Notification method, first network function, and second network function

Abstract

This application discloses a notification method, a first network function, and a second network function, belonging to the field of communication technology. The notification method of this application includes: the first network function sending notification information based on the type of a first terminal or a data arrival notification for the first terminal from a second terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to a first network through the second terminal; the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the notification information is a data arrival notification for the first terminal; activating a session connection with the first network; opening a direct air interface; establishing a direct connection; receiving data; and sending data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a notification method, a first network function and a second network function. BACKGROUND

[0002] In personal Internet of Things, a personal Internet of Things gateway (PEGC) has various forms, for example, can be a gateway in a smart home scene, or a terminal interacting with a wearable device in a wearable device scene; a device after the gateway can be a user equipment (UE) (for example, a smart watch, a mobile phone, etc.) or a device without direct access capability to a wireless network (for example, a bracelet, a headset, etc.).

[0003] In the related art, the network side cannot obtain device information after the gateway, and therefore regards the gateway and all devices after the gateway as a whole and is represented by the gateway. However, when the network has data to send to the device after the gateway, the network can only notify the gateway, and cannot notify the device after the gateway, thereby causing low control and transmission efficiency. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a notification method, a first network function and a second network function, which can solve the problem of low control and transmission efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, a notification method is provided, and the method comprises:

[0006] A first network function sends notification information based on a type of a first terminal or data arrival notification for the first terminal from a second terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; and the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0007] The notification information is the data arrival notification for the first terminal;

[0008] A session connection with the first network is activated;

[0009] A direct connection air interface is started;

[0010] A direct connection is established;

[0011] Data is received;

[0012] Data is sent.

[0013] In a second aspect, a notification method is provided, and the method comprises:

[0014] The second network function receives the first indication information sent by the first network function; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal: data arrival of the first terminal; connection to the second terminal; data reception; data transmission; opening of the direct connection air interface;

[0015] The second network function sends fourth indication information to the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; and the fourth indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal:

[0016] Data arrival of the first terminal;

[0017] Connection to the second terminal;

[0018] Data reception;

[0019] Data transmission;

[0020] Opening of the direct connection air interface.

[0021] In a third aspect, a notification device is provided, which comprises:

[0022] A first sending module is configured to send, based on the type of the first terminal, data arrival notification information from the second terminal to the first terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; and the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0023] The notification information is data arrival notification information for the first terminal;

[0024] Activation of a session connection with the first terminal;

[0025] Opening of the direct connection air interface;

[0026] Establishment of a direct connection;

[0027] Data reception;

[0028] Data transmission.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, a notification device is provided, which comprises:

[0030] A determining module is configured to receive first indication information sent by a first network function; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following to a first terminal: data arrival of the first terminal; connection to a second terminal; data reception; data transmission; opening of a direct connection air interface;

[0031] The second sending module is configured to send fourth indication information to the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication information is configured to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal:

[0032] Data arrives at the first terminal;

[0033] Connect to the second terminal;

[0034] Receive data;

[0035] Send data;

[0036] Enable direct connection to the air interface.

[0037] Fifthly, a first network function is provided, the terminal including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the first aspect.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, a first network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface; wherein the communication interface is used to: send notification information based on the type of a first terminal or a data arrival notification for the first terminal from a second terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to a first network through the second terminal; the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0039] The notification information is a data arrival notification for the first terminal;

[0040] Activate the session connection with the first network;

[0041] Enable direct air interface connection;

[0042] Establish a direct connection;

[0043] Receive data;

[0044] Send data.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, a second network function is provided, the network function including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the second aspect.

[0046] Eighthly, a second network function is provided, including a processor and a communication interface; wherein the communication interface is used to: receive first indication information sent by a first network function; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate to a first terminal at least one of the following: data has arrived at the first terminal; connection to a second terminal has been established; data has been received; data has been sent; a direct connection air interface has been established;

[0047] The second network function sends a fourth indication message to the first terminal based on the first indication message; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication message is used to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal:

[0048] Data arrives at the first terminal;

[0049] Connect to the second terminal;

[0050] Receive data;

[0051] Send data;

[0052] Enable direct connection to the air interface.

[0053] A ninth aspect provides a readable storage medium on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0054] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run programs or instructions to implement the method as described in the first aspect, or to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0055] Eleventhly, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium and is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method as described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the second aspect.

[0056] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a network-side device. The terminal includes at least one of a first terminal and a second terminal, and the network-side device includes at least one of a first network function and a second network function. The first network function can implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, and the second network function can implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0057] In this embodiment of the application, the first network function sends a notification message based on the type of the first terminal or a data arrival notification from the second terminal to the first terminal, indicating at least one of the following: data arrival notification to the first terminal, activating a session connection with the first network, opening a direct air interface, establishing a direct connection, receiving data, and sending data, thereby enabling the first terminal to know that it needs to receive or send data, realizing the notification of data arrival to the device behind the gateway, which can improve control and transmission efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of this application can be applied;

[0059] Figure 2 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the notification method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a second flowchart illustrating the notification method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the notification device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the notification device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the network function provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 7 This is the second schematic diagram of the network function provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0066] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, not limited in number; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0067] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and the term NR is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to communication systems other than NR system applications, such as 6th generation (6G) radio communication systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0068] Personal IoT Network (PIN):

[0069] A PIN is a group consisting of at least one PIN element (PINE), where at least one PIN element is a terminal (User Equipment, UE). PIN elements communicate with each other. Two PIN elements can communicate through a direct connection between them or indirectly through a communication network.

[0070] A PIN element can be a 3GPP device (e.g., UE) or a non-3GPP device. A non-3GPP device refers to a device that does not use 3GPP-defined credentials, does not support 3GPP-defined NAS protocols, or does not support 3GPP access technologies (such as 3G / 4G / 5G air interface technologies) but only supports non-3GPP access technologies (such as WiFi, fixed network, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0071] A PIN can contain one or more PIN Elements With Gateway Capability (PEGCs). These PIN elements can communicate directly with each other or via PEGCs. PEGCs can also facilitate communication between these PIN elements and other devices or application servers outside the PIN. The PEGC device can be of various types; for example, it could be a gateway in a smart home scenario or a mobile phone acting as a gateway for wearable devices.

[0072] In this application, the network side can also be referred to as a network side device.

[0073] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system to which the embodiments of this application can be applied. Figure 1 The wireless communication system shown includes terminal 11, terminal 12, gateway 13, and network function 14. Terminal 11 and terminal 12 are connected to network function 14 via gateway 13. Gateway 13 can be a PEGC, such as a gateway in a smart home scenario, or a mobile phone in a wearable device scenario. Terminal 11 has direct wireless network access capability and can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, vehicle-mounted device (VUE), pedestrian terminal (PUE), smart home (home devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game console, personal computer (PC), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. Terminal 12 does not have direct wireless network access capability; terminal 12 can be a terminal-side device such as a wristband. It should be noted that the specific types of terminal 11, terminal 12, and gateway 13 are not limited in this embodiment.

[0074] Network function 14 may include access network equipment or core network functions. Access network equipment may also be referred to as radio access network equipment, radio access network (RAN), radio access network function, or radio access network unit. Access network equipment may include base stations, WLAN access points, or WiFi nodes, etc. Base stations may be referred to as Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), access point, base transceiver station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), home B node, home evolved B node, Transmitting Receiving Point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The base station is not limited to specific technical terms. It should be noted that in this embodiment, only a base station in an NR system is used as an example for description, and the specific type of base station is not limited.Core network functions may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), and Binding Support. Core network functions (BSF), application functions (AF), etc. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses core network equipment in the NR system as an example for description, and does not limit the specific type of core network equipment.

[0075] The notification method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0076] Figure 2 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the notification method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0077] Step 201: The first network function sends a notification message based on the type of the first terminal or a data arrival notification for the first terminal from the second terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the notification message is used to indicate at least one of the following: the notification message is a data arrival notification for the first terminal; activate a session connection with the first network; open a direct air interface; establish a direct connection; receive data; send data.

[0078] It should be noted that the first network function may include SMF or AMF. The second terminal may include PEGC, such as a gateway in a smart home scenario, or a mobile phone in a wearable device scenario. The first terminal may include devices with direct wireless network access capability, such as mobile phones or smartwatches, or devices without direct wireless network access capability, such as wristbands.

[0079] The first terminal connects to the first network through the second terminal; wherein, the first network may be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network or other networks evolved from it, or other specific networks.

[0080] Optionally, the type of the first terminal may include a first type and a second type; the first type is used to indicate that the terminal supports connecting to the first network through an access network device, wherein the access network device is, for example, a base station, or has the conditions to receive information (e.g., the function of accessing the network through other connections), or the terminal is in a state of listening to the direct air interface, and therefore can receive direct air interface connection requests initiated by other terminals; the second type is used to indicate that the terminal does not support connecting to the first network through an access network device, or does not have the conditions to receive information (e.g., the function of accessing the network through this connection only exists), or the terminal is not in a state of listening to the direct air interface, and therefore cannot receive direct air interface connection requests initiated by other terminals.

[0081] In practice, the direct connection air interface may include at least one of the following: Bluetooth access air interface; WiFi access air interface; non-3GPP access air interface; and sidelink (PC5 / Sidelink) access air interface.

[0082] In the notification method provided in this application embodiment, the first network function sends notification information based on the type of the first terminal or a data arrival notification from the second terminal for the first terminal to indicate at least one of the following: data arrival notification for the first terminal, activation of a session connection with the first network, opening of a direct air interface, establishment of a direct connection, receiving data, and sending data, thereby enabling the first terminal to know that it needs to receive or send data, realizing notification of data arrival for devices behind the gateway, which can improve control and transmission efficiency.

[0083] Optionally, the notification information may include at least one of the following:

[0084] a) First indication information; the first indication information is used to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connection is made to the second terminal; data is received; data is sent; direct connection air interface is activated;

[0085] b) Second indication information; the second indication information is used to indicate to the second terminal at least one of the following: data from the first terminal arrives; enters the connection state of the first network; activates a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session connection with the first network; opens a direct air interface; establishes a direct connection; receives data; sends data; wherein the PDU session is used to transmit data related to the first terminal.

[0086] Based on this, the implementation method of the first network function sending notification information based on the type of the first terminal in the embodiments of this application may include at least one of the following:

[0087] Method 1: The first network function sends the first indication information to the second network function based on the type of the first terminal;

[0088] Optionally, the implementation method for the first network function to send the first indication information to the second network function based on the type of the first terminal includes:

[0089] When the first terminal is of type 1, the first network function sends the first indication information to the second network function; specifically, the second network function may include AF.

[0090] Alternatively, if the first terminal is of type 1, the first network function sends the first indication information to the second network function through the third network function; specifically, the third network function may include NEF.

[0091] The second network function sends a fourth indication to the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication information is used to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connects to the second terminal; receives data; sends data; or opens a direct connection air interface.

[0092] After receiving the fourth indication information, the first terminal, based on the fourth indication information, learns that data has arrived at the first terminal and / or executes at least one of the following instructions: connect to the second terminal; receive data; send data; open a direct connection air interface.

[0093] Method 2: The first network function sends the first indication information to the first terminal based on the type of the first terminal;

[0094] Optionally, the first network function sends the first indication information to the first terminal based on the type of the first terminal in the following ways: when the type of the first terminal is a first type, the first network function sends the first indication information to the first terminal through a fourth network function.

[0095] Specifically, the fourth network function may include: UPF, SMF and UPF, or AMF. For example, the first network function carries the first indication information through an application layer message of UPF, or the first network function carries the first indication information through an application layer message of SMF and UPF, or the first network function carries the first indication information through a NAS message of AMF.

[0096] After receiving the first indication information, the first terminal, based on the first indication information, learns that the data of the first terminal has arrived, and / or executes at least one of the following instructions: connect to the second terminal; receive data; send data; open a direct connection air interface.

[0097] Method 3: The first network function sends the second instruction information to the second terminal based on the type of the first terminal.

[0098] Optionally, the implementation of the first network function sending the second indication information to the second terminal based on the type of the first terminal includes: when the type of the first terminal is a first type, the first network function sends the second indication information to the second terminal. For example, when the type of the first terminal is a first type, and the second terminal is in an idle state or the PDU session of the second terminal is not active, the first network function sends the second indication information to the second terminal.

[0099] Based on the second indication information, the second terminal can be aware that data for the first terminal has arrived, and / or the second terminal can perform at least one of the following: enter the connection state of the first network; activate the PDU session connection with the first network; open the direct air interface; establish a direct connection; receive data; send data; wherein the PDU session is used to transmit data related to the first terminal.

[0100] In this embodiment of the application, the first network function performs any of the following operations based on the type of the first terminal or a data arrival notification for the first terminal from the second terminal:

[0101] 1) The first network function sends the notification information when the type of the first terminal is the first type.

[0102] 2) The first network function sends a notification message based on the data arrival notification from the second terminal to the first terminal.

[0103] 3) The first network function stops sending notification information when the type of the first terminal is the second type.

[0104] Optionally, the first network function receives a data arrival notification for the first terminal from the sixth network function, thus learning that the first terminal needs to receive and / or send data. In practice, the sixth network function may be, for example, Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) or UDM.

[0105] The implementation method of the first network function determining the type of the first terminal is described below. Before the first network function sends notification information based on the type of the first terminal, the implementation method of the first network function determining the type of the first terminal may include at least one of the following:

[0106] Method a) A first network function receives first information related to the first terminal; the first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the first information or the target recipient of the first information;

[0107] Specifically, the first information may include at least one of the following:

[0108] (1) Type information; for example, type information is used to indicate the type of the first terminal.

[0109] (2) User information; for example, user information is used to indicate whether the first terminal is a UDM subscriber.

[0110] (3) Authentication-related information, such as authentication-related information of the first terminal.

[0111] In practice, the target recipient of the first information can refer to the recipient indicated by the first information. For example, a first network function can determine the target recipient of the first information based on its content, such as the identified target field. Alternatively, the target recipient of the first information can also refer to the recipient after the first information has been forwarded.

[0112] Optionally, the implementation of the first network function determining the type of the first terminal based on the first information or the target recipient of the first information may include any of the following:

[0113] 1) When the target recipient of the first information is a UDM function, or when the first information is related to a UDM function, the first network function determines that the type of the first terminal is a first type.

[0114] For example, the first information related to UDM functionality means that: the first information includes a user identifier, wherein the user identifier uses an IMSI; or the user identifier uses a Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI), wherein the SUCI indicates the use of an IMSI.

[0115] 2) If the target recipient of the first information is not a UDM function, or if the first information is not related to a UDM function, the first network function determines that the type of the first terminal is the second type.

[0116] For example, the first information not related to UDM function means: the first information includes a user identifier, which uses a non-IMSI-related NAI format; or the user identifier uses SUCI, which indicates that IMSI is not used or NAI is used.

[0117] Method b) The first network function receives second information from the fifth network function; the first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the second information or the sender of the second information.

[0118] In practice, the sender of the second information can refer to the sender indicated by the second information. For example, the first network function can determine the sender of the second information based on its content, such as the identified target field. Alternatively, the sender of the second information can also refer to the receiver after the second information is forwarded. In practice, the fifth network function could be, for example, UDM or AAA.

[0119] Specifically, the second information may include at least one of the following: type information; user information; authentication-related information, such as authentication-related information of the first terminal.

[0120] Optionally, the implementation of the first network function determining the type of the first terminal based on the second information or the sender of the second information may include any of the following:

[0121] The first network function determines the type of the first terminal to be a first type when the sender of the second information is a UDM function, or when the second information is related to a UDM function. For example, the second information being related to a UDM function means that the second information includes a user identifier, wherein the user identifier uses an IMSI; or the user identifier uses a SUCI, and the SUCI indicates the use of an IMSI.

[0122] Alternatively, if the first network function determines the type of the first terminal to be a second type when the sender of the second information is not a UDM function, or the second information is not related to a UDM function. For example, the second information not being related to a UDM function means that: the second information includes a user identifier, which uses a non-IMSI-related NAI format; or the user identifier uses a SUCI, which indicates that IMSI is not used or NAI is used.

[0123] Figure 3 This is a second flowchart illustrating the notification method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes steps 301 to 302, wherein:

[0124] Step 301: The second network function receives the first indication information sent by the first network function; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connection is made to the second terminal; data is received; data is sent; direct connection air interface is enabled;

[0125] Step 302: Based on the first indication information, the second network function sends fourth indication information to the first terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal:

[0126] Data arrives at the first terminal;

[0127] Connect to the second terminal;

[0128] Receive data;

[0129] Send data;

[0130] Enable direct connection to the air interface.

[0131] It should be noted that the first network function may include SMF or AMF; the second network function may include AF; the second terminal may include PEGC, such as a gateway in a smart home scenario, or a mobile phone in a wearable device scenario; the first terminal may include devices with direct wireless network access capability, such as mobile phones or smartwatches, or devices without direct wireless network access capability, such as wristbands. The first terminal connects to the first network through the second terminal; wherein, the first network may be a 3GPP network or other networks evolved from it, or other specific networks.

[0132] Optionally, the type of the first terminal may include a first type and a second type; the first type is used to indicate that the terminal supports connecting to the first network through an access network device (e.g., a base station), or has the conditions to receive information (e.g., the existence of other functions to access the network), or the terminal is in a state of listening to the direct air interface, and therefore can receive direct air interface connection requests initiated by other terminals; the second type is used to indicate that the terminal does not support connecting to the first network through an access network device, or does not have the conditions to receive information (e.g., only the function of this connection to access the network exists), or the terminal is not in a state of listening to the direct air interface, and therefore cannot receive direct air interface connection requests initiated by other terminals.

[0133] In practice, the direct connection air interface may include at least one of the following: Bluetooth access air interface; WiFi access air interface; non-3GPP access air interface; and sidelink (PC5 / Sidelink) access air interface.

[0134] In the notification method provided in this application embodiment, the second network function receives the first indication information sent by the first network function, and sends the fourth indication information to the first terminal based on the first indication information, so as to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data arrival of the first terminal, connection to the second terminal, receiving data, sending data, and opening the direct connection air interface, so that the first terminal knows that it needs to receive or send data, realizing the notification of data arrival to the device after the gateway, which can improve control and transmission efficiency.

[0135] Optionally, the second network function sends a fourth indication information to the first terminal based on the first indication information, including: the second network function sends the fourth indication information to a first address of the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein, the first address is the address obtained by the first terminal through the access network device to connect to the 3GPP network.

[0136] After receiving the first indication information from the second network function, the first terminal performs at least one of the following: upon learning that data has arrived at the first terminal, it connects to the second terminal; receives data; sends data; or opens a direct connection air interface.

[0137] Optionally, the fourth indication information includes a second address of the first terminal; the second address is the address obtained by the first terminal when connecting to the first network through the second terminal. The first terminal can use the second address to connect to the second terminal.

[0138] The notification method provided in this application can be executed by a notification device. This application uses an example of a notification device executing the notification method to illustrate the notification device provided in this application.

[0139] Figure 4 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the notification device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the notification device 400, applied to a first network function, includes:

[0140] The first sending module 401 is configured to send a data arrival notification for the first terminal, either from a second terminal or based on the type of the first terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to a first network via the second terminal; the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0141] The notification information is a data arrival notification for the first terminal;

[0142] Activate the session connection with the first one;

[0143] Enable direct air interface connection;

[0144] Establish a direct connection;

[0145] Receive data;

[0146] Send data.

[0147] The notification device provided in this application embodiment sends notification information to indicate at least one of the following based on the type of the first terminal or a data arrival notification from the second terminal to the first terminal: a data arrival notification to the first terminal, activation of a session connection with the first network, opening of a direct air interface, establishment of a direct connection, receiving data, and sending data, thereby enabling the first terminal to know that it needs to receive or send data, realizing notification of data arrival to devices behind the gateway, and improving control and transmission efficiency.

[0148] The notification device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 2 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0149] Optionally, the notification information includes at least one of the following:

[0150] First indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal to at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connection is made to the second terminal; data is received; data is sent; direct connection air interface is activated;

[0151] The second indication information is used to indicate to the second terminal at least one of the following: data from the first terminal arrives; the connection state of the first network is entered; a PDU session connection with the first network is activated; a direct air interface is opened; a direct connection is established; data is received; data is sent; wherein the PDU session is used to transmit data related to the first terminal.

[0152] Optionally, the first transmitting module 401 is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0153] Based on the type of the first terminal, the first indication information is sent to the second network function;

[0154] Based on the type of the first terminal, send the first indication information to the first terminal;

[0155] Based on the type of the first terminal, the second indication information is sent to the second terminal.

[0156] Optionally, the first sending module 401 is specifically used to send the first indication information to the second network function when the type of the first terminal is a first type, or to send the first indication information to the second network function through the third network function.

[0157] Optionally, the first sending module 401 is specifically used to send the first indication information to the first terminal through the fourth network function when the first terminal is of the first type.

[0158] Optionally, the first sending module 401 is specifically used to send the second indication information to the second terminal when the type of the first terminal is the first type.

[0159] Optionally, the first sending module 401 is specifically used to send the second indication information to the second terminal when the first terminal is of the first type and the second terminal is in an idle state or the PDU session of the second terminal is not activated.

[0160] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0161] The stop module is used to stop sending the notification information when the first terminal is of type two.

[0162] Optionally, the type of the first terminal includes a first type and a second type; the first type is used to indicate that the terminal supports connecting to the first network through an access network device, or has the conditions to receive information (such as having other functions to access the network), or the terminal is in a state of listening to the direct air interface, and therefore can receive direct air interface connection requests initiated by other terminals; the second type is used to indicate that the terminal does not support connecting to the first network through an access network device, or does not have the conditions to receive information (such as only having the function to access the network), or the terminal is not in a state of listening to the direct air interface, and therefore cannot receive direct air interface connection requests initiated by other terminals.

[0163] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0164] Determine a module for at least one of the following:

[0165] Receive first information related to the first terminal; the first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the first information or the target recipient of the first information;

[0166] The first network function receives second information from the fifth network function; the first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the second information or the sender of the second information.

[0167] Optionally, the determining module is specifically configured to: determine the type of the first terminal as a first type when the target recipient of the first information is a UDM function, or when the first information is related to a UDM function; or,

[0168] If the target recipient of the first information is not a UDM function, or if the first information is not related to a UDM function, the type of the first terminal is determined to be the second type.

[0169] Optionally, the determining module is specifically configured to: determine that the type of the first terminal is a first type when the sender of the second information is a UDM function, or when the second information is related to a UDM function; or,

[0170] If the sender of the second information is not a UDM function, or if the second information is not related to a UDM function, the first network function determines that the type of the first terminal is the second type.

[0171] Optionally, the first information or the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0172] Type information;

[0173] User information;

[0174] Authentication-related information.

[0175] Optionally, the direct-connect air interface includes at least one of the following:

[0176] Bluetooth access via air interface; WiFi access via air interface; non-3GPP access via air interface; PC5 / Sidelink access via air interface.

[0177] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0178] The notification receiving module is used to receive data arrival notifications for the first terminal from the sixth network function.

[0179] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the notification device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the notification device 500, applied to a second network function, includes:

[0180] The determining module 501 is configured to receive first indication information sent by the first network function; wherein the first indication information is configured to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data has arrived at the first terminal; connection to the second terminal has been established; data has been received; data has been sent; or a direct connection air interface has been established.

[0181] The second sending module 502 is configured to send fourth indication information to the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal:

[0182] Data arrives at the first terminal;

[0183] Connect to the second terminal;

[0184] Receive data;

[0185] Send data;

[0186] Enable direct connection to the air interface.

[0187] Optionally, the second sending module 502 is specifically used to: send the fourth indication information to the first address of the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein the first address is the address obtained by the first terminal through the access network device to connect to the 3GPP network.

[0188] Optionally, the fourth indication information includes a second address of the first terminal; the second address is the address obtained by the first terminal when it connects to the first network through the second terminal.

[0189] The notification device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 3The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0190] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the network function provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the network function 600 includes a processor 601 and a memory 602. The memory 602 stores programs or instructions that can run on the processor 601. For example, when the network function 600 is a first network function, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor 601, implement the various steps of the notification method embodiment corresponding to the first network function, and achieve the same technical effect. When the network function 600 is a second network function, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor 601, implement the various steps of the notification method embodiment corresponding to the second network function, and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, this will not be described again here.

[0191] This application embodiment also provides a first network function, including a processor and a communication interface; wherein, the communication interface is used to: send notification information based on the type of a first terminal or a data arrival notification for the first terminal from a second terminal; wherein, the first terminal is connected to a first network through the second terminal; the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the notification information is a data arrival notification for the first terminal; activate a session connection with the first network; open a direct air interface; establish a direct connection; receive data; and send data. This first network function embodiment corresponds to the above-described first network function method embodiment, and all implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this first network function embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0192] This application embodiment also provides a second network function, including a processor and a communication interface; wherein the communication interface is used to: receive first indication information sent by a first network function; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate to a first terminal at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connect to a second terminal; receive data; send data; open a direct connection air interface; the second network function sends fourth indication information to the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication information is used to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connect to the second terminal; receive data; send data; open a direct connection air interface. This second network function embodiment corresponds to the above-described second network function method embodiment, and all implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this second network function embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0193] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the network function provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the network function 700 includes a processor 701, a network interface 702, and a memory 703. The network interface 702 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0194] Specifically, the network function 700 of this embodiment of the invention further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 703 and executable on processor 701. Processor 701 calls the instructions or programs in memory 703 to execute the various processes of the above notification method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0195] This application also provides a readable storage medium, which can be volatile or non-volatile. The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described notification method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0196] The processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0197] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above notification method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0198] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0199] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described notification method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0200] This application embodiment also provides a communication system, including a terminal and a network-side device. The terminal includes at least one of a first terminal and a second terminal. The network-side device may include at least one of a first network function and a second network function. The network-side device can implement the various processes of the above notification method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0201] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0202] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a computer software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0203] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A notification method, characterized in that, include: The first network function sends notification information based on the type of the first terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network via a second terminal; the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The notification information is a data arrival notification for the first terminal; Activate the session connection with the first network; Enable direct air interface connection; Establish a direct connection; Receive data; Send data; The first terminal type includes a first type and a second type; the first type is used to indicate that the terminal supports connecting to the first network through an access network device; the second type is used to indicate that the terminal does not support connecting to the first network through an access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The notification information includes at least one of the following: First indication information; the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal to at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connection is made to the second terminal; data is received; data is sent; direct connection air interface is activated; The second indication information is used to indicate to the second terminal at least one of the following: data from the first terminal arrives; the connection state of the first network is entered; a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session connection with the first network is activated; a direct connection air interface is opened; a direct connection is established; data is received; data is sent; wherein the PDU session is used to transmit data related to the first terminal.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first network function sends notification information based on the type of the first terminal, including at least one of the following: The first network function sends the first indication information to the second network function based on the type of the first terminal. The first network function sends the first indication information to the first terminal based on the type of the first terminal; The first network function sends the second indication information to the second terminal based on the type of the first terminal.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first network function sends the first indication information to the second network function based on the type of the first terminal, including: When the type of the first terminal is the first type, the first network function sends the first indication information to the second network function, or sends the first indication information to the second network function through the third network function.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first network function sends the first indication information to the first terminal based on the type of the first terminal, including: When the first terminal is of type 1, the first network function sends the first indication information to the first terminal through the fourth network function.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first network function sends the second indication information to the second terminal based on the type of the first terminal, including: If the first terminal is of type 1, the first network function sends the second indication information to the second terminal.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the first terminal is of type 1, the first network function sends the second indication information to the second terminal, including: When the first terminal is of type 1 and the second terminal is in an idle state or the PDU session of the second terminal is not activated, the first network function sends the second indication information to the second terminal.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first network function stops sending the notification information when the first terminal is of type two.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Before the first network function sends notification information based on the type of the first terminal, the method further includes at least one of the following: The first network function receives first information related to the first terminal; the first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the first information or the target recipient of the first information; The first network function receives second information from the fifth network function; The first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the second information or the sender of the second information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the first information or the target recipient of the first information, including: The first network function determines the type of the first terminal to be a first type when the target recipient of the first information is a Unified Data Management (UDM) function, or when the first information is related to a UDM function; or... If the target recipient of the first information is not a UDM function, or if the first information is not related to a UDM function, the first network function determines that the type of the first terminal is the second type.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first network function determines the type of the first terminal based on the second information or the sender of the second information, including: If the sender of the second information is a UDM function, or if the second information is related to a UDM function, the first network function determines that the type of the first terminal is a first type; or... If the sender of the second information is not a UDM function, or if the second information is not related to a UDM function, the first network function determines that the type of the first terminal is the second type.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first information or the second information includes at least one of the following: Type information; User information; Authentication-related information.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct-connect air interface includes at least one of the following: Bluetooth access over the air interface; high-fidelity WiFi access over the air interface; non-3GPP access over the air interface; PC5 / Sidelink access over the air interface.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first network function receives a data arrival notification for the first terminal from the sixth network function.

15. A notification method, characterized in that, include: The second network function receives first indication information sent by the first network function based on the type of the first terminal; wherein the first indication information is used to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data arrives at the first terminal; connect to the second terminal; receive data; send data; enable direct connection air interface; The second network function sends a fourth indication message to the first terminal based on the first indication message; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication message is used to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal: Data arrives at the first terminal; Connect to the second terminal; Receive data; Send data; Enable direct air interface connection; The first terminal type includes a first type and a second type; the first type is used to indicate that the terminal supports connecting to the first network through an access network device; the second type is used to indicate that the terminal does not support connecting to the first network through an access network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second network function, based on the first indication information, sends a fourth indication information to the first terminal, including: The second network function sends the fourth indication information to the first address of the first terminal based on the first indication information; The first address is the address obtained by the first terminal when connecting to the 3GPP network through the access network equipment.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The fourth indication information includes the second address of the first terminal; the second address is the address obtained by the first terminal when it connects to the first network through the second terminal.

18. A notification device, characterized in that, include: A first sending module is configured to send notification information based on the type of a first terminal; wherein the first terminal is connected to a first network via a second terminal; the notification information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The notification information is a data arrival notification for the first terminal; Activate the session connection with the first network; Enable direct air interface connection; Establish a direct connection; Receive data; Send data; The first terminal type includes a first type and a second type; the first type is used to indicate that the terminal supports connecting to the first network through an access network device; the second type is used to indicate that the terminal does not support connecting to the first network through an access network device.

19. A notification device, characterized in that, include: The determining module is configured to receive first indication information sent by a first network function based on the type of a first terminal; wherein the first indication information is configured to indicate to the first terminal at least one of the following: data has arrived at the first terminal; connection to a second terminal has been established; data has been received; data has been sent; or a direct connection air interface has been established. The second sending module is configured to send fourth indication information to the first terminal based on the first indication information; wherein the first terminal is connected to the first network through the second terminal; the fourth indication information is configured to indicate at least one of the following to the first terminal: Data arrives at the first terminal; Connect to the second terminal; Receive data; Send data; Enable direct air interface connection; The first terminal type includes a first type and a second type; the first type is used to indicate that the terminal supports connecting to the first network through an access network device; the second type is used to indicate that the terminal does not support connecting to the first network through an access network device.

20. A first network function, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the notification method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

21. A second network function, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the notification method as described in any one of claims 15 to 17.

22. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the notification method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or implement the steps of the notification method as described in any one of claims 15 to 17.

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