A communication method, an LMF, and a transmitting unit

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, an LMF (Learning Base Function), and a transmitting unit, relating to the field of wireless communication technology. After receiving auxiliary data and the identifier of a target base station from the transmitting unit, the LMF can determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier and send auxiliary data to the target AMF. Alternatively, after receiving the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station from the transmitting unit, the LMF can send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF. Through this method, after receiving the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station, the LMF can determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station, and then send the auxiliary data to the target AMF, so that the target AMF, upon receiving the auxiliary data, will send the auxiliary data to the target base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, an LMF, and a transmitting unit. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication networks have entered the 5G technology era. Compared with the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) positioning network architecture, the 5G positioning network architecture has higher positioning accuracy and lower latency requirements.

[0003] Currently, the gNB (NR NodeB, 5G base station) is stationary, and its connection with the AMF (Access Control and Mobility Management Function) remains largely unchanged. When the LMF (Location Management Function) sends auxiliary data to the gNB, the LMF can determine the AMF to connect to the gNB based on the configuration information, and then send the auxiliary data to the gNB through that AMF.

[0004] However, when a gNB is deployed on a mobile object or is itself mobile, the gNB will move along with the mobile object or itself, and the AMF connected to the gNB and the LMF serving the gNB will also change, causing auxiliary data to be unable to be accurately transmitted to the gNB. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, an LMF, and a transmission unit. When a base station is deployed on a mobile object, the correct LMF and AMF can be confirmed, thereby sending auxiliary data to the gNB.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a Location Management Function (LMF) entity, the method comprising:

[0007] Receive auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the receiving and transmitting unit;

[0008] Based on the identifier of the target base station, determine the target mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send the auxiliary data to the target AMF; or,

[0009] The auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station are sent to each AMF corresponding to the LMF.

[0010] The communication method, LMF, and transmitting unit provided in this application embodiment allow the LMF to determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the target base station identifier after receiving auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit, and then send auxiliary data to the target AMF. Alternatively, after receiving auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit, the LMF can send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF. Through this method, after receiving auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station, the LMF can determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station, and then send auxiliary data to the target AMF, so that the target AMF, after receiving the auxiliary data, will send the auxiliary data to the target base station.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the sending unit is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, determining the Target Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station includes:

[0013] Send a first request to the Network Registration Function Entity (NRF); the first request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0014] Receive a first response sent by the NRF, the first response carrying information about the target AMF.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, determining the Target Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station includes:

[0016] A routing request is sent to each AMF corresponding to the LMF, and the routing request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0017] Receive the routing responses returned by each of the AMFs respectively;

[0018] Based on the routing responses returned by each AMF, the AMF corresponding to the target base station is determined as the target AMF.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the LMF stores a mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs; determining the target mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station includes:

[0020] Based on the identifier of the target base station, the target AMF corresponding to the target base station is found in the mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0022] Receive event notifications sent by NRF; the event notifications are used to identify that the AMF corresponding to any base station has been updated;

[0023] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF is updated.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0025] For any AMF, receive an event notification sent by the AMF; the event notification is used to identify that the base station corresponding to the AMF has been updated;

[0026] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the AMF and the corresponding base station is updated.

[0027] In one alternative embodiment, the target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object.

[0028] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a sending unit, wherein the sending unit is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center; the method includes:

[0029] Identify the target positioning management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF; or,

[0030] Auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station are sent to a pre-configured first LMF so that the first LMF can identify the target LMF and send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0031] The communication method, LMF, and transmitting unit provided in this application embodiment allow the transmitting unit to send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF after determining the target LMF corresponding to the target base station; alternatively, it can send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, enabling the first LMF to determine the target LMF and then send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF. Through this method, the transmitting unit can send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF corresponding to the target base station, so that the target LMF, after determining the target AMF corresponding to the target base station, sends the auxiliary data to the target base station through the target AMF.

[0032] In one optional embodiment, determining the target positioning management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station includes:

[0033] Based on the pre-configured service range of each LMF and the current location of the target mobile object, the target LMF corresponding to the target base station is determined; the target mobile object is the mobile object on which the target base station is deployed.

[0034] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a location management function entity (LMF), including:

[0035] The receiving module is used to receive auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit;

[0036] The processing module is configured to determine the target mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station, and send the auxiliary data to the target AMF; or, send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF respectively.

[0037] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a sending unit, which is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center; the sending unit includes:

[0038] The data transmission module determines the target positioning management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station and sends auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF; or, it sends auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF and sends the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0039] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a location management function entity (LMF), including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0040] The memory is used to store computer instructions;

[0041] The transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor;

[0042] The processor is configured to read computer instructions from the memory and perform the following steps:

[0043] Receive auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the receiving and transmitting unit;

[0044] Based on the identifier of the target base station, determine the target mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send the auxiliary data to the target AMF; or,

[0045] The auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station are sent to each AMF corresponding to the LMF.

[0046] In one alternative embodiment, the sending unit is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center.

[0047] In one alternative embodiment, the processor is specifically used for:

[0048] Send a first request to the Network Registration Function Entity (NRF); the first request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0049] Receive a first response sent by the NRF, the first response carrying information about the target AMF.

[0050] In one alternative embodiment, the processor is specifically used for:

[0051] A routing request is sent to each AMF corresponding to the LMF, and the routing request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0052] Receive the routing responses returned by each of the AMFs respectively;

[0053] Based on the routing responses returned by each AMF, the AMF corresponding to the target base station is determined as the target AMF.

[0054] In one optional embodiment, the LMF stores a mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs; the processor can also be used for:

[0055] Based on the identifier of the target base station, the target AMF corresponding to the target base station is found in the mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the processor may also be used for:

[0057] Receive event notifications sent by NRF; the event notifications are used to identify that the AMF corresponding to any base station has been updated;

[0058] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF is updated.

[0059] In an optional embodiment, the processor may also be used for:

[0060] For any AMF, receive an event notification sent by the AMF; the event notification is used to identify that the base station corresponding to the AMF has been updated;

[0061] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the AMF and the corresponding base station is updated.

[0062] In one alternative embodiment, the target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object.

[0063] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a transmitting unit, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0064] The memory is used to store computer instructions;

[0065] The transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor;

[0066] The processor is configured to read computer instructions from the memory and perform the following steps:

[0067] Identify the target positioning management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF; or,

[0068] Auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station are sent to a pre-configured first LMF so that the first LMF can identify the target LMF and send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0069] In one alternative embodiment, the processor is specifically used for:

[0070] Based on the pre-configured service range of each LMF and the current location of the target mobile object, the target LMF corresponding to the target base station is determined; the target mobile object is the mobile object on which the target base station is deployed.

[0071] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, including a transmitting unit, at least one location management function entity (LMF), at least one mobility management function entity (AMF), and at least one base station; the transmitting unit is a transmitting unit as described in any one of the sixth aspects, and the LMF is an LMF as described in any one of the fifth aspects.

[0072] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of the first or second aspects.

[0073] The technical effects of any of the implementation methods in aspects three through eight can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementation methods in aspects one or two, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0074] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0075] Figure 1 This is an application scenario diagram illustrating the communication method applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the interaction flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 3 This application provides an example of an interactive flowchart for determining a target LMF.

[0078] Figure 4 This application provides an example of an interactive flowchart for determining a target AMF.

[0079] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the interaction process for updating mapping relationships using NRF, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another NRF update mapping relationship provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 7 This application provides an example of an interactive flowchart for determining a target AMF.

[0082] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 11 A structural block diagram of an LMF entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an LMF entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmitting unit provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The specific embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0089] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. The term "and / or" in the embodiments of this application describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0090] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0091] Mobile communication networks have entered the 5G era. Compared to the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) positioning network architecture, the 5G positioning network architecture has higher positioning accuracy and lower latency requirements. Currently, the gNB (gear node) is stationary, and its connection with the AMF (Advanced Positioning Provider) remains largely unchanged. When the LMF (Local Level Provider) sends auxiliary data to the gNB, the LMF can determine the AMF to connect to the gNB based on configuration information, and then send the auxiliary data to the gNB through that AMF. However, when the gNB is deployed on a mobile object, the gNB moves with the mobile object, and the AMF connected to the gNB and the LMF serving the gNB also change, causing the auxiliary data to be inaccurately transmitted to the gNB.

[0092] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, an LMF, and a transmitting unit. After receiving auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit, the LMF can determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station and send auxiliary data to the target AMF. Alternatively, after receiving auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit, the LMF can send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF. Through this method, after receiving auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station, the LMF can determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station and send auxiliary data to the target AMF, so that the target AMF, after receiving the auxiliary data, sends the auxiliary data to the target base station.

[0093] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center) can receive location requests from LCS (Location Services) clients, trigger the location process, and return the UE (User Equipment) location to the LCS client; the UDM can store UE information, such as subscription information and information on established PDU (Packet Data Unit) sessions; the AMF can track the UE's location; and the RAN (Radio Access Network) is the network corresponding to the target base station.

[0094] In the communication system provided in this application embodiment, the distribution of auxiliary data and encryption keys mainly involves LMF, UDM, and AMF. LMF can define encryption keys and auxiliary data; UDM can store the auxiliary data types subscribed to by the UE. Specifically, AMF can receive auxiliary data and encryption keys distributed by LMF, whereby the auxiliary data can be broadcast through RAN, and AMF can send the key to the UE through a registration process. After receiving the key, the UE can use the key to decrypt the received broadcast auxiliary data.

[0095] Figure 2 An interactive flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0096] Step S201: The transmitting unit sends auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF;

[0097] In one optional implementation, before sending auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF, the sending unit may first determine the target LMF corresponding to the target base station based on the pre-configured service range of each LMF and the current location of the target mobile object. Here, the target mobile object is the mobile object to which the target base station is deployed; the sending unit is an AF, LCS client, or navigation center; and the target LMF corresponding to the target base station refers to the target base station being within the service range of the target LMF, or the target base station being within the service range of the AMF connected to the target LMF.

[0098] In the embodiments of this application, the moving object includes, but is not limited to, a satellite. In the following embodiments, the moving object is described using a satellite as an example.

[0099] Specifically, within the transmitting unit—that is, the AF, LCS client, or navigation center—the service range of the LMF and the deployment status of the base station on the satellite are configured. When the AF, LCS client, or navigation center sends auxiliary data generated by the target satellite to the target LMF, it can determine the target base station based on the deployment status of the base station on the satellite. Then, based on the satellite's ephemeris, it can determine the current position of the target satellite, which is the current position of the target base station. Here, ephemeris refers to the precise position or trajectory table of a celestial body that changes over time during its movement. Based on the current position of the target base station and the pre-configured service range of each LMF, the target LMF corresponding to the target base station can be determined, and the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station can be sent to the target LMF.

[0100] In one optional implementation, before sending auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF, the sending unit may first send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF and sends auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0101] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the transmitting unit, i.e., the AF, LCS client, or navigation center, is configured with information about the first LMF and the base station's deployment on the satellite. When the AF, LCS client, or navigation center sends auxiliary data generated by the target satellite to the target LMF, it can determine the target base station based on the base station's deployment on the satellite, and then send a first auxiliary data transmission request to the first LMF. The first auxiliary data transmission request may carry auxiliary data and the target base station's ID, where the target base station's ID is an optional identifier. After receiving the first auxiliary data transmission request from the transmitting unit, the first LMF can send a first network function discovery request to the NRF. The first network function discovery request carries the target base station's ID. After receiving the target base station's ID, the NRF can find the ID of the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the target base station's ID carried in the first network function discovery request, and send a first network function discovery reply to the first LMF. The first network function discovery reply carries the ID of the target AMF corresponding to the target base station.

[0102] After receiving the Network Function Discovery response from the NRF, the first LMF can determine whether there is a connection relationship with the target AMF based on the target AMF ID carried in the network function discovery response. If there is no connection relationship, it sends a second network function discovery request to the NRF, which carries the target AMF ID. After receiving the second network function discovery request, the NRF can find the ID of the target LMF that is connected to the target AMF based on the target AMF ID carried in the second network function discovery request, and send a second network function discovery response to the first LMF, which carries the ID of the target LMF that is connected to the target AMF.

[0103] After receiving the second network function discovery response from the NRF, the first LMF can send a second auxiliary data transmission request to the target LMF based on the target LMF ID carried in the second network function discovery response. The second auxiliary data transmission request carries auxiliary data and the target base station ID. After receiving the second auxiliary data transmission request from the first LMF, the target LMF can return an auxiliary data transmission response to the first LMF. After receiving the auxiliary data transmission response, the first LMF can send the auxiliary data transmission response to the AF, LCS client, or navigation center.

[0104] Step S202: The target LMF sends auxiliary data to the target AMF.

[0105] In one optional implementation, after receiving the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit, the target LMF can determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station, and send auxiliary data to the target AMF. The target AMF corresponding to the target base station refers to the target AMF that has a connection relationship with or is directly connected to the target base station.

[0106] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the target LMF can send a network function discovery request to the NRF, where the network function discovery request is an optional first request; the network function discovery request carries the ID of the target base station; the NRF can store the mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs; the NRF can find the ID of the target AMF according to the ID of the target base station, and send a network function discovery reply to the target LMF, which carries the information of the target AMF.

[0107] In one embodiment, the stored mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs can be updated in the NRF in the following two ways:

[0108] Method 1: As the satellite housing the base station moves, causing the base station to enter the coverage area of ​​a new AMF (Advanced Feature Array). The base station will disconnect from the old AMF and establish a connection with the new AMF. After the connection is established, as... Figure 5 As shown, the new AMF can send a network function update request to the NRF, which carries the base station ID. Upon receiving the network function update request, the NRF can either store the new mapping relationship between the AMF and the base station and delete the old mapping relationship; or, the NRF can delete the base station ID from the old mapping relationship corresponding to the AMF and add the base station ID to the new mapping relationship corresponding to the AMF. After updating the mapping relationship, the NRF can return a network function update confirmation to the new AMF.

[0109] Method 2: As the satellite housing the base station moves, causing the base station to enter the coverage area of ​​a new AMF (Advanced Feature Array). The base station will then disconnect from the old AMF and establish a connection with the new AMF. After the connection is established, as... Figure 6 As shown, the base station can send a Network Function Update Request (NFR) to the NRF. This request carries the ID of the new AMF (Active Function Provider). The base station can support a service interface or be configured with an NRF address to enable direct communication between the base station and the NRF. Upon receiving the NFR, the NRF can store the mapping between the base station and the new AMF and delete the old mapping; alternatively, the NRF can delete the old AMF ID from the mapping and add the new AMF ID. After updating the mapping, the NRF can send a NFR confirmation back to the base station.

[0110] In another embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the target LMF can send routing requests to each AMF corresponding to it. The routing request can carry the ID of the target base station. After receiving the routing request, each AMF can determine whether it has a connection relationship with the target base station based on the ID of the target base station. After the determination is completed, each AMF can return a routing reply to the target LMF. This routing reply can be used to indicate whether the corresponding AMF has a connection relationship with the target base station. The target LMF can determine the AMF with a connection relationship with the target base station as the target AMF based on the routing replies returned by each AMF.

[0111] In another embodiment, if the target LMF determines that there are multiple AMFs with a connection to the target base station based on the routing responses returned by each AMF, any AMF with a connection to the target base station can be identified as the target AMF.

[0112] After the target AMF is identified using the above method, the target LMF can send auxiliary data to the target AMF.

[0113] In another optional implementation, after receiving the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit, the target LMF can send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the target LMF respectively. The identifier of the target base station can be the ID of the target base station. Each AMF corresponding to the target LMF refers to each AMF that has a connection relationship with or is directly connected to the target LMF.

[0114] Specifically, in one embodiment, after receiving the auxiliary data and the ID of the target base station sent by the target LMF, each AMF can determine whether it has a connection relationship with the target base station based on the ID of the target base station. If there is no connection relationship, the information is ignored; if there is a connection relationship, the auxiliary data is sent to the target base station.

[0115] In another embodiment, after receiving the auxiliary data and the ID of the target base station sent by the target LMF, each AMF can determine whether it has a connection relationship with the target base station based on the ID of the target base station. If there is no connection relationship, the information is ignored; if there is a connection relationship, the AMF can send the auxiliary data to the target base station and send a reception success message to the target LMF at the same time. The reception success message is used to indicate that the target AMF has received the auxiliary data.

[0116] In another embodiment, after receiving the auxiliary data and the ID of the target base station sent by the target LMF, each AMF can determine whether it has a connection with the target base station based on the ID of the target base station. If there is no connection, it can send a reception failure message to the target LMF; if there is a connection, it sends the auxiliary data to the target base station and sends a reception success message to the target LMF.

[0117] In another optional implementation, the LMF can store a mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF. After receiving the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit, the target LMF can look up the target AMF corresponding to the target base station in the locally stored mapping relationship according to the identifier of the target base station. If the target AMF corresponding to the target base station exists in the mapping relationship stored by the target LMF, the target LMF sends auxiliary data to the target AMF. If the target AMF corresponding to the target base station does not exist in the mapping relationship stored by the target LMF, the target LMF can determine the target AMF corresponding to the target base station through the above method and send auxiliary data to the target AMF.

[0118] Using the above method, after receiving the auxiliary data sent by the target LMF, the target AMF can send the auxiliary data to the corresponding target base station, so that the target base station can send the auxiliary data to the UE.

[0119] In one optional implementation, the LMF can store the mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs. The LMF can determine the ID of the AMF corresponding to the target base station based on the locally stored mapping relationship to reduce the transmission latency of auxiliary data. When the mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs stored in the NRF is updated, the NRF can send an event notification to the LMF corresponding to the AMF. This event notification is used to identify that the AMF corresponding to any base station has been updated. The event notification carries the updated identifier of the base station corresponding to the AMF. After receiving the event notification sent by the NRF, the LMF can update the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF according to the event notification. Here, the AMF corresponding to the base station refers to the AMF that has a connection relationship with the base station or is directly connected to it.

[0120] In another optional implementation, the LMF may store the mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF; for any AMF, when the mapping relationship between the AMF and the base station is updated, the AMF may send an event notification to the LMF corresponding to the AMF. The event notification is used to identify that the base station corresponding to the AMF has been updated; and the event notification carries the identifier of the updated base station corresponding to the AMF; after receiving the event notification sent by the NRF, the LMF may update the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF according to the event notification.

[0121] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments provided in this application include a flowchart of a communication method. This method is executed by the Location Management Function (LMF) entity, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0122] Step S801: Receive auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit.

[0123] Step S802: Based on the identifier of the target base station, determine the target mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send auxiliary data to the target AMF.

[0124] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments provided in this application include a flowchart of another communication method. This method is executed by the Location Management Function (LMF) entity, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0125] Step S901: Receive auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit.

[0126] Step S902: Send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF.

[0127] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments provided in this application include a flowchart of a communication method. This method is executed by a sending unit, which is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center; as... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0128] Step S1001: Determine the target positioning management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station.

[0129] Step S1002: Send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0130] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments provided in this application include a flowchart of a communication method. This method is executed by a transmitting unit and includes: transmitting auxiliary data and an identifier of a target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines a target LMF, and transmitting auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0131] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments provided in this application provide a location management functional entity LMF, such as... Figure 11 As shown, it includes a receiving module 1101 and a processing module 1102; wherein:

[0132] The receiving module 1101 receives auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the transmitting unit.

[0133] The processing module 1102 is configured to determine the target mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station based on the identifier of the target base station, and send the auxiliary data to the target AMF; or, send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF respectively.

[0134] In one alternative embodiment, the sending unit is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center.

[0135] In an optional embodiment, the processing module 1102 may specifically be used for:

[0136] Send a first request to the Network Registration Function Entity (NRF); the first request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0137] Receive a first response sent by the NRF, the first response carrying information about the target AMF.

[0138] In an optional embodiment, the processing module 1102 may specifically be used for:

[0139] A routing request is sent to each AMF corresponding to the LMF, and the routing request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0140] Receive the routing responses returned by each of the AMFs respectively;

[0141] Based on the routing responses returned by each AMF, the AMF corresponding to the target base station is determined as the target AMF.

[0142] In an optional embodiment, the LMF stores a mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs; the processing module 1102 can also be used for:

[0143] Based on the identifier of the target base station, the target AMF corresponding to the target base station is found in the mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF.

[0144] In an optional embodiment, an update module may be further included, specifically for:

[0145] Receive event notifications sent by NRF; the event notifications are used to identify that the AMF corresponding to any base station has been updated;

[0146] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF is updated.

[0147] In an optional embodiment, the update module can also be used to:

[0148] For any AMF, receive an event notification sent by the AMF; the event notification is used to identify that the base station corresponding to the AMF has been updated;

[0149] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the AMF and the corresponding base station is updated.

[0150] In one alternative embodiment, the target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object.

[0151] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments provided in this application provide a sending unit, which includes a data sending module, wherein the data sending module is specifically used for:

[0152] The system determines the target positioning management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station and sends auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF; or, it sends auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF and sends the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0153] In one optional embodiment, the data sending module may specifically be used for:

[0154] Based on the pre-configured service range of each LMF and the current location of the target mobile object, the target LMF corresponding to the target base station is determined; the target mobile object is the mobile object on which the target base station is deployed.

[0155] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a location management function entity (LMF). This LMF is capable of executing any of the communication methods implemented in the above embodiments.

[0156] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of the LMF provided in the embodiment of this application is shown, that is, another schematic diagram of the structure of the LMF is shown. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the LMF includes a processor 1201, a memory 1202, and a transceiver 1203.

[0157] Processor 1201 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while memory 1202 stores data used by processor 1201 during operation. Transceiver 1203 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1201.

[0158] The bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1201) and memory (memory 1202). The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides the interface. Processor 1201 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and memory 1202 can store data used by processor 1201 during operation.

[0159] The processes disclosed in this application embodiment can be applied to or implemented by processor 1201. During implementation, each step of the signal processing flow can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the hardware of processor 1201 or by instructions in software form. Processor 1201 can be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, and can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution by the hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 1202. Processor 1201 reads information from memory 1202 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the signal processing flow.

[0160] Specifically, processor 1201 is used to read computer instructions from memory 1202, and when processor 1201 executes the computer instructions, it implements the following:

[0161] Receive auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the receiving and transmitting unit;

[0162] Based on the identifier of the target base station, determine the target mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send the auxiliary data to the target AMF; or,

[0163] The auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station are sent to each AMF corresponding to the LMF.

[0164] In one alternative embodiment, the sending unit is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center.

[0165] In an optional embodiment, the processor 1201 is specifically used for:

[0166] Send a first request to the Network Registration Function Entity (NRF); the first request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0167] Receive a first response sent by the NRF, the first response carrying information about the target AMF.

[0168] In an optional embodiment, the processor 1201 is specifically used for:

[0169] A routing request is sent to each AMF corresponding to the LMF, and the routing request carries the identifier of the target base station;

[0170] Receive the routing responses returned by each of the AMFs respectively;

[0171] Based on the routing responses returned by each AMF, the AMF corresponding to the target base station is determined as the target AMF.

[0172] In one optional embodiment, the LMF stores a mapping relationship between base stations and AMFs; the processor 1201 is specifically used for:

[0173] Based on the identifier of the target base station, the target AMF corresponding to the target base station is found in the mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF.

[0174] In an optional embodiment, the processor 1201 may also be used for:

[0175] Receive event notifications sent by NRF; the event notifications are used to identify that the AMF corresponding to any base station has been updated;

[0176] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF is updated.

[0177] In an optional embodiment, the processor 1201 may also be used for:

[0178] For any AMF, receive an event notification sent by the AMF; the event notification is used to identify that the base station corresponding to the AMF has been updated;

[0179] Based on the event notification, the mapping relationship between the AMF and the corresponding base station is updated.

[0180] In one alternative embodiment, the target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object.

[0181] Based on the same technical concept, this application also provides a sending unit. This sending unit is capable of executing any of the communication methods implemented in the above embodiments.

[0182] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of the transmitting unit provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, that is, another schematic diagram of the structure of the transmitting unit is shown. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the transmitting unit includes a processor 1301, a memory 1302, and a transceiver 1303.

[0183] Processor 1301 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while memory 1302 stores data used by processor 1301 during operation. Transceiver 1303 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1301.

[0184] The bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1301) and memory (memory 1302). The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides the interface. Processor 1301 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and memory 1302 can store data used by processor 1301 during operation.

[0185] The processes disclosed in this application can be applied to or implemented by the processor 1301. During implementation, each step of the signal processing flow can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the hardware of the processor 1301 or by instructions in software form. The processor 1301 can be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, and can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution by the hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory 1302. The processor 1301 reads the information in memory 1302 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the signal processing flow.

[0186] Specifically, processor 1301 is used to read a computer program from memory 1302, and when processor 1301 executes the computer program, it implements the following:

[0187] Identify the target positioning management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF; or,

[0188] Auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station are sent to a pre-configured first LMF so that the first LMF can identify the target LMF and send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF.

[0189] In an optional embodiment, the processor 1301 is specifically used for:

[0190] Based on the pre-configured service range of each LMF and the current location of the target mobile object, the target LMF corresponding to the target base station is determined; the target mobile object is the mobile object on which the target base station is deployed.

[0191] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, including a transmitting unit, at least one Location Management Function Entity (LMF), at least one Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF), and at least one base station; wherein, the transmitting unit, such as Figure 1 The LCS client shown is an optional sending unit, used to employ any of the sending units described above, and the LMF employs any of the LMFs described above.

[0192] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0193] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0194] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0195] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0196] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to the Location Management Function Entity (LMF), the method includes: Receiving the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the sending unit, where the target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object; Determining the target Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station according to the identifier of the target base station, and sending the auxiliary data to the target AMF; Alternatively, sending the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF respectively; The determining the target Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station according to the identifier of the target base station includes: Sending a first request to the Network Registration Function Entity (NRF); The first request carries the identifier of the target base station; Receiving the first reply sent by the NRF, where the first reply carries the information of the target AMF.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The sending unit is an Application Function Entity (AF), a Location Service (LCS) client, or a navigation center.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining the target Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station according to the identifier of the target base station includes: Sending routing requests to each AMF corresponding to the LMF respectively, where the routing requests carry the identifier of the target base station; Receiving the routing replies returned by each AMF respectively; Determining the AMF corresponding to the target base station as the target AMF according to the routing replies returned by each AMF.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF is stored in the LMF; The determining the target Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station according to the identifier of the target base station includes: Searching for the target AMF corresponding to the target base station in the mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF according to the identifier of the target base station.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving an event notification sent by the NRF, where the event notification is used to identify that the AMF corresponding to any base station has been updated; Updating the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF according to the event notification.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: For any AMF, receiving an event notification sent by the AMF, where the event notification is used to identify that the base station corresponding to the AMF has been updated; Updating the mapping relationship between the AMF and the corresponding base station according to the event notification.

7. A communication method characterized by comprising: Applied to the sending unit, the sending unit is an Application Function Entity (AF), a Location Service (LCS) client, or a navigation center; The method includes: Determining the target Location Management Function Entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station, and sending the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF, where the target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object; Alternatively, sending the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF and sends the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF; The sending the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF includes: The first LMF sends a first request to the Network Registration Function Entity (NRF); The first request carries the identifier of the target base station; The first LMF receives the first reply sent by the NRF, and the first reply carries the information of the target AMF; The first LMF determines whether the target AMF has a connection relationship with the first LMF based on the first reply. When the target AMF has no connection relationship with the first LMF, the first LMF sends a second request to the NRF, and the second request carries the identifier of the target AMF; The first LMF receives the second reply sent by the NRF and determines the target LMF based on the second reply. The second reply carries the identifier of the target LMF.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, Determining the target Location Management Function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station includes: Determining the target LMF corresponding to the target base station according to the service scope of each pre-configured LMF and the current location of the target mobile object; The target mobile object is the mobile object on which the target base station is deployed.

9. A location management function entity, LMF, characterized by Includes: A receiving module, configured to receive the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station sent by the sending unit. The target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object; A processing module, configured to determine the target Mobility Management Function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station according to the identifier of the target base station, and send the auxiliary data to the target AMF; Or, send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF respectively; Specifically, the processing module is configured to send a first request to the Network Registration Function entity (NRF); The first request carries the identifier of the target base station; Receive the first reply sent by the NRF, and the first reply carries the information of the target AMF.

10. A transmitting unit, characterized by The sending unit is an Application Function entity (AF), a Location Service (LCS) client, or a navigation center; The sending unit includes: A data sending module, which determines the target Location Management Function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station, and sends the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF. The target base station is a base station deployed on a mobile object; Or, send the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF and sends the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to the target LMF; Sending the auxiliary data and the identifier of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF, includes: The first LMF sends a first request to the Network Registration Function entity (NRF); The first request carries the identifier of the target base station; The first LMF receives the first reply sent by the NRF, and the first reply carries the information of the target AMF; The first LMF determines whether the target AMF has a connection relationship with the first LMF based on the first reply. When the target AMF has no connection relationship with the first LMF, the first LMF sends a second request to the NRF, and the second request carries the identifier of the target AMF; The first LMF receives the second reply sent by the NRF and determines the target LMF based on the second reply. The identity of the target LMF is carried in the second reply.

11. A location management function entity, LMF, characterized by It includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; The memory is used to store computer instructions; The transceiver is used to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor; The processor is used to read the computer instructions in the memory and execute the following steps: Receive the auxiliary data and the identity of the target base station sent by the sending unit. The target base station is a base station deployed on a moving object; Determine the target access and mobility management function entity (AMF) corresponding to the target base station according to the identity of the target base station, and send the auxiliary data to the target AMF; Alternatively, send the auxiliary data and the identity of the target base station to each AMF corresponding to the LMF respectively; Specifically, the processor is used for: Send a first request to the network registration function entity (NRF); The identity of the target base station is carried in the first request; Receive the first reply sent by the NRF. The information of the target AMF is carried in the first reply.

12. The LMF of claim 11, wherein, The sending unit is an application function entity (AF), a location service (LCS) client, or a navigation center.

13. The LMF of claim 11, wherein, Specifically, the processor is used for: Send a routing request to each AMF corresponding to the LMF respectively. The identity of the target base station is carried in the routing request; Receive the routing replies returned by each AMF respectively; Determine the AMF corresponding to the target base station as the target AMF according to the routing replies returned by each AMF.

14. The LMF of claim 11, wherein, The mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF is stored in the LMF; The processor may also be used for: According to the identity of the target base station, look up the target AMF corresponding to the target base station in the mapping relationship between the base station and the AMF.

15. The LMF of claim 14, wherein, The processor may also be used for: Receive the event notification sent by the NRF; The event notification is used to identify that the AMF corresponding to any base station has been updated; Update the mapping relationship between the base station and the corresponding AMF according to the event notification.

16. The LMF of claim 14, wherein, The processor may also be used for: For any AMF, receive the event notification sent by the AMF; The event notification is used to identify that the base station corresponding to the AMF has been updated; Update the mapping relationship between the AMF and the corresponding base station according to the event notification.

17. A transmitting unit, characterized by It includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; The memory is used to store computer instructions; The transceiver is used to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor; The processor is used to read the computer instructions in the memory and execute the following steps: Determine the target location management function entity (LMF) corresponding to the target base station, and send the auxiliary data and the identity of the target base station to the target LMF. The target base station is a base station deployed on a moving object; Alternatively, send the auxiliary data and the identity of the target base station to a pre-configured first LMF, so that the first LMF determines the target LMF and sends the auxiliary data and the identity of the target base station to the target LMF; Specifically, the processor is used for: The first LMF sends a first request to the network registration function entity NRF; The target base station identifier is carried in the first request; The first LMF receives a first reply sent by the NRF, and the target AMF information is carried in the first reply; The first LMF determines whether the target AMF has a connection relationship with the first LMF based on the first reply. When the target AMF has no connection relationship with the first LMF, a second request is sent to the NRF, and the target AMF identifier is carried in the second request; The first LMF receives a second reply sent by the NRF and determines the target LMF based on the second reply. The target LMF identifier is carried in the second reply.

18. The transmitting unit of claim 17, wherein, The processor is specifically configured to: Determine the target LMF corresponding to the target base station according to the service ranges of each LMF configured in advance and the current location of the target mobile object; The target mobile object is a mobile object where the target base station is deployed.

19. A communication system, characterized by It includes a sending unit, at least one location management function entity LMF, at least one mobility management function entity AMF, and at least one base station; The sending unit adopts the sending unit described in any one of claims 17 to 18, and the LMF adopts the LMF described in any one of claims 11 to 16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed by the processor, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6 or the method described in any one of claims 7 to 8 is implemented.

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