. Figure 8In the corresponding embodiment, NWDAF does not need to interact with LMF; NWDAF can obtain the location information of terminal devices in the cell or tracking area from AMF.

[0358] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the data analysis network element, core network element, third-party network element, or location management network element includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for performing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0359] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the data analysis network element, core network element, third-party network element, or location management network element in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a data analysis network element, core network element, third-party network element, or location management network element, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to the data analysis network element, core network element, third-party network element, or location management network element.

[0360] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 includes a processing unit 910 and a transceiver unit 920. The communication device 900 is used to implement the functions of the data analysis network element, core network element, third-party network element, or location management network element in the above method embodiments.

[0361] In the first embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the function of the data analysis network element in the above method embodiment. The processing unit 910 is used to receive a request message from the core network element or a third-party network element through the transceiver unit 920. The request message is used to request analysis results. The processing unit 910 is used to send block information and the analysis results corresponding to the block information to the core network element or the third-party network element. The coverage range of the block corresponding to the block information is smaller than the coverage range of the cell.

[0362] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device; the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the first terminal device; the processing unit 910 is also used to obtain the location information of the first terminal device from the location management network element; and determine the block information based on the step size information and the location information of the first terminal device, wherein the first terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0363] As one possible implementation, the request message includes path information; the processing unit 910 is also used to determine the block information based on the step size information and the path information.

[0364] As one possible implementation, the request message may also include the step size information; or, the processing unit 910 may further determine the step size information.

[0365] As one possible implementation, the step size information includes step size and / or block type information.

[0366] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the block information.

[0367] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is further configured to determine first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information; and determine the analysis result based on the first data.

[0368] As one possible implementation method, the analysis result includes indication information and / or a weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, wherein the indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is greater than a preset threshold.

[0369] As one possible implementation, the first data includes the throughput of the terminal device; or, the first data includes the number of quality of service flows abnormally released by the terminal device.

[0370] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is specifically configured to obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, first association information of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, first data and second association information of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device; obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, third association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information from the location management network element; and determine, based on the first association information, the second association information, the third association information, and the first data of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0371] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is specifically configured to determine the first data and fourth association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the first information in the first association information, the first information in the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; and to determine the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the second information in the fourth association information, the second information in the third association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0372] As one possible implementation method, the processing unit 910 is specifically used to determine the fourth association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the third information in the first association information and the third information in the third association information; and to determine the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the fourth information in the fourth association information, the fourth information in the second association information, and the first data of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0373] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is specifically used to obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, the first association information of the terminal equipment in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; to obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, the first data and second association information of the terminal equipment in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device; to obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, the third association information and location information of the terminal equipment in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the location management network element; and to determine, based on the first association information, the first data of the terminal equipment, the second association information, the third association information, and the location information of the terminal equipment in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the first data of the terminal equipment within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0374] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is specifically configured to: determine the fourth association information and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the fifth information in the first association information, the fifth information in the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; determine the location information and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the sixth information in the fourth association information, the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the sixth information in the third association information, and the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; and determine the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the block information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, and the first data of the terminal devices.

[0375] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is specifically configured to: determine the fourth association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the seventh information in the first association information, the seventh information in the third association information, and the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; determine the location information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the eighth information in the fourth association information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the eighth information in the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; and determine the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the block information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, and the first data.

[0376] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is specifically used to obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, the first association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; to obtain, through the transceiver unit 920, the second association information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device; and to determine, based on the first association information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0377] As one possible implementation, the processing unit 910 is specifically configured to determine the location information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information based on the ninth information in the first associated information, the ninth information in the second associated information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information; and to determine the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the block information, the location information and first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

[0378] As one possible implementation method, the processing unit 910 is also used to determine the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information; or, to obtain the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information from the network open element.

[0379] As one possible implementation method, the first associated information includes the terminal device's identification information, the access network device's globally unique identifier, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information; the second associated information includes the access network device's globally unique identifier, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and the time information; the third associated information includes the terminal device's identification information and the time information.

[0380] As one possible implementation, the block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0381] In the second embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the functions of the core network element or third-party network element in the above method embodiment. The processing unit 910 is used to send a request message to the data analysis network element through the transceiver unit 920. The request message is used to request analysis results. The device also receives block information and analysis results corresponding to the block information from the data analysis network element. The coverage range of the block corresponding to the block information is smaller than the coverage range of the cell.

[0382] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device, and the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the first terminal device.

[0383] As one possible implementation, the request message includes path information, and the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the block corresponding to the path information.

[0384] As one possible implementation, the request message also includes step information, which includes step size and / or block type information, used to determine the block information.

[0385] As one possible implementation, the request message includes the block information.

[0386] As one possible implementation method, the analysis result includes indication information and / or a weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, wherein the indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is greater than a preset threshold.

[0387] As one possible implementation, the block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0388] In the third embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the function of the location management network element in the above method embodiment. The transceiver unit 920 is used to receive a request message from the data analysis network element. The request message includes block information and the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information. The request message is used to request the association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information. The coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the cell. The processing unit 910 is used to obtain the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information. The location management network element selects terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information from the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell according to the block information and the location information of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information. The transceiver unit 920 is also used to send the association information of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information to the data analysis network element.

[0389] As one possible implementation method, the associated information includes time information and the identification information of the terminal device.

[0390] As one possible implementation, the request message also includes an event identifier, which identifies the type of the requested event, namely, the associated information of the terminal device residing on the block.

[0391] As one possible implementation, the block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

[0392] A more detailed description of the processing unit 910 and the transceiver unit 920 can be obtained directly from the relevant descriptions in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0393] like Figure 10As shown, the communication device 1000 includes a processor 1010. As one implementation, the communication device 1000 also includes an interface circuit 1020, with the processor 1010 and the interface circuit 1020 coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. As another implementation, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory 1030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1010, or storing input data required by the processor 1010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1010 executes instructions.

[0394] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the above method embodiment, the processor 1010 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 910, and the interface circuit 1020 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 920.

[0395] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0396] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or terminal.

[0397] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a base station, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless 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 medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0398] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0399] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects.

[0400] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The data analysis network element receives a request message from a core network element or a third-party network element. The request message is used to request analysis results and includes step size information and path information. The data analysis network element determines the block information based on the step size information and the path information; The data analysis network element sends the block information and the analysis results corresponding to the block information to the core network element or the third-party network element; The coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the cell.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device; the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the first terminal device. Determining the block information includes: The data analysis network element obtains the location information of the first terminal device from the location management network element; The data analysis network element determines the block information based on the step size information and the location information of the first terminal device, wherein the first terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step size information includes step size and / or block type information.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The data analysis network element determines the analysis result based on the first data.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The analysis results include indication information and / or the weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information. The indication information indicates whether the weighted average of the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is greater than a preset threshold.

7. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first data includes the throughput of the terminal device; or, The first data includes the number of Quality of Service (QoS) streams abnormally released by the terminal device.

8. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, including: The data analysis network element obtains the first association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; The data analysis network element obtains the first data and second associated information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device. The data analysis network element obtains the third association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information from the location management network element; The data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the first association information, the second association information, the third association information, and the first data of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

9. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, including: The data analysis network element obtains the first association information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; The data analysis network element obtains the first data and second associated information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device. The data analysis network element obtains the third association information and location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the location management network element; The data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the first association information, the first data of the terminal device, the second association information, the third association information, and the location information of the terminal device in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

10. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The data analysis network element determines the first data of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information, including: The data analysis network element obtains the first association information and location information of the terminal device in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element; The data analysis network element obtains the second associated information and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device; The data analysis network element determines the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information based on the first association information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The data analysis network element determines the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information; or, The data analysis network element obtains the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information from the network open network element.

12. The method as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first associated information includes the terminal device's identification information, the access network device's globally unique identifier, the identification information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and time information; The second associated information includes the globally unique identifier of the access network device, the identifier information assigned by the access network device to the terminal device on the N2 interface, and the time information; The third associated information includes the identification information of the terminal device and the time information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The block information includes block identifier information and / or the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The block passes through one or more cells, or the block passes through one or more tracking areas.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processing unit and transceiver unit; The processing unit is configured to receive request messages from core network elements or third-party network elements through the transceiver unit. The request messages are used to request analysis results and include step size information and path information. Based on the step size information and the path information, the block information is determined; In addition, the block information and the analysis results corresponding to the block information are sent to the core network element or the third-party network element; The coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is smaller than the coverage area of ​​the cell.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The request message includes the identification information of the first terminal device; the request message is specifically used to request the analysis results of the first terminal device. The processing unit is used to determine the block information, and further includes: obtaining the location information of the first terminal device from the location management network element through the transceiver unit; Based on the step size information and the location information of the first terminal device, the block information is determined, and the first terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to determine the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to determine the analysis result based on the first data.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically configured to: obtain first association information of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element through the transceiver unit; obtain first data and second association information of terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device through the transceiver unit; and obtain third association information of terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information from the location management network element through the transceiver unit. Furthermore, based on the first association information, the second association information, the third association information, and the first data of the terminal devices within the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is determined.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically configured to: obtain first association information of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element through the transceiver unit; obtain first data and second association information of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device through the transceiver unit; and obtain third association information and location information of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the location management network element through the transceiver unit. And based on the first association information, the first data of the terminal device, the second association information, the third association information, and the location information of the terminal device in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, determine the first data of the terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically configured to: obtain first association information and location information of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the mobility management network element through the transceiver unit; and obtain second association information and first data of terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information from the network management device or access network device through the transceiver unit. In addition, based on the first association information, the location information of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the second association information, and the first data of the terminal devices in the tracking area or cell corresponding to the block information, the first data of the terminal devices within the coverage area of ​​the block corresponding to the block information is determined.

22. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to determine the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information; or, obtain the identification information of the tracking area or the identification information of the cell corresponding to the block information from the network open element through the transceiver unit.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer instructions, and the processor executes the computer instructions stored in the memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, include: Core network elements or third-party network elements are used to send request messages to the data analysis network, and the request messages are used to request analysis results; And receiving block information and corresponding analysis results from the data analysis network element; The data analysis network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

27. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes a processor for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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