Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a communication method and a communication device. According to the application, a clock synchronization function network element can obtain the identifier of a service access management network element of a terminal device, and then can determine whether a target access management network element set includes the service access management network element of the terminal device, thereby facilitating the clock synchronization function network element to determine whether the target access management network set includes the service access management network element of the terminal device, and to subscribe to the terminal device's service access management network element whether the location of the terminal device is located in the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby avoiding initiating unnecessary subscription. The target access management network element set includes an access management network element serving a TA in the coverage range of the clock synchronization service.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) proposes a coverage area based clock synchronization method. The method can include: an application function (AF) requesting a 5th generation (5G) system (5GS) to start a clock synchronization service for a target user equipment (UE) with a tracking area (TA) list; then a time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) subscribes to a target access and mobility management function (AMF) for a TA in the TA list according to the TA list requested by the AF, and subscribes to the target AMF whether a location of the target UE is in a service coverage (also referred to as an area of interest (AoI)) of the clock synchronization service requested by the AF; then, if the location of the target UE is in the AoI, the TSCTSF starts an access layer clock synchronization indication to instruct an access network device to provide reference time information to the target UE, and if the location of the target UE is not in the AoI, the TSCTSF stops the access layer time synchronization indication.

[0003] However, in the above method, when the TSCTSF subscribes to the target AMF whether the location of the target UE is in the AoI, the subscription fails, so that it is not possible to determine whether to start the access layer clock synchronization indication. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, so that a clock synchronization function network element can obtain an identifier of a service access management network element of a terminal device, thereby avoiding the clock synchronization function network element subscribing to a non-service access management network element of the terminal device whether the terminal device is located in a coverage area of a clock synchronization service.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a clock synchronization function network element or a component (e.g., a chip or a circuit) of the clock synchronization function network element, and is not limited thereto. For ease of description, the method is described below as being performed by the clock synchronization function network element.

[0006] The method includes: obtaining, by the clock synchronization function network element, an identifier of a first access management network element, the first access management network element being a service access management network element of a terminal device; and determining, by the clock synchronization function network element, whether a target access management network element set includes the first access management network element, the target access management network element set including access management network elements serving tracking areas (TAs) within a coverage range of a clock synchronization service.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, after the clock synchronization function network element obtains the identifier of the first access management, the clock synchronization function network element can determine whether the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element, which is equivalent to determining whether the first access management network element serves TAs within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby facilitating the clock synchronization function network element to determine whether to subscribe to the first access management network element about whether the terminal device is located within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service. For example, if the target access management network element set does not include the first access management network element, the first access management network element does not serve TAs within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and the clock synchronization function network element does not initiate a subscription to the first access management network element. Even if the clock synchronization function network element initiates a subscription to the first access management network element, since the first access management network element does not serve TAs within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, the first access management network element cannot determine whether the location of the terminal device is within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, that is, the subscription initiated by the clock synchronization function network element to the first access management network element is unnecessary.

[0008] It should be understood that if there are multiple access management network elements serving TAs within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, the target access management network element set includes multiple access management network elements. For example, the TAs within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service include TA#1, TA#2, TA#3, and TA#4, the first access management network element serves TA#1 and TA#2, and the second access management network element serves TA#4 and TA#4, and the target management network element set includes the first access management network element and the second access management network element. If there is one access management network element serving TAs within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, the target access management network element set includes one access management network element. For example, the TAs within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service include TA#1 and TA#2, and the first access management network element serves TA#1 and TA#2, and the target management network element set includes the first access management network element.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the clock synchronization function network element acquires the identifier of the first access management network element, including: the clock synchronization function network element sends a first request message to the data management network element, the first request message comprising the identifier of the terminal device, the first request message being used to request to acquire or discover the service access management network element of the terminal device; and the clock synchronization function network element receives a first request response message from the data management network element, the first request response message comprising the identifier of the first access management network element.

[0010] Optionally, the first request message further comprises the identifier of the clock synchronization function network element.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, if the first request message comprises the identifier of the clock synchronization function network element, the data management network element can determine whether to provide the identifier of the first access management network element to the clock synchronization function network element according to the identifier of the clock synchronization function network element. For example, the data management network element is preconfigured with an association relationship between the identifier of the clock synchronization function network element and the identifier of the terminal device, and thus the data management network element can determine whether to provide the identifier of the first access management network element to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further comprises: receiving, by the clock synchronization function network element, information of a coverage range of the clock synchronization service, the information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service indicating the first TA list; and determining, by the clock synchronization function network element, the set of target access management network elements according to the information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service.

[0013] For example, any TA in the first TA list is served by one access management network element in the set of target access management network elements, in other words, for any TA#a in the first TA list, the set of target access management network elements comprises an access management network element serving the TA#a.

[0014] For example, the clock synchronization function network element receives the clock synchronization subscription data from the data management network element, the clock synchronization subscription data comprising the information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service.

[0015] Optionally, the clock synchronization subscription data further comprises second indication information, the second indication information indicating that an area for activating the clock synchronization service is adjusted based on a registration area (RA) of the terminal device.

[0016] Based on the technical solution, if the clock synchronization subscription data further comprises second indication information, the clock synchronization function network element can adjust the area in which the clock synchronization service is activated according to the second indication information, for example, the clock synchronization function network element determines to activate the clock synchronization service in a TA in which the TA and the RA of the terminal device coincide within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby avoiding starting the clock synchronization service outside the location of the terminal device and outside the coverage range of the clock synchronization service.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further comprises: if the target access management network element set comprises the first access management network element, the clock synchronization function network element sends a first subscription request message to the first access management network element, the first subscription request message being used to subscribe to first information, the first information indicating whether the location of the terminal device is located in a first area, the first area being a TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service and served by the first access management network element; or, if the target access management network element set does not comprise the first access management network element, the clock synchronization function network element does not subscribe to the first information from the first access management network element.

[0018] Based on the technical solution, if the target access management network element set comprises the first access management network element, it indicates that the first access management network element serves a TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and then the clock synchronization function network element sends a first subscription request message to the first access management network element to subscribe to whether the location of the terminal device is within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby facilitating the deployment of the clock synchronization service for the terminal device based on the location of the terminal device. If the target access management network element set does not comprise the first access management network element, it indicates that the first access management network element serves a TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and then the clock synchronization function network element does not send a first subscription request message to the first access management network element, which can avoid initiating unnecessary subscription.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, after the clock synchronization function network element sends the first subscription request message to the first access management network element, the method further comprises: the clock synchronization function network element receives a first subscription notification message from the first access management network element, the first subscription notification message being used to notify whether the location of the terminal device is located in a second area, the second area being the first area or a first RA, the first RA being an RA set for the terminal device by the first access management network element; the first subscription notification message being used to notify the clock synchronization function network element to send second information to a policy control network element in the case that the location of the terminal device is located in the second area, the second information indicating to activate the clock synchronization service in a third area, the third area being a TA in which the first RA and the first area coincide.

[0020] Based on the technical solution, the clock synchronization function network element sends the second information to the policy control network element, which is beneficial for the policy control network element to send the fourth information to the first access management network element according to the second information, and the fourth information is used to determine to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area, so that the first access management network element activates the clock synchronization service in the third area according to the fourth information. Compared with the mode of activating the clock synchronization service in the first area or the first RA, the technical solution can accurately control the area of activating the clock synchronization service, which avoids activating the clock synchronization service outside the location of the terminal device and avoids activating the clock synchronization service outside the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby being beneficial for saving signaling consumption and air interface resources.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, after the clock synchronization function network element sends the first subscription request message to the first access management network element, the method further includes: the clock synchronization function network element receives a second subscription notification message from a second access management network element, the second subscription notification message being used to notify whether the location of the terminal device is located in a second area, the second area being the first area or a first RA, the first RA being an RA set by the first access management network element for the terminal device, and the second access management network element being a service access management network element of the terminal device; and the clock synchronization management network element determines whether the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element.

[0022] Based on the technical solution, when the clock synchronization function network element receives the second subscription notification message from the second access management network element, the clock synchronization function network element can determine whether the second access management network element serves the TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, when determining that the service access management network element of the terminal device is switched from the first access management network element to the second access management network element, which is equivalent to determining whether the second access management network element serves the TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby being beneficial for the clock synchronization function network element to determine whether to subscribe to the second access management network element whether the location of the terminal device is located within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: if the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element, the clock synchronization function network element sends a second subscription request message to the second access management network element, the second subscription request message being used to subscribe to third information, the third information indicating whether the location of the terminal device is located in a fourth area, the fourth area being the TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service and served by the second access management network element; or, if the target access management network element set does not include the second access management network element, the clock synchronization function network element sends a cancel subscription request message to the second access management network element, the cancel subscription request message being used to cancel subscription to the first information.

[0024] Based on the technical solution, if the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element, it indicates that the second access management network element serves the TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and then the clock synchronization function network element sends a second subscription request message to the second access management network element to subscribe to whether the location of the terminal device is within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby facilitating the deployment of the clock synchronization service for the terminal device based on the location of the terminal device. If the target access management network element set does not include the second access management network element, it indicates that the second access management network element serves the TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and then the clock synchronization function network element sends a cancel subscription request message to the second access management network element, which can avoid unnecessary subscription processes and save signaling and resource consumption.

[0025] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first access management network element, or can also be executed by a component (such as a chip or circuit) of the first access management network element, and the execution is not limited. For ease of description, the following will be described by taking the execution by the first access management network element as an example.

[0026] The method includes: the first access management network element acquires fourth information, the fourth information being used to determine to activate the clock synchronization service in a third area, the third area being a TA in which the first RA and the first area coincide, the first RA being an RA set by the first access management network element for the terminal device, and the first area being a TA served by the first access management network element within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service; the first access management network element determines the third area according to the first RA and the first area; and the first access management network element activates the clock synchronization service in the third area.

[0027] Based on the technical solution, the first access management network element activates the clock synchronization service in the third area according to the fourth information, which can accurately control the area in which the clock synchronization service is activated, avoiding activating the clock synchronization service outside the location of the terminal device and outside the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby saving signaling consumption and air interface resources.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first access management network element acquires the fourth information, including: the first access management network element receives the fourth information from a policy control network element.

[0029] In some implementations of the second aspect, the fourth information is access and mobility subscription data of the terminal device, and the first access management network element obtains the fourth information by receiving the access and mobility subscription data from a data management network element, the access and mobility subscription data including information of a coverage of the clock synchronization service.

[0030] In some implementations of the second aspect, the access and mobility subscription data further includes third indication information indicating that the terminal device adjusts a region of the clock synchronization service based on the RA.

[0031] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first access management network element, or can also be executed by a component (for example, a chip or a circuit) of the first access management network element, and the execution is not limited. For ease of description, the following describes the execution by the first access management network element.

[0032] The method includes: the first access management network element obtaining access and mobility subscription data of a terminal device, the access and mobility subscription data including information of a coverage of an access layer clock synchronization service to which the terminal device subscribes; the first access management network element setting a first RA for the terminal device according to the coverage of the access layer clock synchronization service, the first RA being the coverage of the access layer clock synchronization service or at least one TA in the coverage of the access layer clock synchronization service; and the first access management network element activating the access layer clock synchronization service in the first RA.

[0033] Based on the above technical solution, the first access management network element sets a first RA for the terminal device according to the coverage of the access layer clock synchronization service to which the terminal device subscribes, and activates the access layer clock synchronization service in the first RA, so that the access layer clock synchronization service can be activated for a group of terminal devices in the coverage of the access layer clock synchronization service.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first access management network element, or can also be executed by a component (for example, a chip or a circuit) of the first access management network element, and the execution is not limited. For ease of description, the following describes the execution by the first access management network element.

[0035] The method comprises: a first access management network element obtaining access and mobile subscription data of a terminal device, the access and mobile subscription data comprising information of a coverage range of an access layer clock synchronization service to which the terminal device is subscribed; if a TA served by the first access management network element does not coincide with a TA within the coverage range of the access layer clock synchronization service, the first access management network element sending a second request message to a network storage function network element, the second request message comprising information of the coverage range of the access layer clock synchronization service, the second request message being used to request obtaining or discovering at least one target access management network element serving at least one TA within the coverage range of the access layer clock synchronization service; the first access management network element receiving a second request response message from the network storage function network element, the second request response message comprising an identifier of the at least one target access management network element; and the first access management network element determining a serving access management network element of the terminal device according to the identifier of the at least one target access management network element.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, the first access management network element can reselect a serving access management network element for the terminal device according to the coverage range of the access layer clock synchronization service, and the serving access management network element reselected by the first access management network element serves at least one TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, so that the serving access management network element reselected by the first access management network element can activate the clock synchronization service for the terminal device.

[0037] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the information of the coverage range of the access layer clock synchronization service indicates a first TA list, and the target access management network element serves at least one TA within the first TA list.

[0038] The fifth aspect provides a communication apparatus, which can be a clock synchronization function network element or a component in the clock synchronization function network element. The communication apparatus can comprise various modules or units for performing the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0039] The sixth aspect provides a communication apparatus, which can be a first access management network element or a component in the first access management network element. The communication apparatus can comprise various modules or units for performing the method in the second aspect to the fourth aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0040] The seventh aspect provides a communication apparatus comprising a processor. The processor is coupled with a memory and is configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises the memory. Optionally, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled with the communication interface.

[0041] In one implementation, the communication device is a clock synchronization function network element. When the communication device is a clock synchronization function network element, the communication interface can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0042] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a clock synchronization function network element. When the communication device is a chip configured in a clock synchronization function network element, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0043] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods of the second to fourth aspects and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0044] In one implementation, the communication device is a first access management network element. When the communication device is a first access management network element, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0045] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in the first access management network element. When the communication device is a chip configured in the first access management network element, the communication interface can be an input / output interface.

[0046] Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0047] A ninth aspect provides a processor, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute a method from any of the possible implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0048] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, a processing apparatus is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory, and is configured to receive a signal via a receiver, and transmit a signal via a transmitter, to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0050] Optionally, the processor is one or more, and the memory is one or more.

[0051] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be separately arranged from the processor.

[0052] In a specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, for example, a read only memory (ROM), which can be integrated on the same chip as the processor, or can be separately arranged on different chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory and the arrangement of the memory and the processor.

[0053] It should be understood that the related data interaction process, for example, sending the first subscription request message can be the process of outputting the first subscription request message from the processor, and receiving the first subscription notification message can be the process of receiving the input first subscription notification message by the processor. Specifically, the data output by the processor can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. The transmitter and the receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0054] The processing apparatus in the above tenth aspect can be one or more chips. The processor in the processing apparatus can be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which is configured to read software codes stored in the memory to implement the processor. The memory can be integrated in the processor, or can exist independently of the processor.

[0055] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions), which, when executed, causes a computer to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0056] In a twelfth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (which can also be referred to as code or instructions), which, when executed on a computer, causes the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect to the fourth aspect to be performed.

[0057] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising the clock synchronization function network element and the first access management network element of the preceding aspects, the clock synchronization function network element being configured to perform the method of the first aspect and any one of its possible implementation forms, and the first access management network element being configured to perform the method of the second aspect and any one of its possible implementation forms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system suitable for the method provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by the present application.

[0060] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by the present application.

[0061] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided by the present application.

[0062] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided by embodiments of the present application.

[0063] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided by embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) system or a new radio (NR), a 6th generation (6G) system or a future communication system, and the like. The 5G mobile communication system described in the present application includes a non-standalone (NSA) 5G mobile communication system or a standalone (SA) 5G mobile communication system. The communication system can also be a public land mobile network (PLMN), a sidelink (SL) communication system, a machine to machine (M2M) communication system, an Internet of things (IoT) communication system, a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system, or other communication systems.

[0065] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents an "or" relationship between the objects before and after the " / ", for example, A / B can represent A or B; in the present application, "and / or" is only a description of the relationship between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the following three cases: A alone, A and B together, and B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of the items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", and the like are used to distinguish the same or similar items with basically the same function and role. Those skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second", and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", and the like do not necessarily mean different. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplarily" or "for example" is used to identify as an example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or technical solution described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or technical solutions. Rather, the use of "exemplarily" or "for example" and the like is intended to present the relevant concept in a specific manner and facilitate understanding.

[0066] In addition, the network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that as the network architecture evolves and new service scenarios appear, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0067] In order to understand the embodiments of the present application, first, the network architecture suitable for the embodiments of the present application will be described. Figure 1 The system architecture suitable for the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail.

[0068] Figure 1 The system architecture shown can include the following devices.

[0069] 1、User Equipment (UE): can be referred to as a terminal device, which is a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device with wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. Currently, some examples of terminals can be: mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver function (such as notebook computers, palmtop computers, etc.), mobile Internet devices (MID), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self driving, wireless terminals in remote medical treatment, wireless terminals in smart grid, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart city, wireless terminals in smart home, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication function, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or terminal devices in future evolved PLMN, etc.

[0070] Among them, wearable devices can also be referred to as wearable smart devices, which are collectively referred to as devices that can be designed and developed by applying wearable technology to daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that can be directly worn on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also powerful functions through software support and data interaction, cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include full-featured, large-sized devices that can realize complete or partial functions without relying on smart phones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, and devices that focus on a certain application function and need to be used with other devices such as smart phones, such as various smart wristbands and smart jewelry for monitoring vital signs.

[0071] In addition, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important part of future information technology development, and its main technical feature is to connect objects through communication technology and network, so as to realize the intelligent network of man-machine interconnection and object-object interconnection. IoT technology can achieve massive connection, deep coverage and terminal power saving through, for example, narrowband (NB) technology.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1 A device-side time sensitive network (TSN) translator (DS-TT) can be deployed on the UE, and the DS-TT is used to connect the TSN system on the terminal side, and implement the user plane features of the TSN switching node, such as topology discovery, and implement the scheduling rules created by the TSN control plane.

[0073] It should be noted that Figure 1 Taking the case of deploying DS-TT together with UE as an example, DS-TT can also be deployed independently.

[0074] 2、Access network (AN): provides network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to the level of users, business needs, etc. The access network can be an access network using different access technologies. Current access network technologies include: wireless access network technologies used in the 3rd generation (3G) system, wireless access network technologies used in the 4th generation (4G) system, or next generation wireless access network (NG-RAN) technologies (such as wireless access technologies used in the 5G system, etc.).

[0075] The access network that implements the access network function based on wireless communication technology can be referred to as a radio access network (RAN). The radio access network can manage wireless resources and provide access services for terminals, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user data between terminals and core networks.

[0076] The radio access network device can be, for example, a base station (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), a next generation Node Base station (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi wireless hotspot system, and can also be a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or can be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a drone, a wearable device, a network device in a 5G network or an evolved PLMN, and the like. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the radio access network device.

[0077] 3. Access management network element: mainly used for mobility management and access management, responsible for transferring user policies between user equipment and policy control function (PCF) network elements, and can be used to implement other functions in addition to session management in the mobile management entity (MME) function. For example, the function of access authorization (authentication).

[0078] In the 5G communication system, the access management network element can be an access and mobility management (AMF) network element. In the future communication system, the access management network element can be an AMF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0079] 4. Session management network element: mainly used for session management, allocation and management of internet protocol (IP) addresses of user equipment, selection of manageable user plane functions, termination of policy control and charging function interfaces, and downlink data communication.

[0080] In the 5G communication system, the session management network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element. In the future communication system, the session management network element can be an SMF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0081] 5. User plane network element: used for packet routing and forwarding, quality of services (QoS) processing of user plane data, completion of user plane data forwarding, session / stream level-based charging statistics, bandwidth limiting function, and the like.

[0082] In the 5G communication system, the user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In the future communication system, the user plane network element can be a UPF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0083] As shown in Figure 1 The network-side TSN translator (NW-TT) can be deployed on the UPF, and the NW-TT is used to connect the network-side TSN system, realize the user plane features of the TSN switching node, such as topology discovery, and realize the scheduling rules created by the TSN control plane.

[0084] It should be noted that Figure 1 Taking the deployment of the NW-TT and the UPF as an example, the NW-TT can also be deployed independently.

[0085] 6. Policy control network element: a unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, providing policy rule information, etc. for control plane function network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0086] In the 4G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In the 5G communication system, the policy control network element can be a PCF network element. In the future communication system, the policy control network element can be a PCF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0087] 7. Data management network element: used for processing user equipment identification, access authentication, registration, and mobility management, etc.

[0088] In the 4G communication system, the data management network element can be a home subscriber server (HSS) network element. In the 5G communication system, the data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In the future communication system, the data management network element can be a UDM network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0089] 8. Network exposure function (NEF) network element: used for securely exposing services and capabilities provided by 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network functions to the outside, etc.

[0090] 9. TSN application function (AF) network element: used for connecting the centralized network configuration (CUC) entity of the TSN network, providing certain application layer services to the UE.

[0091] 10. Network repository function (NRF) network element: can be used to provide network element information corresponding to the network element type based on the request of other network elements through the network element discovery function. The NRF can also provide network element management services such as network element registration, update, deregistration, and network element state subscription and push.

[0092] 11. Time sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF) network element: implements the deterministic forwarding management capability in the 5G communication system.

[0093] Figure 1 The N1, N2, N3, N4, N9, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Ntsctsf, Namf, and Nsmf in the figure are interface serial numbers. The meanings of these interface serial numbers can be referred to the meanings defined in 3GPP technology specification (TS) 23.501.

[0094] It should be understood that the network architecture applied to the embodiments of the present application is only illustrative, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture capable of realizing the functions of the above network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0095] It should also be understood that Figure 1 The AMF, SMF, UPF, NEF, PCF, UDM, NRF, TSCTSF, etc. shown can be understood as network elements in the core network for realizing different functions, for example, can be combined into a network slice as needed. These core network network elements can be independent devices, or can be integrated into the same device to realize different functions. The specific form of the above network elements is not limited in the present application.

[0096] It should also be understood that the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in 5G networks and future other networks. For example, in a 6G network, part or all of the above network elements can use the terms in 5G, or other names, etc. Figure 1The interface name between each network element in the figure is only an example, and the name of the interface in the specific implementation can be other names, which are not limited in the application.

[0097] 3GPP proposes a clock synchronization method based on coverage area. The method can include: an AF requesting a 5G system (5G system, 5GS) to start a clock synchronization service for a target UE with a tracking area (TA) list (TA list); then the TSCTSF discovers target AMF(s) for the TAs in the TA list from the NRF according to the AF request, and subscribes to the target AMF(s) whether the location of the target UE is in the service coverage (also known as the area of interest (AoI)) of the clock synchronization service requested by the AF; then, if the location of the target UE is in the AoI, the TSCTSF opens the access layer clock synchronization indication to instruct the access network device to provide reference time information to the target UE, and if the location of the target UE is not in the AoI, the TSCTSF closes the access layer clock synchronization indication.

[0098] However, in the above method, the target AMF(s) discovered by the TSCTSF from the NRF can not include the serving AMF of the target UE, so that even if the TSCTSF subscribes to the target AMF(s) whether the location of the target UE is in the AoI, the TSCTSF cannot know whether the location of the target UE is in the AoI, so as to determine whether to open the access layer clock synchronization indication.

[0099] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, so that the clock synchronization function network element can obtain the identifier of the service access management network element of the terminal device, thereby facilitating the clock synchronization function network element to subscribe to the service access management network element of the terminal device whether the location of the terminal device is in the coverage of the clock synchronization service, so as to realize the deployment of the clock synchronization service for the terminal device based on the location of the terminal device.

[0100] It should be noted that the clock synchronization function network element described in the following embodiments can be a TSCTSF, the data management network element can be a UDM, the network storage function network element can be a NRF, the application function network element can be an AF, the access management network element can be an AMF, and the policy control network element can be a PCF.

[0101] Figure 2 The schematic flowchart of the communication method 200 provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 2As shown, the method 200 can include the following steps.

[0102] S210, the clock synchronization function network element sends a first request message to the data management network element.

[0103] Correspondingly, the data management network element receives the first request message from the clock synchronization function network element.

[0104] The first request message is used to request the service access management network element of the terminal device, that is, the first request message is used to request to obtain or discover the service access management network element of the terminal device, or the first request message is used to request to subscribe to the service access management network element of the terminal device.

[0105] Exemplarily, the first request message includes the identifier of the terminal device, and the identifier of the terminal device can include one or more of the following: international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), 5G globally unique temporary identifier (5G-GUTI), 4G globally unique temporary identifier (4G-GUTI), or IP five-tuple.

[0106] Optionally, the first request message further includes the identifier of the clock synchronization function network element. The identifier of the clock synchronization function network element can include one or more of the following: identifier (ID) of the clock synchronization function network element; address of the clock synchronization function network element, for example, IP address.

[0107] Exemplarily, the clock synchronization function network element sends the first request message to the data management network element by invoking the Nudm_UE context management (CM)_get request (Nudm_UECM_GetReq) service.

[0108] S220, the data management network element sends a first request response message to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0109] Correspondingly, the clock synchronization function network element receives a first request response message from the data management network element.

[0110] The first request response message includes an identifier of the first access management network element, and the first access management network element is a service access management network element of the terminal device. For example, the identifier of the first access management network element can include one or more of the following: an ID of the first access management network element, for example, a global unique AMF identifier (GUAMI); and an address of the first access management network element, for example, an IP address.

[0111] After the data management network element receives the first request message, the data management network element queries the service access management network element of the terminal device according to the identifier of the terminal device included in the first request message, and then sends the first request response message to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0112] Optionally, if the first request message includes an identifier of the clock synchronization function network element, the data management network element can determine whether to provide the identifier of the first access management network element to the clock synchronization function network element according to the identifier of the clock synchronization function network element. If the data management network element determines to provide the identifier of the first access management network element to the clock synchronization function network element, the data management network element sends the first request response message to the clock synchronization function network element. For example, the data management network element is preconfigured with an association relationship between the identifier of the clock synchronization function network element and the identifier of the terminal device, and the data management network element can determine whether to provide the identifier of the first access management network element to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0113] For example, the data management network element sends the first request response message to the clock synchronization function network element by invoking an Nudm_UECM_GetResp service.

[0114] Optionally, if the first request message is used to request subscription of the service access management network element of the terminal device or used to request subscription of a change notification of the service access management network element of the terminal device, after the data management network element sends the first request response message to the clock synchronization function network element, if the service access management network element of the terminal device changes, for example, the service access management network element of the terminal device is switched from the first access management network element to a second access management network element, the data management network element can send a notification message to the clock synchronization function network element, and the notification message includes an identifier of the second access management network element. For example, the identifier of the second access management network element can include one or more of the following: an ID of the second access management network element, for example, a GUAMI; and an address of the second access management network element, for example, an IP address.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present application, the clock synchronization function network element can request the data management network element to obtain or discover the service access management network element of the terminal device, so as to determine the service access management network element of the terminal device. When the clock synchronization function network element determines the service access management network element of the terminal device, the clock synchronization function network element can subscribe to the location information of the terminal device from the service access management network element of the terminal device, so as to facilitate the clock synchronization function network element to deploy the clock synchronization service for the terminal device based on the location of the terminal device.

[0116] The way in which the clock synchronization function network element deploys the clock synchronization service for the terminal device based on the location of the terminal device will be described below in combination with Figure 3

[0117] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the method 300 can include the following steps. Figure 3

[0118] S301, the application function network element sends a request message #1 to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0119] Correspondingly, the clock synchronization function network element receives the request message #1 from the application function network element.

[0120] The request message #1 is used to request to activate the clock synchronization service for the terminal device. Exemplarily, the clock synchronization service is the access layer clock synchronization service.

[0121] The request message #1 includes the identifier of the terminal device. The identifier of the terminal device can refer to the description in S210 of the method 200 above.

[0122] Optionally, the request message #1 further includes the information of the coverage area of the clock synchronization service, and the information of the coverage area of the clock synchronization service indicates the coverage area of the clock synchronization service. Exemplarily, the information of the coverage area of the clock synchronization service can include one or more of the following: coordinate information, geographical area identifier, address information, tracking area identifier (TAI), cell ID.

[0123] ​​The coverage of the clock synchronization service indicates a first TA list, in other words, the first TA list can be determined according to the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service. For example, in the case that the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service includes a geographical area identifier, the first TA list determined according to the geographical area identifier includes TAs in the geographical area identified by the geographical area identifier. For another example, in the case that the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service includes a TAI, the first TA list determined according to the TAI includes TAs identified by the TAI. For another example, in the case that the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service includes a cell ID, the TAs in the first TA list determined according to the cell ID include cells identified by the cell ID. For example, the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service includes a cell ID of cell#1, a cell ID of cell#2, a cell ID of cell#3 and a cell ID of cell#4, cell#1 belongs to TA#1, cell#2 belongs to TA#2, cell#3 belongs to TA#3, and cell#4 belongs to TA#4, and the first TA list includes TA#1 to TA#4.

[0124] Optionally, the request message #1 further includes indication information #1, the indication information #1 indicates to create the clock synchronization service, or the indication information #1 indicates to delete the clock synchronization service. If the indication information #1 indicates to create the clock synchronization service, it means that the request message #1 is used to request to create the clock synchronization service for the terminal device. For example, the indication information #1 can be named as 5G access stratum time distribution indication, if the value of the 5G access stratum time distribution indication is “create”, it means that the 5G access stratum time distribution indication is used to indicate to create the time synchronization service; if the value of the 5G access stratum time distribution indication is “delete”, it means that the 5G access stratum time distribution indication is used to indicate to delete the time synchronization service.

[0125] Optionally, the request message #1 further includes a first error, and the first error is an upper limit of the clock synchronization error introduced by the 5GS. For example, the first error can be called as time synchronization error budget.

[0126] Optionally, the request message #1 further includes a temporal validity condition, and the temporal validity condition indicates a start time and / or an end time of the clock synchronization service.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the application function network element can send a request message #1 to the clock synchronization function network element through the network exposure function network element.

[0128] For example, the application function network element can send a request message #2 to the network exposure function network element by invoking an Nnef_ASTI_Creat Request service, and the network exposure function network element can send the request message #1 to the clock synchronization function network element by invoking an Ntsctsf_ASTI_Creat Request service. The request message #1 sent by the network exposure function network element to the clock synchronization function network element is determined by the network exposure function network element according to the request message #2.

[0129] For another example, the application function network element can send a request message #1 to the network exposure function network element by invoking an Nnef_ASTI_Update Request service, and the network exposure function network element can send the request message #1 to the clock synchronization function network element by invoking an Ntsctsf_ASTI_Update Request service.

[0130] For example, the request message #2 sent by the application function network element to the network exposure function network element includes external information of a coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and the external information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service includes one or more of the following: coordinate information, a geographic area identifier, and address information. The network exposure function network element maps the external information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service to internal information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and then sends the request message #1 including the internal information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service to the clock synchronization function network element. The internal information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service includes one or more of the following: a TAI or a cell ID.

[0131] In a possible implementation, if the application function network element is a trusted application function network element, the application function network element can directly send the request message #1 to the clock synchronization function network element. For example, the application function network element can send the request message #1 to the clock synchronization function network element by invoking an Ntsctsf_ASTI_Creat Request service. For another example, the application function network element can send the request message #1 to the clock synchronization function network element by invoking an Ntsctsf_ASTI_Update Request service.

[0132] For example, the request message #1 sent by the application function network element to the clock synchronization function network element includes internal information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service.

[0133] Optionally, if the request message #1 does not include the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service, the method 300 further includes S302.

[0134] S302, the clock synchronization function network element acquires clock synchronization subscription data from the data management network element.

[0135] The clock synchronization subscription data includes information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service to which the terminal device subscribes. For example, the clock synchronization subscription data includes internal information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service to which the terminal device subscribes.

[0136] Optionally, the clock synchronization subscription data further includes second indication information, the second indication information indicating to adjust the area of activating the clock synchronization service based on a registration area (RA) of the terminal device. For example, the second indication information can be named as adjust based on RA indication.

[0137] Optionally, the clock synchronization subscription data further includes a first error.

[0138] Optionally, the clock synchronization subscription data further includes a time validity condition.

[0139] For example, the clock synchronization function network element sends a request message #3 to the data management network element, the request message #3 including the identifier of the terminal device, and the request message #3 being used to request the clock synchronization subscription data of the terminal device. For example, the clock synchronization function network element sends the request message #3 to the data management network element by calling a Nudm_subscriber data management (SDM)_get request (Nudm_SDM_GetReq) service.

[0140] Correspondingly, after receiving the request message #3, the data management network element queries the clock synchronization subscription data of the terminal device according to the identifier of the terminal device, and sends a response message #3 to the clock synchronization function network element, the response message #3 including the clock synchronization subscription data of the terminal device. For example, the clock synchronization function network element sends the response message #3 to the data management network element by calling a Nudm_SDM_get response (Nudm_SDM_GetResp) service.

[0141] S303, the clock synchronization function network element determines a target access management network element set.

[0142] After the clock synchronization function network element obtains the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service, the clock synchronization function network element determines the target access management network element set according to the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service.

[0143] The target access management network element set includes the access management network elements serving the TAs within the coverage of the clock synchronization service. It should be understood that if there are multiple access management network elements serving the TAs within the coverage of the clock synchronization service, the target access management network element set includes the multiple access management network elements. For example, the TAs within the coverage of the clock synchronization service include TA#1, TA#2, TA#3 and TA#4, a first access management network element serves TA#1 and TA#2, and a second access management network element serves TA#4 and TA#4, and then the target management network element set includes the first access management network element and the second access management network element. If there is one access management network element serving the TAs within the coverage of the clock synchronization service, the target access management network element set includes the one access management network element. For example, the TAs within the coverage of the clock synchronization service include TA#1 and TA#2, and a first access management network element serves TA#1 and TA#2, and then the target management network element set includes the first access management network element.

[0144] For example, the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service indicates the first TA list, and then the target access management network element includes the access management network elements serving the TAs in the first TA list. In a possible implementation, any one of the TAs in the first TA list is served by one access management network element in the target access management network element set, in other words, for any one TA#a in the first TA list, the target access management network element set includes the access management network element serving the TA#a.

[0145] For example, the clock synchronization function network element determines the target access management network element set in the following steps.

[0146] Step 1: The clock synchronization function network element sends a request message #4 to the network storage function network element, the request message #4 including the TAI of the TA included in the first TA list, and the request message #4 being used to request the access management network element serving the TA in the first TA list. For example, the clock synchronization function network element sends the request message #4 to the network storage function network element by invoking the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Resquest service.

[0147] Step 2, the clock synchronization function network element receives a response message #4 from the network storage function network element, the response message #4 includes the identification of at least one access management network element; for example, the network storage function network element sends the response message #4 to the network storage function network element by calling a Nnrf_network function (network function, NF) discovery_response (Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response) service. Optionally, the response message #4 also includes the correspondence between the identification of at least one access management network element and at least one TAI, wherein the identification of the access management network element #1 corresponds to the TAI used to identify the TA in the first TA list served by the access management network element #1, and the access management network element #1 is any one of the at least one access management network element.

[0148] Step 3, the clock synchronization function network element determines that the target access management network element set includes the at least one access management network element, for example, the response message #4 includes the identification of the first access management network element and the identification of the second access management network element, and the clock synchronization function network element determines that the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element and the second access management network element set. Optionally, if the response message #4 also includes the correspondence between the identification of the first access management network element and the TAI of TA#1 and the TAI of TA#2, and the correspondence between the identification of the second access management network element and the TAI of TA#3 and the TAI of TA#4, then the clock synchronization function network element determines that the first access management network element serves TA#1 and TA#2, and the second access management network element serves TA#3 and TA#4.

[0149] S304, the clock synchronization function network element obtains the identification of the serving access management network element of the terminal device.

[0150] The clock synchronization function network element obtains the identification of the serving access management network element of the terminal device. The method for the clock synchronization function network element to obtain the identification of the serving access management network element of the terminal device can refer to the method 200 described above. Hereinafter, the serving access management network element of the terminal device is taken as the first access management network element as an example for description.

[0151] When the clock synchronization function network element obtains the identification of the first access management network element, it can determine whether to subscribe to the first information according to the relationship between the target access management network element set and the first access management network element, that is, the method 300 can continue to perform S305. The description of the first information can refer to S306 below. The relationship between the target access management network element set and the first access management network element includes: the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element, or the target access management network element set does not include the first access management network element.

[0152] S305, the clock synchronization function network element determines whether the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element.

[0153] In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization function network element determines that the target access management network element set does not include the first access management network element, the clock synchronization function network element sends a response message #1 to the application function network element, where the response message #1 includes indication information #2, and the indication information #2 indicates that the clock synchronization service is not activated. Optionally, the response message #1 further includes a reason for not activating the clock synchronization service, for example, the reason for not activating the clock synchronization service is that the TA served by the access management network element does not overlap with the first TA list.

[0154] For example, if the clock synchronization function network element receives the request message #1 through the network exposure function network element, the clock synchronization function network element sends the response message #1 to the application function network element through the network exposure function network element. For example, the clock synchronization function network element can send the response message #1 to the network exposure function network element by invoking an Ntsctsf_ASTI_Creat Response service, and the network exposure function network element can send the response message #1 to the application function network element by invoking an Nnef_ASTI_Update Response service.

[0155] For example, if the clock synchronization function network element receives the request message #1 through the network exposure function network element, the clock synchronization function network element sends the response message #1 to the application function network element through the network exposure function network element. For example, the clock synchronization function network element can send the response message #1 to the network exposure function network element by invoking an Ntsctsf_ASTI_Creat Response service, and the network exposure function network element can send the response message #1 to the application function network element by invoking an Nnef_ASTI_Update Response service.

[0156] In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization function network element determines that the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element, the method 300 continues to perform one or more steps in S306 to S314.

[0157] S306, the clock synchronization function network element sends a first subscription request message to the first access management network element.

[0158] Correspondingly, the first access management network element receives the first subscription request message from the clock synchronization function network element.

[0159] The first subscription request message is used to subscribe to the first information, and the first information indicates whether a location where the terminal device is located is located in a first area. The first area is a TA served by the first access management network element in a coverage range of the clock synchronization service, or in other words, the first area is at least one TA served by the first access management network element in the first TA list. Assuming that the first TA list includes TA#1 to TA#4, and TA#1 and TA#2 are served by the first access management network element, the first area can be TA#1 and TA#2. Exemplarily, the first area can be referred to as an AoI subscribed by the clock synchronization function network element to the first access management network element.

[0160] Optionally, the first subscription request message includes a TAI of the TA corresponding to the first area. As described above, if the response message #4 received by the clock synchronization function network element includes the correspondence between the identifier of the at least one access management network element and the at least one TAI, the clock synchronization function network element can determine the TA corresponding to the first area according to the response message #4, and then the first subscription request message sent by the clock synchronization function network element can include the TAI of the TA corresponding to the first area. Exemplarily, if the TA corresponding to the first area is all the TA served by the first access management network element, the first subscription request message can not include the TAI of the TA corresponding to the first area.

[0161] Optionally, the first subscription request message includes the TAIs of all the TAs included in the first TA list.

[0162] Optionally, the first subscription request message includes an identifier of the terminal device. Exemplarily, if the first access management network element only serves the terminal device, or the terminal device includes all the terminal devices served by the first access management network element, the first subscription request message can not include the identifier of the terminal device.

[0163] Optionally, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is precision time protocol (PTP) time synchronization or general precision time protocol (gPTP) clock synchronization, the first subscription request message further includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first area is adjusted to a second area based on the RA of the terminal device. The second area is the first RA, and the first RA is the RA set for the terminal device by the first access management network element. Exemplarily, the first indication information can be named as adjustAoI based on RA indication. Exemplarily, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is PTP time synchronization or gPTP time synchronization, the first subscription request message can also not include the first indication information.

[0164] Optionally, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is the 5G clock synchronization, the first subscription request message further includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the first area is adjusted to the second area based on the RA of the terminal device, and the second area is the first RA.

[0165] S307, the first access management network element sends a first subscription notification message to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0166] Correspondingly, the clock synchronization function network element receives the first subscription notification message from the first access management network element.

[0167] After the first access management network element receives the first subscription request message, the second area is determined according to the first subscription request message, and then the first subscription notification message is sent to the clock synchronization function network element according to the second area and the location of the terminal device. The first subscription notification message is used to notify whether the location of the terminal device is located in the second area. For example, the first subscription notification message includes information #1, the value of the information #1 is "in" or "out", if the value of the information #1 is "in", the second subscription notification message is used to notify that the location of the terminal device is located in the second area, if the value of the information #1 is "out", the second subscription notification message is used to notify that the location of the terminal device is located out of the second area.

[0168] In a possible implementation, if the first subscription request message does not include the TAI of the TA corresponding to the first area and the TAIs of all the TAs included in the first TA list, the first access management network element determines that the second area is all the TAs served by the first access management network element, or the first RA.

[0169] In a possible implementation, if the first subscription request message includes the TAI of the TA corresponding to the first area, the first access management network element determines that the second area is any one of the following: the first area or the first RA. For example, the first area is TA#1 and TA#2, the first RA is TA#2 and TA#3, the second area is TA#1 and TA#2, or the second area is TA#2 and TA#3.

[0170] For example, if the first subscription request message further includes the first indication information, the second area determined by the first access management network element is the first RA.

[0171] In a possible implementation, if the first subscription request message includes TAIs of all TAs included in the first TA list, the first access management network element determines the second area as any one of the following: a TA in the first TA list served by the first access management network element, and the first RA. For example, the first TA list includes TAs #1 to #4, the first access management network element serves TAs #1, #2, and #5, and the first RA includes TAs #2 and #3. In this case, the second area is TAs #1 and #2, or the second area is TAs #2 and #3.

[0172] For example, if the first subscription request message further includes the first indication information, the second area determined by the first access management network element is the first RA.

[0173] Optionally, if the first subscription notification message indicates that the location of the terminal device is outside the second area, the clock synchronization function network element sends a response message #1 to the application function network element.

[0174] Optionally, if the first subscription notification message indicates that the location of the terminal device is inside the second area, the method 300 further includes S308 to S310.

[0175] S308, the clock synchronization function network element sends second information to the policy control network element.

[0176] Correspondingly, the policy control network element receives the second information from the clock synchronization function network element.

[0177] The policy control network element is configured to process an AM policy association for the terminal device.

[0178] For example, the second information includes indication information #5, which indicates to activate the clock synchronization service, or indicates to deactivate the clock synchronization service. If the indication information #5 indicates to activate the clock synchronization service, it means that the fourth information is used to determine to activate the clock synchronization service. For example, the indication information #5 can be named as 5G access layer time distribution indication. If the value of the 5G access layer time distribution indication is "active", it means that the 5G access layer time distribution indication is used to indicate to activate the time synchronization service. If the value of the 5G access layer time distribution indication is "deactive", it means that the 5G access layer time distribution indication is used to indicate to deactivate the time synchronization service.

[0179] Optionally, the second information further comprises indication information #3, and the indication information #3 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in a third area, and the third area is a TA in which the first RA and the first area coincide. It can be understood that, in the case that the third information comprises the indication information #3, the third information indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area. In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device comprises the second indication information, the second information can comprise the indication information #3. In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is PTP time synchronization or gPTP time synchronization, the second information can comprise the indication information #3. In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is 5G time synchronization, the second information can also comprise the indication information #3.

[0180] It should be understood that, if the second information does not comprise the indication information #3, the third information indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the second area.

[0181] Optionally, the second information further comprises indication information #4, and the indication information #4 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area or the second area, and the third area is a TA in which the first RA and the first area coincide. For example, the indication information #4 is one bit of information, if the value of the indication information #4 is "1", the indication information #4 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area, and if the value of the indication information #4 is "0", the indication information #4 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the second area. It can be understood that, in the case that the indication information #4 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area, the third information indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area. In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device comprises the second indication information, the second information can comprise the indication information #4, and the indication information #4 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area. In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is PTP time synchronization or gPTP time synchronization, the second information can comprise the indication information #4, and the indication information #4 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area. In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is 5G time synchronization, the second information can also comprise the indication information #4, and the indication information #4 indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area.

[0182] Optionally, the second information further comprises an identifier of the terminal device.

[0183] Optionally, if the request message #1 or the clock synchronization subscription data includes the first error, the second information further includes a second error, the second error being determined by the clock synchronization function network element according to the first error, and the second error being an uplink of the clock synchronization error introduced by the Uu air interface. Illustratively, the second error can be referred to as a Uu time synchronization error budget.

[0184] Optionally, if the request message #1 or the clock synchronization subscription data further includes a time validity condition, the second information further includes the time validity condition.

[0185] Illustratively, the clock synchronization function network element sends the second information to the policy control network element by invoking an Npcf_access management (AS) policy authorization_create request (Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Create Rep) service. Alternatively, the clock synchronization function network element sends the second information to the policy control network element by invoking an Npcf_access management (AS) policy authorization_update request (Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Update Rep) service.

[0186] Optionally, if the clock synchronization function network element does not obtain the identifier of the policy control network element before performing S308, the method 300 further includes: the clock synchronization function network element sends a request message #5 to a binding support function (BSF) network element, the request message #5 including the identifier of the terminal device, the request message #5 being used to request the policy control network element for processing the AM policy association of the terminal device; and the clock synchronization function network element receives a response message #5 from the binding support function network element, the response message #5 including the identifier of the policy control network element. Illustratively, the identifier of the policy control network element includes one or more of the following: an ID of the policy control network element, or an address of the policy control network element, for example, an IP address.

[0187] Illustratively, the clock synchronization function network element sends the request message #5 to the binding support function network element by invoking an Nbsf_management_subscribe service. Correspondingly, the binding support function network element sends the response message #5 to the clock synchronization function network element by invoking an Nbsf_management_notify service.

[0188] S309, the policy control network element sends fourth information to the first access management network element.

[0189] Correspondingly, the first access management network element receives the fourth information from the policy control network element.

[0190] After the policy control network element receives the second information, the policy control network element sends the fourth information to the first access management network element according to the second information.

[0191] For example, the fourth information includes indication information #5, the indication information #5 indicates to activate the clock synchronization service. More description of the indication information #5 can refer to the above S308.

[0192] Optionally, if the second information includes the indication information #3, the fourth information also includes the indication information #3, and the fourth information indicates to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area, or in other words, the fourth information is used to determine to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area.

[0193] It should be understood that if the fourth information does not include the indication information #3, the fourth information indicates to activate the clock synchronization service in the second area.

[0194] Optionally, if the second information includes the indication information #4, the fourth information also includes the indication information #4. If the indication information #4 indicates to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area, it is equivalent to that the fourth information indicates to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area, or in other words, the fourth information is used to determine to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area.

[0195] Optionally, if the second information includes the identifier of the terminal device, the fourth information also includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0196] Optionally, if the second information also includes the second error, the fourth information also includes the second error.

[0197] Optionally, if the second information also includes the time validity condition, the fourth information also includes the time validity condition.

[0198] For example, the policy control network element sends the fourth information to the first access management network element by initiating an AM policy association modification procedure.

[0199] S310, the first access management network element sends N2 information to the access network device.

[0200] Correspondingly, the access network device receives the N2 information from the first access management network element.

[0201] After the first access management network element receives the fourth information, the first access management network element saves the fourth information in the context of the terminal device, and then sends N2 information to the access network device according to the fourth information.

[0202] In a possible implementation, if the fourth information includes the indication information #3, the first access management network element sends N2 information to the access network device in the TA corresponding to the third area, so as to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area through the access network device in the TA corresponding to the third area.

[0203] In a possible implementation, if the fourth information does not include the indication information #3, the first access management network element sends N2 information to the access network device in the TA corresponding to the second area, so as to activate the clock synchronization service in the second area through the access network device in the TA corresponding to the second area.

[0204] In a possible implementation, if the fourth information includes the indication information #4, and the indication information #4 indicates to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area, the first access management network element sends N2 information to the access network device in the TA corresponding to the third area, so as to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area through the access network device in the TA corresponding to the third area.

[0205] In a possible implementation, if the fourth information includes the indication information #4, and the indication information #4 indicates to activate the clock synchronization service in the second area, the first access management network element sends N2 information to the access network device in the TA corresponding to the second area, so as to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area through the access network device in the TA corresponding to the second area.

[0206] For example, the N2 information includes the indication information #6, and the indication information #6 indicates to enable the clock synchronization service, or the indication information #6 indicates to start the clock synchronization service. For example, the indication information #6 can be named as 5G access layer time distribution indication, and if the value of the 5G access layer time distribution indication is "enable", it indicates that the 5G access layer time distribution indication is used to indicate to enable or start the clock synchronization service.

[0207] Optionally, if the fourth information includes the identifier of the terminal device, the N2 information further includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0208] Optionally, if the fourth information further includes the second error, the N2 information further includes the second error.

[0209] Optionally, if the fourth information further includes the time validity condition, the N2 information further includes the time validity condition.

[0210] After the access network device receives the N2 information, if the indication information #6 included in the N2 information indicates to enable the clock synchronization service, the access network device starts the clock synchronization service. Optionally, if the N2 information includes the identifier of the terminal device, the access network device provides the terminal device with the reference time information after starting the clock synchronization service. Optionally, if the N2 information includes the second error, the access network device provides the terminal device with the reference time information according to the second error. Optionally, if the N2 information includes the time validity condition, the access network device starts the clock synchronization service within the time period indicated by the time validity condition.

[0211] Optionally, if the service access management network element of the terminal device is switched from the first access management network element to the second access management network element due to the movement of the terminal device, the method 300 further includes S311 to S315.

[0212] S311, the first access management network element sends the context of the terminal device to the second access management network element.

[0213] Correspondingly, the second access management network element receives the context of the terminal device from the first access management network element.

[0214] In the case that the service access management network element of the terminal device is switched from the first access management network element to the second access management network element, the first access management network element or the second access management network element initiates a terminal device context transmission process, so that the first access management network element sends the context of the terminal device to the second access management network element. The context of the terminal device includes an event subscription of the terminal device, which is used to determine that the clock synchronization function network element subscribes the first information to the first access management network element, and is used to determine the second area determined by the first access management network element.

[0215] Illustratively, the first access management network element sends the context of the terminal device to the second access management network element by invoking a Namf_Communication_UEContextTransfer service.

[0216] S312a, the second access management network element sends a second subscription notification message to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0217] Correspondingly, the clock synchronization function network element receives the second subscription notification message from the second access management network element.

[0218] As described above, the context of the terminal device includes the event subscription of the terminal device, therefore, the second access management network element can determine that the clock synchronization function network element subscribes the first information according to the context of the terminal device, and determine the second area. Further, the second access management network element can send a second subscription notification message to the clock synchronization function network element according to the second area and the location where the terminal device is located, and the second subscription notification message is used to notify whether the location where the terminal device is located is located in the second area. More description of the second subscription notification message can refer to the description of the first subscription notification message in S306 above.

[0219] The second subscription notification message can further include the identifier of the second access management network element.

[0220] Optionally, the method 300 further includes S312b.

[0221] S312b, the data management network element sends a notification message to the clock synchronization function network element.

[0222] Correspondingly, the clock synchronization function network element receives the notification message from the data management network element.

[0223] In the case that the service access management network element of the terminal device is switched from the first access management network element to the second access management network element, the data management network element sends a notification message to the clock synchronization function network element, and the notification message includes the identifier of the second access management network element.

[0224] It can be understood that if the clock synchronization function network element receives the second subscription notification message from the second access management network element, and / or receives the notification message from the data management network element, the clock synchronization function network element can determine whether the service access management network element of the terminal device changes. If the clock synchronization function network element determines that the service access management network element of the terminal device changes to the second access management network element, the method 300 continues to perform S313.

[0225] S313, the clock synchronization function network element determines whether the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element.

[0226] S314, the clock synchronization function network element sends a second subscription request message or a cancel subscription request message to the second access management network element.

[0227] Correspondingly, the second access management network element receives the second subscription request message or the cancel subscription request message from the clock synchronization function network element.

[0228] In a possible implementation, if the clock synchronization function network element determines that the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element, the clock synchronization function network element sends a second subscription request message to the second access management network element.

[0229] The second subscription request message is used to subscribe to third information, the third information indicating whether a location where the terminal device is located is located in a fourth area, the fourth area being a TA in a coverage of the clock synchronization service and served by the second access management network element, or in other words, the fourth area being at least one TA in the first TA list and served by the second access management network element. Assuming that the first TA list includes TA#1 to TA#4, and TA#3 and TA#4 are served by the second access management network element, the fourth area can be TA#3 and TA#4. Exemplarily, the fourth area can be referred to as an AoI to which the clock synchronization function network element subscribes to the second access management network element.

[0230] Optionally, the second subscription request message includes a TAI of the TA corresponding to the fourth area. As described above, if the response message #4 received by the clock synchronization function network element includes the correspondence between the identifier of the at least one access management network element and the at least one TAI, the clock synchronization function network element can determine the TA corresponding to the fourth area according to the response message #4, and then the second subscription request message sent by the clock synchronization function network element can include the TAI of the TA corresponding to the fourth area. Exemplarily, if the TA corresponding to the fourth area is all the TA served by the second access management network element, the second subscription request message can not include the TAI of the TA corresponding to the fourth area.

[0231] Optionally, the second subscription request message includes the TAIs of all the TA included in the first TA list.

[0232] Optionally, the second subscription request message includes an identifier of the terminal device. Exemplarily, if the second access management network element only serves the terminal device, or the terminal device includes all the terminal devices served by the second access management network element, the second subscription request message can not include the identifier of the terminal device.

[0233] Optionally, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is PTP time synchronization or gPTP clock synchronization, the second subscription request message further includes indication information #7, the indication information #7 indicating that the fourth area is adjusted to a fifth area based on the RA of the terminal device, the fifth area being a second RA, and the second RA being the RA set by the second access management network element for the terminal device. Exemplarily, the indication information #7 can be named as adjustAoI based on RA indication. Exemplarily, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is PTP time synchronization or gPTP time synchronization, the second subscription request message can also not include the indication information #7.

[0234] Optionally, if the clock synchronization type of the terminal device is 5G clock synchronization, the second subscription request message also includes indication information #7, which indicates that the RA based on the terminal device adjusts the fourth region to the fifth region, and the fifth region is the second RA.

[0235] After receiving the second subscription request message, the second access management network element can send a third subscription notification message to the clock synchronization function network element. The third subscription notification message is used to notify whether the terminal device is located within the fifth area. The way the second access management network element sends the third subscription notification message to the clock synchronization function network element can be referred to the way the first access management network element sends the first subscription notification message to the clock synchronization function network element in S307 above.

[0236] After receiving the third subscription notification message, the clock synchronization function network element can deploy clock synchronization services for the terminal device according to the third subscription notification message. The method by which the clock synchronization function network element deploys clock synchronization services for the terminal device can be referred to the descriptions in S308 to S310 above.

[0237] In one possible implementation, if the clock synchronization function network element determines that the target access management network element set does not include the second access management network element, then the clock synchronization function network element sends an unsubscribe request message to the second access management network element. The unsubscribe request message is used to unsubscribe from the first information.

[0238] In this embodiment, the clock synchronization function network element can request the data management network element to discover the service access management network element of the terminal device. Then, when the application function network element requests the clock synchronization service to activate the clock synchronization service for the terminal device based on the coverage of the clock synchronization service, if the target access management network element set (the target access network element set includes the access management network elements of TAs serving the coverage of the clock synchronization service) includes the service access management network element of the terminal device, the clock synchronization function network element subscribes to the service access management network element of the terminal device to see if the location of the terminal device is within the AoI of the clock synchronization service. This avoids the clock synchronization function network element from initiating a subscription to non-service access management network elements of the terminal device, which is beneficial for saving signaling and realizing the activation of the clock synchronization service based on the coverage of the clock synchronization service.

[0239] The above text combined Figure 3 The text describes how network elements with clock synchronization functions deploy clock synchronization services for terminal devices based on their location. The following section combines this with... Figure 4 This describes how the access management network element deploys clock synchronization services for terminal devices based on their location.

[0240] Figure 4A schematic flow chart of the communication method 400 provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 4. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4, the method 400 can include the following steps.

[0241] S410, the first access management network element acquires access and mobility subscription data of the terminal device.

[0242] The access and mobility subscription data includes information of a coverage range of a clock synchronization service to which the terminal device is subscribed, and the information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service indicates the coverage range of the clock synchronization service to which the terminal device is subscribed. For example, the information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service can include one or more of the following: coordinate information, a geographical area identifier, address information, a TAI, and a cell ID. For example, the clock synchronization service to which the terminal device is subscribed is an access layer clock synchronization service.

[0243] The coverage range of the clock synchronization service indicates the first TA list, in other words, the first TA list can be determined according to the information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service. The manner of determining the first TA list according to the information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service can refer to the description in S301 of the method 300 above.

[0244] Optionally, the access and mobility subscription data further includes a third error, and the third error is an uplink clock synchronization error introduced by a Uu air interface. For example, the third error can be referred to as a Uu time synchronization error budget.

[0245] Optionally, the access and mobility subscription data further includes start time information and / or end time information, the start time information indicates a time point of activating the clock synchronization service, and the end time information indicates a time point of deactivating the clock synchronization service.

[0246] Optionally, the access and mobility subscription data further includes third indication information, and the third indication information indicates an area in which the clock synchronization service is activated based on RA of the terminal device. For example, the third indication information can be referred to as an adjust based on RA indication.

[0247] In one possible implementation, after the first access management network element receives a registration request of the terminal device, the first access management network element acquires the access and mobility subscription data of the terminal device from the data management network element.

[0248] Exemplarily, the first access management network element acquires the access and mobile subscription data of the terminal device from the data management network element in the following manner:

[0249] Step 1, the first access management network element sends a request message #6 to the data management network element, the request message #6 comprising the identity of the terminal device, and the request message #6 being used to request the access and mobile subscription data of the terminal device. For example, the first access management network element sends the request message #6 to the data management network element by invoking the Nudm_SDM_GetReq service.

[0250] Step 2, after receiving the request message #6, the data management network element queries the access and mobile subscription data of the terminal device according to the identity of the terminal device, and sends a response message #6 to the first access management network element, the response message #6 comprising the access and mobile subscription data of the terminal device. For example, the data management network element sends the response message #6 to the first access management network element by invoking the Nudm_SDM_GetResp service.

[0251] It can be understood that, in the case that the access and mobile subscription data comprises the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service to which the terminal device subscribes, the first access management network element can determine the region in which the clock synchronization service is activated for the terminal device according to the information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service. In other words, the access and mobile subscription data can be used to determine the region in which the clock synchronization service is activated for the terminal device.

[0252] The manner in which the first access management network element determines the region in which the clock synchronization service is activated for the terminal device is described below.

[0253] In one possible implementation manner, if there is a TA that overlaps between the first region and the first RA, the first access management network element determines that the clock synchronization service is activated in the TA that overlaps between the first region and the first RA. The TA that overlaps between the first region and the first RA can also be referred to as a third region. In this implementation manner, the access and mobile subscription data are used to determine that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third region.

[0254] In one possible implementation manner, if there is a TA that overlaps between the first region and the first RA, the first access management network element determines that the clock synchronization service is activated in the first RA.

[0255] Optionally, if the access and mobility subscription data includes the third indication information, the first access management network element determines to activate the clock synchronization service in the first RA or in the third area. If the access and mobility subscription data does not include the third indication information, the first access management network element determines to activate the clock synchronization service in the first area or in the first RA.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the first access management network element sets the first RA for the terminal device according to the coverage of the clock synchronization service, and then determines to activate the clock synchronization service in the first RA.

[0257] For example, if the TA list served by the first access management network element includes all TAs in the coverage of the clock synchronization service, the first access management network element can set the first RA as the coverage of the clock synchronization service.

[0258] For example, the first access management network element sets the TA in the coverage of the clock synchronization service served by the first access management network element as the first RA, and in this case, the TA in the first RA is both in the TA list in the coverage of the clock synchronization service and in the TA list served by the first access management network element.

[0259] After the first access management network element determines the area for the terminal device to activate the clock synchronization service, the first access management network element can activate the clock synchronization service for the terminal device, that is, the method 400 continues to perform S420a.

[0260] S420a, the first access management network element sends N2 information to the access network device.

[0261] Correspondingly, the access network device receives the N2 information from the first access management network element.

[0262] It should be understood that in S420a, the first access management network element sends the N2 information to the access network device in the TA corresponding to the sixth area, so as to activate the clock synchronization service in the sixth area through the access network device in the TA corresponding to the sixth area. The sixth area is the area determined by the first access management network element for the terminal device to activate the clock synchronization service.

[0263] Exemplarily, the N2 information comprises indication information #6, the indication information #6 indicates enabling the clock synchronization service, or the indication information #6 indicates starting the clock synchronization service. Exemplarily, the indication information #6 can be named as 5G access layer time distribution indication, if the value of the 5G access layer time distribution indication is "enable", it means that the 5G access layer time distribution indication is used to indicate enabling or starting the clock synchronization service.

[0264] Optionally, the N2 information further comprises the identifier of the terminal device.

[0265] Optionally, if the access and mobility subscription data further comprises a third error, the N2 information further comprises the third error.

[0266] Optionally, if the access and mobility subscription data further comprises starting time information and / or ending time information, the N2 information further comprises the starting time information and / or the ending time information.

[0267] After receiving the N2 information, if the indication information #6 comprised in the N2 information indicates enabling the clock synchronization service, the access network device starts the clock synchronization service. Optionally, if the N2 information comprises the identifier of the terminal device, after the access network device starts the clock synchronization service, the access network device provides the terminal device with access layer clock synchronization service, i.e., provides the terminal device with reference time information. Optionally, if the N2 information comprises the third error, the access network device provides the terminal device with access layer clock synchronization service according to the third error. Optionally, if the N2 information comprises the starting time information and / or the ending time information, the access network device starts the clock synchronization service at the time indicated by the starting time information, and / or, stops the clock synchronization service at the time indicated by the ending time information.

[0268] Optionally, if there is no overlapping TA between the TA served by the first access management network element and the TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, the first access management network element cannot activate the clock synchronization service for the terminal device, and the first access management network element can reselect an access management network element to provide service for the terminal device, i.e., the method 400 can perform S420b and S430b.

[0269] S420b, the first access management network element obtains the identifier of at least one target access management network element.

[0270] The target access management network element serves at least one TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, or in other words, the target access management network element serves at least one TA in the first TA list.

[0271] Exemplarily, the way in which the first access management network element obtains the identifier of at least one target access management network element can comprise the following steps:

[0272] Step 1, the first access management network element sends a second request message to the network storage function network element, the second request message includes information of the coverage of the clock synchronization service, and the second request message is used to request the access management network element of the TA in the coverage of the clock synchronization service. Optionally, the second request message further includes an identifier of the first access management network element, and the identifier of the first access management network element can refer to the description in S220 of the method 200. For example, the first access management network element sends the second request message to the network storage function network element by invoking the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Resquest service.

[0273] Step 2, the first access management network element receives a second request response message from the network storage function network element, and the second request response message includes an identifier of at least one target access management network element. For example, the network storage function network element sends the second request response message to the network storage function network element by invoking the Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response service.

[0274] S430b, the first access management network element determines the service access management network element of the terminal device according to the at least one target access management network element.

[0275] After the first access management network element receives the identifier of the at least one target access management network element, the first access management network element can select the service access management network element of the terminal device from the at least one target access management network element. For example, the first access management network element determines any one of the at least one target access management network element as the service access management network element of the terminal device, or the first access management network element determines the access management network element with the lowest load in the at least one target access management network element as the service access management network element of the terminal device.

[0276] After the first access management network element determines the service access management network element of the terminal device, the first access management network element can forward the registration request of the terminal device to the access management network element determined by the first access management network element.

[0277] It can be understood that since the target access management network element serves at least one TA in the coverage of the clock synchronization service, the service access management network element of the terminal device determined by the first access management network element according to the at least one target access management network element supports activating the clock synchronization service for the terminal device.

[0278] In the embodiments of the present application, the first access management network element activates the clock synchronization service in the first RA, so that the clock synchronization service can be activated outside the area where the terminal device is located, thereby saving air interface resources. Alternatively, the first access management network element activates the clock synchronization service in the TA where the first RA and the first area coincide, so that the clock synchronization service can be activated outside the area where the terminal device is located, and the clock synchronization service can be activated outside the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, thereby saving air interface resources.

[0279] In addition, if the TA served by the first access management network element does not coincide with the TA within the range of the clock synchronization service, the first access management network element can reselect the service access management network element for the terminal device according to the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, and the service access management network element reselected by the first access management network element for the terminal device serves at least one TA within the coverage range of the clock synchronization service, so that the service access management network element reselected by the first access management network element for the terminal device can activate the clock synchronization service for the terminal device.

[0280] It should be understood that the size of the sequence number of the above processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to their functions and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0281] It should also be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referred to if there is no special description and no logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0282] It can be understood that the method implemented by the communication device in the above embodiments of the present application can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) configurable in the communication device.

[0283] The above, in combination Figures 2 to 4 The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described in detail. The above communication method is mainly introduced from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. It can be understood that each network element contains a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function in order to achieve the above functions. Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0284] The following, in combinationFigure 5 and Figure 6 Detailed description of the communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments, therefore, the content not described in detail can be referred to the above method embodiments, and part of the content will not be described again for brevity.

[0285] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the transmitting end device or the receiving end device according to the above method examples, for example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The above integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional module. It should be noted that the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division, and another division mode can be used in actual implementation. The following will be described taking the example of dividing each functional module according to each function.

[0286] Figure 5 is an example of the communication device 1000 provided by the present application. Any network element involved in any of the above methods 200 to 400, such as a clock synchronization function network element, an access management network element, etc. can be realized by the communication device shown in Figure 5 .

[0287] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 can be an entity device, or a component (for example, an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.) of an entity device, or a functional module in an entity device.

[0288] As shown in Figure 5 , the wireless communication device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010. The processor 1010 can store execution instructions for executing the method of the embodiments of the present application. Optionally, the processor 1010 can invoke an interface to realize the receiving and sending functions. The interface can be a logical interface or a physical interface, which is not limited. For example, the interface can be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit or the interface circuit for realizing the receiving and sending functions can be separate or integrated together. The above transceiver circuit or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing of code / data, or the above transceiver circuit or interface circuit can be used for transmission or transfer of signals.

[0289] Optionally, the interface can be realized by a transceiver. Optionally, the communication device 1000 can further include a transceiver 1030. The transceiver 1030 can be referred to as a transceiving unit, a transceiver, a transceiving circuit or a transceiver, etc., and is used to realize the transceiving function.

[0290] Optionally, the communication device 1000 can further include a memory 1020. The specific deployment position of the memory 1020 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The memory can be integrated in the processor, or independent of the processor. For the case that the communication device 1000 does not include the memory, the communication device 1000 has the processing function, and the memory can be deployed in other positions (such as a cloud system).

[0291] The processor 1010, the memory 1020 and the transceiver 1030 communicate with each other through internal connection paths, and transfer control and / or data signals.

[0292] It can be understood that, although not shown, the communication device 1000 can further include other devices, such as input devices, output devices, batteries, etc.

[0293] Optionally, in some embodiments, the memory 1020 can store execution instructions for executing the method of the embodiments of the present application. The processor 1010 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 1020 to complete the steps of the method shown below in combination with other hardware (such as the transceiver 1030). The specific working process and beneficial effects can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

[0294] The method disclosed by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 1010 or implemented by the processor 1010. The processor 1010 can be an integrated circuit chip with a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit or the instruction in the form of software in the processor. The processor mentioned above can be a general processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. Each method, step and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware code processor for execution, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the code processor for execution. The software module can be located in a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register or other mature storage medium in the field. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the instruction in the memory and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0295] It is to be appreciated that the memory 1020 can be volatile, nonvolatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. In one embodiment, the non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are suitable, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It is to be appreciated that the memory 1020 described herein is intended to include, without being limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0296] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of the communication apparatus 2000 provided in the present application.

[0297] Optionally, the specific form of the communication apparatus 2000 can be a general-purpose computer device or a chip in the general-purpose computer device, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. As shown in the figure, the communication apparatus includes a processing unit 2010 and a transceiver unit 2020. Figure 6

[0298] Specifically, the communication apparatus 2000 can be any network element involved in the present application, and can implement the functions that the network element can implement. It should be understood that the communication apparatus 2000 can be an entity device, a component (for example, an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.) of an entity device, and also can be a functional module in an entity device.

[0299] In one possible design, the communication apparatus 2000 can be a clock synchronization function network element in the above method embodiment, or can be a chip for implementing the functions of the clock synchronization function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0300] ​For example, the transceiver 2020 is configured to obtain an identifier of a first access management network element, the first access management network element being a serving access management network element of the terminal device; and the processing unit 2010 is configured to determine whether the first access management network element is included in a target access management network element set, the target access management network element set including access management network elements serving TAs within a clock synchronization service range.

[0301] Optionally, if the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element, the transceiver 2020 is further configured to send a first subscription request message to the first access management network element, the first subscription request message being used to subscribe to first information, the first information indicating whether a location of the terminal device is located within a first area, the first area being a TA served by the first access management network element within the clock synchronization service range; or if the target access management network element set does not include the first access management network element, the processing unit 2010 is further configured to determine not to subscribe to the first information from the first access management network element.

[0302] Optionally, the transceiver 2020 is further configured to receive a first subscription notification message from the first access management network element, the first subscription notification message being used to notify whether the location of the terminal device is located within a second area, the second area being the first area or a first RA, the first RA being an RA set by the first access management network element for the terminal device; and if the location of the terminal device is located within the second area, the transceiver 2020 is further configured to send second information to a policy control network element, the second information indicating that the clock synchronization service is activated within a third area, the third area being a TA in which the first RA and the first area overlap.

[0303] Optionally, the transceiver 2020 is further configured to receive a second subscription notification message from a second access management network element, the second subscription notification message being used to notify whether the location of the terminal device is located within a second area, the second area being the first area or a first RA, the first RA being an RA set by the first access management network element for the terminal device, the second access management network element being a serving access management network element of the terminal device; and the processing unit 2010 is further configured to determine whether the second access management network element is included in the target access management network element set.

[0304] Optionally, if the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element, the transceiver 2020 is further configured to send a second subscription request message to the second access management network element, where the second subscription request message is used to subscribe to third information, and the third information indicates whether a location of the terminal device is located in a fourth area, where the fourth area is a TA in a coverage range of the clock synchronization service and served by the second access management network element; or, if the target access management network element set does not include the second access management network element, the transceiver 2020 is further configured to send a cancel subscription request message to the second access management network element, where the cancel subscription request message is used to cancel subscription of the first information.

[0305] Optionally, the transceiver 2020 is further configured to receive clock synchronization subscription data from a data management network element, where the clock synchronization subscription data includes information of the coverage range of the clock synchronization service and second indication information, and the second indication information indicates an area in which the clock synchronization service is activated based on the RA of the terminal device.

[0306] It should be understood that, when the communication apparatus 2000 is a clock synchronization function network element, the transceiver 2020 in the communication apparatus 2000 can be implemented through a communication interface (such as a transceiver or an input / output interface), and the processing unit 2010 in the communication apparatus 2000 can be implemented through at least one processor, for example, can correspond to the processor 1010 shown in the method embodiment. Figure 5

[0307] Optionally, the communication apparatus 2000 can further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions or data, and the processing unit can invoke the instructions or data stored in the storage unit to implement corresponding operations.

[0308] It should also be understood that the specific processes in which the units perform the corresponding steps described above have been described in detail in the method embodiments, and thus will not be described here again for the sake of brevity.

[0309] In another possible design, the communication apparatus 2000 can be the first access management network element in the method embodiments, or can be a chip used to implement the function of the first access management network element in the method embodiments.

[0310] For example, the transceiver 2020 is configured to obtain fourth information, where the fourth information is used to determine a third area in which the clock synchronization service is activated, and the third area is a TA in which a first RA and a first area coincide, the first RA is an RA set by the communication apparatus for the terminal device, and the first area is a TA in a coverage range of the clock synchronization service and served by the first access management network element; the processing unit 2010 is configured to determine the third area according to the first RA and the first area; and the processing unit 2010 is further configured to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area. ​

[0311] Optionally, the transceiver unit 2020 is specifically used to receive the fourth information from the policy control network element.

[0312] Optionally, the fourth information is the access and mobile subscription data of the terminal device. The transceiver unit 2020 is specifically used to receive the access and mobile subscription data from the data management network element. The access and mobile subscription data includes information on the coverage of the clock synchronization service.

[0313] It should be understood that when the communication device 2000 is the first access management network element, the transceiver unit 2020 in the communication device 2000 can be implemented through a communication interface (such as a transceiver or input / output interface), for example, it can correspond to Figure 5 The communication interface 1030 shown in the diagram, and the processing unit 2010 in the communication device 2000, can be implemented by at least one processor, for example, corresponding to... Figure 5 The processor 1010 is shown in the image.

[0314] Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions or data. The processing unit can call the instructions or data stored in the storage unit to perform the corresponding operation.

[0315] It should also be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0316] Furthermore, in this application, the communication device 2000 is presented in the form of a functional module. Here, "module" can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), circuit, processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuit, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 2000 can employ... Figure 6 The processing unit 2010 can be in the form shown. Figure 5 The processor 1010 shown is used for implementation. Optionally, if Figure 5 The computer device shown includes a memory 1020, and the processing unit 2010 can be implemented using the processor 1010 and the memory 1020. The transceiver unit 2020 can be implemented using... Figure 5The transceiver 1030 is configured to implement the functions of receiving and transmitting. Specifically, the processor implements the functions by executing the computer program stored in the memory. Alternatively, when the apparatus 2000 is a chip, the functions of the transceiver unit 2020 and / or the implementation process can also be implemented by a pin or a circuit, etc. Alternatively, the memory can be a storage unit in the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc., and the storage unit can also be a storage unit outside the chip in the computer device, such as a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, etc. Figure 5 The memory 1020 is configured to store the computer program and the data. Alternatively, the memory 1020 can also be a storage unit deployed in other systems or devices, and not in the computer device. Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed in the present application can be realized in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. The skilled person can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0317] Various aspects or features of the disclosure can be realized as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used in the application encompasses a computer program or other computer-readable instructions residing on or in a carrier or medium. For example, the computer-readable medium can include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD); digital versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM); card; stick; or key drive). Additionally, the various storage media described in this document can represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" can include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0318] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a computer program product, which comprises computer program codes, when the computer program codes are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method of any one of the embodiments shown in the embodiments. Figures 2 to 4 The method of any one of the embodiments shown in the embodiments.

[0319] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a computer readable medium storing program codes, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in the embodiments of the present application. Figures 2 to 4 The method of any one of the embodiments shown in the embodiments.

[0320] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application further provides a system, which includes the foregoing apparatus or device.

[0321] In the above embodiments, the method can be implemented wholly or partially by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, the method can be implemented wholly or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are wholly or partially generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another, for example, the computer instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through a wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disc (SSD)), etc.

[0322] As used in this description, the terms "component," "module," "system", and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and the computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component can be localized, partially localized, or distributed across several computers or pieces of hardware. Also, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components can communicate by way of local and / or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and / or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal).

[0323] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software mode depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. The skilled person can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0324] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0325] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be realized by other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are only schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0326] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, i.e. can be located in one place or distributed on a plurality of network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0327] In addition, each function unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0328] If the functions are realized in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the parts of the technical solutions that essentially contribute to the prior art can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0329] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The clock synchronization function network element obtains the identifier of the first access management network element, which is the service access management network element of the terminal device; The clock synchronization function network element determines whether the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element. The target access management network element set includes access management network elements of the tracking area (TA) within the coverage area of ​​the clock synchronization service.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the target access management network element set includes the first access management network element, then the clock synchronization function network element sends a first subscription request message to the first access management network element. The first subscription request message is used to subscribe to first information, which indicates whether the location of the terminal device is within a first area. The first area is the TA served by the first access management network element within the coverage area of ​​the clock synchronization service; or... If the target access management network element set does not include the first access management network element, then the clock synchronization function network element will not subscribe to the first information from the first access management network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the clock synchronization function network element sends the first subscription request message to the first access management network element, the method further includes: The clock synchronization function network element receives a first subscription notification message from the first access management network element. The first subscription notification message is used to notify whether the location of the terminal device is within a second area. The second area is the first area or the first registration area RA. The first RA is the RA set by the first access management network element for the terminal device. The first subscription notification message is used to notify that when the location of the terminal device is within the second area, the clock synchronization function network element sends second information to the policy control network element. The second information indicates that the clock synchronization service is activated in the third area, where the third area is the TA that overlaps with the first RA.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, After the clock synchronization function network element sends the first subscription request message to the first access management network element, the method further includes: The clock synchronization function network element receives a second subscription notification message from the second access management network element. The second subscription notification message is used to notify whether the location of the terminal device is within a second area. The second area is the first area or the first RA. The first RA is the RA set by the first access management network element for the terminal device. The second access management network element is the service access management network element of the terminal device. The clock synchronization management network element determines whether the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the target access management network element set includes the second access management network element, then the clock synchronization function network element sends a second subscription request message to the second access management network element. This second subscription request message is used to subscribe to third information, which indicates whether the location of the terminal device is within a fourth area. The fourth area is the TA served by the second access management network element within the coverage area of ​​the clock synchronization service; or... If the target access management network element set does not include the second access management network element, then the clock synchronization function network element sends an unsubscribe request message to the second access management network element, and the unsubscribe request message is used to unsubscribe from the first information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The clock synchronization function network element receives clock synchronization subscription data from the data management network element. The clock synchronization subscription data includes information on the coverage of the clock synchronization service and second indication information. The second indication information indicates the area for activating the clock synchronization service based on the RA adjustment of the terminal device.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first access management network element obtains fourth information, which is used to determine to activate the clock synchronization service in the third area. The third area is the TA that overlaps with the first registration area RA and the first area. The first RA is the RA set by the first access management network element for the terminal device. The first area is the TA served by the first access management network element within the coverage area of ​​the clock synchronization service. The first access management network element determines the third region based on the first RA and the first region; The first access management network element activates the clock synchronization service in the third area.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first access management network element obtains the fourth information, including: The first access management network element receives the fourth information from the policy control network element.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fourth information is the access and mobile subscription data of the terminal device. The first access management network element obtains the fourth information, including: The first access management network element receives the access and mobile subscription data from the data management network element, the access and mobile subscription data including information on the coverage of the clock synchronization service.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The access and mobile subscription data also includes third indication information, which indicates the region for adjusting the clock synchronization service based on the RA of the terminal device.

11. A communication system, characterized in that, This includes a clock synchronization function network element and a first access management network element, among which, The clock synchronization function network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The first access management network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store computer instructions; A processor is configured to execute computer instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or... This causes the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 to be performed.

14. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When it is run on a computer, it causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 to be performed.

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