Communication method, device and system

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method, device and system, and relates to the technical field of mobile communication. The communication method is executed by a first core network device, and comprises the following steps: receiving a subscription data acquisition request for a passive Internet of Things AIoT terminal to be accessed from a second core network device, the acquisition request carrying an identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the second core network device and the first core network device being located in a network of an operator to be accessed; according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed and the position information table of the AIoT subscription data, determining the storage position of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed; and sending the indication information of the storage position or subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed obtained from the storage position to the second core network equipment. Through the process, the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed can be effectively acquired, so that access authentication can be conveniently carried out on the AIoT terminal and corresponding network service can be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, device and system. Background Art

[0002] According to the definition of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an Ambient IoT (AIoT) terminal is an IoT (Internet of Things) device with extremely low energy, extremely low power consumption, and no SIM card. In addition, based on whether an amplifier is installed, passive IoT terminals can be divided into weak terminals that only support backscatter communication and strong terminals that can support self-generated signals or use backscatter communication.

[0003] In the related technology, for traditional user equipment, subscription data (or contract data) or related data can be stored in the user equipment (UE). The user equipment can report the subscription data to the operator network so that the operator network can authenticate the access of the UE based on the subscription data. However, due to its extremely low power, the AIoT terminal cannot save a large amount of contract data. This means that when the AIoT terminal accesses the operator network, the operator network cannot obtain the contract data between it and the contract network from the data reported by the AIoT terminal, which makes it difficult for the operator network to authenticate the AIoT terminal and provide network access and other services. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a communication method, device and system.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, which is executed by a first core network device, including: receiving a subscription data acquisition request for a passive Internet of Things AIoT terminal to be connected from a second core network device, the acquisition request carrying an identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, and the second core network device and the first core network device are located in the operator network to be connected; determining the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected and a location information table of pre-stored AIoT subscription data; and sending the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the location information table of the AIoT subscription data includes a correspondence between an identifier of the AIoT terminal and information of a third-party server, and the third-party server is used to store subscription data of the AIoT terminal.

[0007] In some embodiments, determining the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed and the location information table of pre-stored AIoT subscription data includes: querying the location information table of the AIoT subscription data according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed; when the location information table of the AIoT subscription data contains information of a third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, using the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0008] In some embodiments, sending the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device includes: when the storage location is a third-party server, sending the information of the third-party server as the indication information of the storage location to the second core network device, so that the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party server according to the information of the third-party server.

[0009] In some embodiments, the acquisition request also carries the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and determining the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed based on the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed and the location information table of the pre-stored AIoT subscription data also includes: when the location information table of the AIoT subscription data does not contain the information of the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is the same as the identifier of the operator network to be accessed, the operator network to be accessed is used as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0010] In some embodiments, sending the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed obtained from the storage location to the second core network device also includes: when the storage location is the operator network to be accessed, the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed obtained from the operator network to be accessed is sent to the second core network device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the acquisition request also carries the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and determining the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed based on the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed and the location information table of the AIoT subscription data stored in advance also includes: when the location information table of the AIoT subscription data does not contain the information of the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is different from the identifier of the operator network to be accessed, the third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier is used as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0012] In some embodiments, sending the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device also includes: when the storage location is a third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier, sending the information of the third-party operator network as the indication information of the storage location to the second core network device, so that the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party operator network according to the information of the third-party operator network.

[0013] In some embodiments, the identifier of the AIoT terminal in the location information table of the AIoT subscription data is a unique identifier of the AIoT terminal, or an identifier of the group to which the AIoT terminal belongs.

[0014] In some embodiments, the identifier of the group to which the AIoT terminal belongs includes the identifier of the manufacturer to which the AIoT terminal belongs, or the identifier of the application to which the AIoT terminal belongs.

[0015] In some embodiments, the information of the third-party server in the location information table of the AIoT subscription data includes address information of the third-party server.

[0016] In some embodiments, the information of the third-party server in the location information table of the AIoT subscription data also includes deployment type information of the third-party server, and sending the information of the third-party server as indication information of the storage location to the second core network device includes: sending the address information of the third-party server and the deployment type information of the third-party server to the second core network device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the deployment type of the third-party server includes a server in an independent non-public network SNPN, or a server in a data network.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first core network device is a unified data management (UDM) device, and the second core network device is a passive Internet of Things management function (AIoTMF) device or an access and mobility management function (AMF) device.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, which is arranged in a first core network device and includes: a module for executing the communication method as described above.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, which is arranged in a first core network device, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the communication method as described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first core network device, comprising a communication device as described above; a second core network device, configured to: send a subscription data acquisition request for an AIoT terminal to be connected to the first core network device; receive indication information of a storage location from the first core network device or subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location; and upon receiving the indication information of the storage location, obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location according to the indication information of the storage location.

[0022] In some embodiments, the indication information of the storage location is information of a third-party server, and the second core network device receives the indication information of the storage location from the first core network device or obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location, including: receiving the information of the third-party server from the first core network device; the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location according to the indication information of the storage location, including: when the deployment type of the third-party server is a server in an independent non-public network SNPN, sending a data acquisition request to the third-party server through the authentication and authorization function device selected by the network slice, so as to obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party server; when the deployment type of the third-party server is a server in a data network, sending a data acquisition request to the third-party server through the network open function device, so as to obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party server.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second core network device receives indication information of a storage location from the first core network device or obtains subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location, including: receiving subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the first core network device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the indication information of the storage location is information of the third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the second core network device receives the indication information of the storage location from the first core network device or obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed from the storage location, including: receiving the information of the third-party operator network from the first core network device; the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed from the storage location according to the indication information of the storage location, including: sending a data acquisition request to the device in the third-party operator network; receiving the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed returned by the device in the third-party operator network.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second core network device is further configured to: receive a network access request for the AIoT terminal to be accessed sent by the wireless reader before sending a subscription data acquisition request for the AIoT terminal to be accessed to the first core network device; after acquiring the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, perform network access authentication for the AIoT terminal to be accessed according to the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0026] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes: a business operation support device configured to deploy the location information table of the AIoT subscription data to the first core network device.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the communication method as described above is implemented.

[0028] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, on which computer instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the communication method as described above is implemented.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a signing and information deployment sub-process in a communication method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a location information table of AIoT subscription data according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition sub-process in a communication method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of information stored in an AIoT terminal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition sub-process in a communication method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition sub-process in a communication method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition sub-process in a communication method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.13 It is a structural diagram of a communication system according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] The present disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0046] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0047] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0048] Technologies, methods, and apparatus known to ordinary technicians in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the authorization specification.

[0049] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0050] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0051] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the present disclosure is further described in detail below in combination with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Related research work has proposed that the network subscription data of AIoT terminals can be stored in the following two ways: one is to store the network subscription data of AIoT terminals in the home network of AIoT terminals, and the other is to store the network subscription data of AIoT terminals in a third-party server.

[0053] For AIoT terminals, due to their unique device characteristics, they are different from traditional user devices and cannot store a large amount of dynamic data. This makes it difficult for the network to obtain the subscription data required for subsequent access authentication from the AIoT terminal when the AIoT terminal accesses the network, and thus it is difficult to authenticate the AIoT terminal and provide corresponding network access services.

[0054] Based on this, the present disclosure proposes a communication method, core network equipment and communication system, which can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, thereby facilitating access authentication for the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a flow chart of a communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the communication method is executed by a first core network device, and includes steps S11 to S13.

[0056] Step S11: Receive a subscription data acquisition request for the AIoT terminal to be connected from the second core network device.

[0057] The first core network device and the second core network device are devices to be accessed in the operator network. In some examples, the first core network device is a unified data management (UDM) device, and the second core network device is an access and mobility management function (AMF) device.

[0058] In other examples, the first core network device is a UDM device (also referred to as a UDM entity or a UDM network element), and the second core network device is an Ambient IoT Management Function (AIoTMF) device. Among them, the Ambient IoT Management Function device can also be referred to as an Ambient IoT Function (AIoTF) device. In addition, in a specific implementation, the first core network device and the second core network device can also be other devices to be connected to the operator network.

[0059] Among them, the subscription data acquisition request carries the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed. The identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed can be the entire device identifier read from the AIoT terminal to be accessed, or it can be a part of the device identifier read from the AIoT terminal to be accessed. In addition, in addition to carrying the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, the subscription data acquisition request can also carry the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0060] Step S12: Determine the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected and the location information table of the pre-stored AIoT subscription data.

[0061] The location information table of AIoT subscription data can have multiple forms. In some examples, the location information table of AIoT subscription data includes the storage location information of all AIoT terminals corresponding to all application services (Application Function, AF) signed with the operator network to be accessed. For example, assuming that the operator network to be accessed is signed with application service 1, and the AIoT terminals corresponding to application service 1 include AIoT terminals 1 to AIoT terminals 100, wherein the subscription data of AIoT terminals 1 to AIoT terminals 50 are stored on a third-party server, and the subscription data of AIoT terminals 51 to AIoT terminals 100 are stored in the operator network to be accessed, then the location information table includes the storage location information of the subscription data of AIoT terminals 1 to AIoT terminals 100.

[0062] In some of the above examples, step S12 may include: querying the location information table according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed; if the location information table contains the storage location information corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, determining the storage location of the subscription data according to the storage location information. For example, when the storage location information corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is the information of a third-party server, the storage location of the subscription data is the third-party server; when the storage location information corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is the information of a local UDM device, the storage location of the subscription data is the UDM device. Further, step S12 may also include: if the location information table does not contain the storage location information corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, determining that the storage location of the subscription data is the home network of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0063] In other examples, the location information table of AIoT subscription data includes storage location information of some AIoT terminals corresponding to all application services (AF) signed with the operator network to be accessed. Among them, this part of AIoT terminals may be AIoT terminals whose subscription data is stored on a third-party server. For example, suppose that the operator network to be accessed is signed with application service 1, and the AIoT terminals corresponding to application service 1 include AIoT terminals 1 to AIoT terminals 100. Among them, the subscription data of AIoT terminals 1 to AIoT terminals 50 are stored on a third-party server, and the subscription data of AIoT terminals 51 to AIoT terminals 100 are stored in the operator network to be accessed, then the location information table only includes the storage location information of the subscription data of AIoT terminals 1 to AIoT terminals 50.

[0064] In some other examples, the location information table of the AIoT subscription data includes the correspondence between the identifier of the AIoT terminal and the information of the third-party server. The location information table may only include the identifier of the AIoT terminal that has signed a contract with the operator network to be accessed, or may include both the identifier of the AIoT terminal that has signed a contract with the operator network to be accessed and the identifier of the AIoT terminal that has not signed a contract with the operator network to be accessed.

[0065] In the disclosed embodiment, by storing the location information table of AIoT subscription data on the network side, it is convenient to determine the storage location of the AIoT subscription data accordingly. Moreover, by deploying the location information table on the network side, it is convenient to dynamically update the information table, so as to meet the needs of different business customers and the future circulation needs of AIoT information. In addition, by deploying the location information table on the network side, there is no need to store dynamic information in the AIoT terminal, which conforms to the low-power device characteristics of the AIoT terminal and is easy to promote and apply. Furthermore, by making the location information table only contain the storage location information of the AIoT terminal where the subscription data is stored on a third-party server, the network side can reduce the amount of data required to be stored as much as possible, and can also improve the query efficiency of the location information table, thereby improving the real-time positioning and acquisition of subscription data.

[0066] In some of the above examples, step S12 includes: querying the location information table according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected; if the location information table contains a third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, using the third-party server as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected. Through the above process, the network side realizes the data positioning function for the storage scenario where the subscription data exists in a third-party server.

[0067] In some of the above examples, step S12 may also include: when the location information table does not contain information about the third-party server corresponding to the AIoT terminal to be connected, and the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected is the same as the identifier of the operator network to be connected, the operator network to be connected is used as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected. Through the above process, the network side realizes the data positioning function for the two storage scenarios of subscription data in the third-party server and subscription data in the operator network to be connected.

[0068] In some of the above examples, step S12 may also include: when the location information table does not contain information about the third-party server corresponding to the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is different from the identifier of the operator network to be accessed, the third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier is used as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed. Through the above process, the network side realizes the data positioning function for the three storage scenarios of subscription data existing in a third-party server, subscription data existing in the operator network to be accessed, and subscription data existing in a third-party operator network, which helps to improve the scenario applicability and access flexibility of the AIoT terminal access process.

[0069] Step S13: Send the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device.

[0070] Step S13 can be implemented in a variety of ways, and three implementations are described below for exemplary purposes.

[0071] In a first embodiment, step S13 includes: sending the indication information of the storage location to the second core network device. In this embodiment, regardless of whether the storage location is a third-party server, a network of an operator to be accessed, or a third-party operator network, the indication information of the storage location is sent to the second core network device.

[0072] In the second implementation, step S13 includes: sending the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device. In this implementation, regardless of whether the storage location is a third-party server, a network of an operator to be connected, or a third-party operator network, the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected is first obtained from the storage location, and then the subscription data is sent to the second core network device.

[0073] In the third embodiment, step S13 includes: when the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected is of the first specified type, sending the indication information of the storage location to the second core network device; when the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected is of the second specified type, first obtaining the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location, and then sending the subscription data to the second core network device.

[0074] In the disclosed embodiment, the above process can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0075] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of a communication method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the communication method is executed by the first core network device, and includes steps S21 to S26.

[0076] Step S21: Receive a subscription data acquisition request for the AIoT terminal to be connected from the second core network device.

[0077] The first core network device may be a UDM device in the operator network to be accessed, and the second core network device may be an AIoTF device in the operator network to be accessed. The subscription data acquisition request received by the first core network device may carry the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed and the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0078] Step S22: According to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, query the location information table of the AIoT subscription data.

[0079] The location information table includes the corresponding relationship between the identifier of the AIoT terminal and the information of the third-party server. The third-party server is used to store the subscription data of the AIoT terminal.

[0080] Furthermore, the identifier of the AIoT terminal in the location information table may be a unique identifier of the AIoT terminal or an identifier of the group to which the AIoT terminal belongs. The information of the third-party server in the location information table may be address information of the third-party server or address information of the third-party server, and information such as the deployment type of the third-party server.

[0081] In some examples, the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected is different from the type of the AIoT identifier in the location information table. In these examples, the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected can be converted to a different type, and then the location information table can be queried based on the converted identifier. For example, assuming that the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected is a whole consisting of a home network identifier, a manufacturer identifier, and an instance identifier, and the AIoT identifier in the location information table is a manufacturer identifier, first extract the manufacturer identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, and then query the location information table based on the manufacturer identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected.

[0082] In other examples, the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected is of the same type as the AIoT identifier in the location information table. In these examples, the location information table can be directly queried based on the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected. For example, assuming that the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected and the AIoT identifier in the location information table are both composed of the home network identifier, the manufacturer identifier, and the instance identifier, the location information table can be directly queried based on the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected.

[0083] Step S23: Determine whether the table contains information about a third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected.

[0084] In this step, it is determined whether the query result contains information of a third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected. If the judgment result of step S23 is yes, step S25 is executed; if the judgment result of step S23 is no, step S24 is executed.

[0085] Step S24: Determine whether the operator network to be accessed is the home network of the AIoT terminal.

[0086] In some examples, before step S24, the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected is obtained in advance from the subscription data acquisition request. After that, the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected is compared with the identifier of the operator network to be connected. If the two are the same, it is determined that the operator network to be connected is the home network of the AIoT terminal to be connected; if the two are different, it is determined that the operator network to be connected is not the home network of the AIoT terminal to be connected.

[0087] If the judgment result of step S24 is no, execute step S25; if the judgment result of step S24 is yes, execute step S26.

[0088] Step S25: Sending storage location indication information to the second core network device.

[0089] In some examples, step S25 includes: when the location information table contains information about a third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, the information about the third-party server is used as indication information of the storage location and sent to the second core network device. After receiving the indication information, the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed from the third server according to the indication information, and performs network access authentication for the AIoT terminal to be accessed based on the subscription data. Through the above process, the network side realizes the data positioning and acquisition function for the storage scenario where the subscription data exists in a third-party server, which facilitates the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal.

[0090] In some examples, step S25 includes: when the location information table does not contain information about a third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the operator network to be accessed is not the home network of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, the information of the third-party operator network indicated by the home network is used as indication information of the storage location, and sent to the second core network device. After receiving the indication information, the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed from the third-party operator network according to the indication information, and performs network access authentication for the AIoT terminal to be accessed according to the subscription data. Through the above process, the network side can also realize the data positioning and acquisition function for the storage scenario where the subscription data exists in the third-party operator network, which is convenient for the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal. Step S26: Obtain the subscription data and send the subscription data to the second core network device.

[0091] In step 26, the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is first obtained from the device in the operator network to be accessed (such as the first core network device), and then the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is sent to the second core network device. After receiving the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, the second core network device performs network access authentication for the AIoT terminal to be accessed based on the subscription data. Through the above process, the network side realizes the data positioning and acquisition function for the storage scenario where the subscription data exists in the operator network to be accessed, which facilitates the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal.

[0092] In the disclosed embodiment, the above process enables the network side to implement data location and acquisition functions for three storage scenarios: subscription data exists on a third-party server, subscription data exists on an operator network to be accessed, and subscription data exists on a third-party operator network. This not only facilitates access authentication for AIoT terminals and provides corresponding network access services, but also helps to improve the scenario applicability and access flexibility of the AIoT terminal access process.

[0093] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sub-process of signing and information deployment in a communication method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the communication method includes: Figure 3 The contract signing and information deployment sub-process shown, and Figure 5 , Figures 7 to 9 The subscription data acquisition subprocess shown in the figure. The following first introduces the contract signing and information deployment subprocess.

[0094] Step 31: AF signs an AIoT network service contract with BOSS.

[0095] Application Function (AF) devices are third-party devices responsible for AIoT-related services, and can also be called passive IoT application function devices.

[0096] The Business Operation Support System (BOSS) is a system to be connected to the operator side, which is mainly responsible for signing AIoT network services with AF and deploying AIoT-related business information.

[0097] Step 32: AF provides the BOSS with the location information table of the AIoT subscription data.

[0098] The location information table of AIoT subscription data includes the corresponding relationship between the identification of the AIoT terminal and the information of the third-party server. The third-party server, also known as the passive IoT subscription server, is mainly used to store the network subscription data of the AIoT terminal.

[0099] The location information table can take many forms. Figure 4 As shown, the location information tables of AIoT subscription data include four types from a to d. Among them, table a can also be called a full table, and tables b to d can also be called half tables.

[0100] Location information table a includes the correspondence between the complete device identification of AIoT and the address information of the third-party server. For example, in location information table a, AIoT ID1 corresponds to Add1. Among them, AIoT ID1 is the complete device identification of the AIoT terminal, which is used to uniquely identify an AIoT terminal, and Add1 is the address information of the third-party server. In specific implementation, location information table a can be used for situations where the business is more complex or there are many types of business, the number of AIoT terminals deployed is small, and the business management intensity is relatively large, so as to facilitate refined management of each AIoT terminal.

[0101] Location information tables b to d include the correspondence between a part of the device identification of AIoT and the address information of the third-party server. Among them, location information table b includes the correspondence between the manufacturer identification to which AIoT belongs and the address information of the third-party server. For example, in location information table b, manufacturer ID1 corresponds to Add1. Among them, manufacturer ID1 is the identification of the manufacturer to which the AIoT terminal belongs, and Add1 is the address information of the third-party server. The manufacturer identification can be the information of the AIoT service provider, public platform or manufacturer.

[0102] The location information table c includes the correspondence between the instance identifier and the address information of the third-party server. For example, in the location information table c, instance ID1 corresponds to Add1. Among them, instance ID1 is the unique identifier of the AIoT terminal in the operator network, and Add1 is the address information of the third-party server.

[0103] The location information table d includes the correspondence between the identifier of the application to which the AIoT belongs and the address information of the third-party server. For example, in the location information table d, application ID1 corresponds to Add1. Among them, application ID1 is the identifier of the application to which the AIoT terminal belongs, which is defined by the third-party service, and Add1 is the address information of the third-party server.

[0104] Furthermore, the location information table may also include the deployment type information of the third-party server. Among them, the deployment type of the third-party server includes a server in an independent non-public network (Stand-alone Non-Public Network, SNPN) or a server in a data network (or called a common application server). For example, in the location information table a, AIoTID1 corresponds to Add1 of the SNPN type, which indicates that the deployment type of the third-party server is a server in SNPN (or the deployment type is referred to as SNPN).

[0105] It should be pointed out that Figure 4 The one-to-one relationship between the identifier of the AIoT terminal and the address information of the third-party server is used as an example for explanation. When the location information table is actually designed, the correspondence between the identifier of the AIoT terminal and the address information of the third-party server can be diverse. For example, the identifiers of multiple AIoT terminals can correspond to the address information of a third-party server. At the same time, when the location information table is actually designed, the deployment type (such as SNPN) mark of the third-party server can also correspond to one or more third-party servers.

[0106] Step 33: BOSS provides NEF with AF's contract signing and authorization information.

[0107] Exemplarily, the contract and authorization information of the AF may include the server address information of the AF, information required for authenticating the AF, and contract service information between the AF and the operator network to be accessed.

[0108] Network Exposure Function (NEF) device, used to store AF's contract and authorization information.

[0109] Step 34: NEF sends the deployment result to BOSS.

[0110] In some examples, step 34 includes: if the NEF device successfully saves the contract and authorization information of the AF, sending a deployment success notification message to the BOSS device; if the NEF device fails to save the contract and authorization information of the AF, sending a deployment failure notification message to the BOSS device.

[0111] Step 35: BOSS provides the location information table of AIOT subscription data to UDM.

[0112] In this step, the BOSS sends the location information table of the AIOT subscription data to the UDM device in its network. The UDM device saves the location information table of the AIOT subscription data.

[0113] Step 36: UDM sends the deployment results to BOSS.

[0114] In some examples, step 36 includes: if the UDM device successfully saves the location information table, sending a deployment success notification message to the BOSS device; if the UDM device fails to save the location information table, sending a deployment failure notification message to the BOSS device.

[0115] In the disclosed embodiment, the above steps implement the signing and information deployment sub-process of the passive Internet of Things service, which facilitates the subsequent positioning and acquisition of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal according to the deployed location information table, and the access management of the AIoT terminal accordingly.

[0116] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition subprocess in a communication method according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, the subscription data acquisition sub-process includes steps 51 to 54, and steps 55a and 56a.

[0117] Step 51: Trigger AIoT terminal access, read the AIoT terminal ID and check the AIoT terminal ID.

[0118] In this step, the network access process can be initiated by the AIoT terminal itself, or by the wireless reader / writer, or by the application function (AF) device. The wireless reader / writer can be a terminal reader / writer or a base station reader / writer.

[0119] After initiating the network access process, the wireless reader reads the identification of the AIoT terminal from the AIoT terminal to be connected and checks the identification. For example, the inspection of the identification may include: checking whether the identification (ID) of the AIoT terminal is complete, and checking whether the identification of the AIoT terminal complies with the specification. Through the above inspection, the possibility of identification errors of the AIoT terminal can be reduced, and the security and reliability of the overall process can be improved.

[0120] The device ID stored in the AIoT terminal to be connected can be flexibly set. Figure 6 As shown, the device identification of AIoT includes the home network identification, manufacturer identification, instance identification and application identification. Among them, the home network identification can be represented by the mobile device network code (Mobile Network Code, MNC) and the mobile device country code (Mobile Country Code, MCC), or by the public land mobile network identification (PLMN ID). The manufacturer identification can be the information of the manufacturer of the AIoT terminal, or it can be the information of the service provider or public platform that provides AIoT services. The instance identification is the unique identification of the AIoT terminal in the operator network. The application identification is an identification defined by a third-party service, such as the identification of a certain type of business.

[0121] Step 52: The wireless reader sends an AIoT terminal access request to AMF or AIoTMF.

[0122] After the check for the identification of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is passed, the wireless reader sends an access request for the AIoT terminal to be accessed to the AMF device or AIoTMF device in the operator network to be accessed. The access request carries the identification of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

[0123] Step 53: AMF or AIoTMF sends a subscription data acquisition request to UDM.

[0124] After receiving the access request from the AIoT terminal to be connected, the AMF device or AIoTMF device sends a subscription data acquisition request to the UDM device. The UDM device, AMF device, and AIoTMF device are devices in the same operator network.

[0125] Step 54: UDM queries the AIoT subscription data location information table.

[0126] The UDM device obtains the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the subscription data acquisition request, and then queries the location information table of the AIoT subscription data according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected. The location information table contains the correspondence between the identifier of the AIoT terminal and the address information of the third-party server. If the location information table does not contain the address information of the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, execute step 55a.

[0127] Step 55a: UDM compares the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal with the identifier of the operator network to be accessed to determine that the subscription data is located locally.

[0128] The UDM device obtains the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the subscription data acquisition request, and then compares the home network identifier with the identifier of the network to be connected. If the comparison result is that the two are the same, it is determined that the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected is located locally, that is, the subscription data is located in the operator network to be connected.

[0129] Step 56a: UDM sends the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to AMF or AIoTMF.

[0130] The UDM device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the local device (such as the UDM device), and sends the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected to the AMF device or AIoTMF device.

[0131] In some examples, after receiving the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, the AMF device or AIoTMF device performs network access authentication for the AIoT terminal to be accessed based on the subscription data.

[0132] In other examples, after receiving the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected, the AMF device or AIoTMF device sends the subscription data to other devices, and the other devices perform network access authentication for the AIoT terminal to be connected.

[0133] In the disclosed embodiment, the above steps can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, especially realize the data location and acquisition function for the storage scenario where the subscription data is stored in the operator network to be accessed, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0134] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition sub-process in a communication method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the subscription data acquisition sub-process includes: Figure 5 Steps 51 to 54 in Figure 7 In view of the fact that the above-mentioned embodiment has described steps 51 to 54, the following mainly describes steps 55b to 59b.

[0135] Step 55b: The UDM in the operator network to be accessed compares the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal with the identifier of the operator network to be accessed, and determines that the subscription data is located in the third-party operator network.

[0136] When the UDM device determines that the location information table does not contain the address information of the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, it executes step 55b. In step 55b, the UDM device obtains the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed from the subscription data acquisition request, and then compares the home network identifier with the identifier of the network to be accessed. If the comparison result is that the two are different, it is determined that the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is located in the third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier.

[0137] Step 56b: The UDM in the operator network to be accessed sends indication information of the storage location to the AMF or AIoTMF in the operator network to be accessed.

[0138] The indication information of the storage location is used to indicate that the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected is located in a third-party operator. In some examples, the indication information of the storage location includes the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal.

[0139] Step 57b: The AMF or AIoTMF in the operator network to be accessed sends a data acquisition request to the UDM in the third-party operator network.

[0140] After receiving the indication information of the storage location, the AMF device or AIoTMF device in the operator network to be connected sends a data acquisition request to the UDM device in the third-party operator network. Among them, the data acquisition request carries the identification of the AIoT terminal to be connected.

[0141] In some examples, the AMF device or AIoTMF device in the operator network to be accessed accesses the UDM device in the third-party operator network through the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP).

[0142] Step 58b: The UDM in the third-party operator network queries the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and requests the local AMF or AIoTMF to provide the historical business data or access information of the AIoT terminal.

[0143] The UDM device in the third-party operator network queries the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the device of the third-party operator network (such as the UDM device) according to the identification of the AIoT terminal to be connected. And, the UDM device queries the historical business data or historical access information of the AIoT terminal from the AMF device or AIoTMF device in the third-party operator network according to the identification of the AIoT terminal to be connected. Among them, the historical business data or historical access information of the AIoT terminal can be used for subsequent network services such as mobility management.

[0144] Step 59b: The UDM in the third-party operator network sends the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, as well as the historical service data or access information of the AIoT terminal to the AMF or AIoTMF in the operator network to be accessed.

[0145] The UDM device sends the information queried from its third-party operator network to the AMF device or AIoTMF device in the operator network to be accessed, so that the AMF device or AIoTMF device can perform network access authentication on the AIoT terminal to be accessed based on this information.

[0146] In the disclosed embodiment, the above steps can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, especially realize the data location and acquisition function for the storage scenario where the subscription data is stored in the third-party operator network, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0147] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition sub-process in a communication method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the subscription data acquisition sub-process includes: Figure 5Steps 51 to 54 in Figure 8 In view of the fact that the above-mentioned embodiment has described steps 51 to 54, the following mainly describes steps 55c to 58c.

[0148] Step 55c: UDM checks the table to determine that the subscription data of AIoT is located on a third-party server of the SNPN type.

[0149] In this embodiment, the UDM device, AMF device, and AIoTMF device are all devices in the operator network to be accessed. When the location information table contains information about a third-party server corresponding to the terminal to be accessed to AIoT, and the third-party server is of the SNPN class, it is determined that the subscription data is located on a third-party server of the SNPN class.

[0150] Step 56c: UDM sends an indication of the storage location to AMF or AIoTMF.

[0151] The indication information of the storage location may include address information and deployment type information of the third-party server.

[0152] Step 57c: AMF or AIoTMF sends a data acquisition request to the third-party server through NSSAAF.

[0153] When the deployment type of the third-party server is SNPN, the AMF device or AIoTMF device can forward the data acquisition request to the third-party server through the Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) device selected by the network slice.

[0154] It should be pointed out that Figure 8 This is only an exemplary process. In actual application scenarios, since there are many specific deployment types of SNPN, whether it is actually necessary to use NSSAAF equipment to locate the third-party server needs to be determined according to the actual situation.

[0155] Step 58c: The third-party server provides AIoT subscription data to AMF or AIoTMF through NSSAAF.

[0156] In the disclosed embodiment, the above steps can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, especially realize the data location and acquisition function for the storage scenario where the subscription data is stored in a third-party server of the SNPN type, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0157] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of a subscription data acquisition sub-process in a communication method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the subscription data acquisition sub-process includes: Figure 5 Steps 51 to 54 in Figure 7 In view of the fact that the above-mentioned embodiment has described steps 51 to 54, the following mainly describes steps 55d to 58d.

[0158] Step 55d: UDM checks the table to determine that the subscription data of the AIoT terminal is located on a third-party server that is not a SNPN server.

[0159] When the location information table contains information of a third-party server corresponding to the terminal to be connected to AIoT, and the third-party server is non-SNPN, it is determined that the subscription data is located on the non-SNPN third-party server.

[0160] Among them, the non-SNPN type can also be called a common application type. For example, a third-party server of the non-SNPN type is a server in a data network.

[0161] Step 56d: UDM sends an indication of the storage location to AMF or AIoTMF.

[0162] Step 57d: AMF or AIoTMF sends a data acquisition request to the third-party server through NEF.

[0163] In some examples, after receiving a data acquisition request from an AMF device or an AIoTMF device, the NEF device directly forwards the acquisition request to a third-party server. In other examples, the NEF device may also verify the data acquisition request based on its pre-stored AF contract and authorization information. After the verification is passed, the data acquisition request is forwarded to the third-party server.

[0164] Step 58d: The third-party server provides AIoT subscription data to AMF or AIoTMF through NEF.

[0165] In this step, in addition to providing the AMF device or AIoTMF device with the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected, the third-party server can also provide it with the historical business information or historical access information of the AIoT terminal to be connected.

[0166] In the disclosed embodiment, the above steps can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, especially realize the data location and acquisition function for the storage scenario where the subscription data is stored in a non-SNPN third-party server, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0167] Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the communication device 100 is arranged in a first core network device, and is used to execute the communication method as described above, and includes a receiving module 101, a determining module 102 and a sending module 103.

[0168] The receiving module 101 is configured to receive a subscription data acquisition request for the AIoT terminal to be connected from the second core network device. The acquisition request carries the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected. The second core network device and the first core network device are located in the operator network to be connected.

[0169] The determination module 102 is configured to determine the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected according to the identification of the AIoT terminal to be connected and the location information table of the pre-stored AIoT subscription data.

[0170] The sending module 103 is configured to send the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device.

[0171] In the disclosed embodiment, the above device can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0172] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.11 As shown, the communication device 110 includes a memory 111 and a processor 112 coupled to the memory 111. The memory 111 is used to store instructions for executing the corresponding embodiments of the communication method. The processor 112 is configured to execute the communication method in any of the embodiments of the present disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory 111.

[0173] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.12 As shown, the communication system includes a first core network device 121 and a second core network device 122.

[0174] The first core network device 121 includes the communication device as described above.

[0175] The second core network device 122 is configured to: send a subscription data acquisition request for the AIoT terminal to be connected to the first core network device 121; receive indication information of the storage location or subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location from the first core network device 121; and upon receiving the indication information of the storage location, obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location according to the indication information of the storage location.

[0176] In some embodiments, the second core network device acquires the subscription data in different ways according to different storage locations of the subscription data. The following describes the steps for the second core network device to acquire the subscription data in combination with three exemplary ways.

[0177] In a first exemplary embodiment, the storage location of the subscription data is a third-party server. In this exemplary embodiment, the second core network device 122 receives information of the third-party server from the first core network device, and obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected accordingly.

[0178] Further, in the above exemplary method, the second core network device 122 can obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected according to the following exemplary method: when the deployment type of the third-party server is a server in an independent non-public network SNPN, the authentication and authorization function device selected by the network slice sends a data acquisition request to the third-party server to obtain the subscription data from the third-party server; when the deployment type of the third-party server is a server in a data network, the data acquisition request is sent to the third-party server through the network open function device to obtain the subscription data from the third-party server.

[0179] In a second exemplary embodiment, the storage location of the subscription data is the operator network to be accessed. In this exemplary embodiment, the second core network device 122 receives the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed from the first core network device.

[0180] In the third exemplary embodiment, the storage location of the subscription data is the third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected. In this exemplary embodiment, the second core network device 122 receives information about the third-party operator network from the first core network device 121; sends a data acquisition request to a device in the third-party operator network; and receives subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected returned by the device in the third-party operator network.

[0181] In an actual network access authentication scenario, the second core network device 122 may also be configured to: receive a network access request for the AIoT terminal to be accessed from the wireless reader before sending a subscription data acquisition request to the first core network device; and, after acquiring the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, perform network access authentication on the AIoT terminal to be accessed according to the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed. In addition, the communication system may also include a business operation support device. The device is configured to deploy the location information table of the AIoT subscription data to the first core network device.

[0182] In the disclosed embodiment, the above system can effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0183] Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.13 As shown, the communication system includes an AIoT terminal 131, a wireless reader 132, and devices in the service operator network. Among them, the devices in the service operator network include AMF (or AIoTMF) 133 and UDM 134.

[0184] The AIoT terminal 131 stores the identification data of the AIoT terminal. The identification data can be Figure 6 Data shown.

[0185] The wireless reader 132 includes two types: a terminal reader (UE Reader) and a base station reader (Base Station Reader). The wireless reader 132 is mainly used to read the identification data of the AIoT terminal from the AIoT terminal 131, and send an access request carrying the identification data of the AIoT terminal to the AMF (or AIoTMF) 133.

[0186] AMF (or AIoTMF) 133: Mainly responsible for executing the subscription data acquisition and network access authentication process for AIoT terminals together with UDM 134. UDM 134: Mainly responsible for executing the subscription data positioning and acquisition process together with AMF (or AIoTMF) 133.

[0187] The subscription data positioning and acquisition process for AIoT terminals includes three cases. In the first case, the storage location of the subscription data is a third-party server. Depending on the deployment type of the third-party server, the first case can be divided into two types: the deployment type is SNPN type, and the deployment type is a normal application service type. When the deployment type is SNPN type, AMF (or AIoTMF) 133 can obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal from the third-party server (SNPN) 138 via NSSAAF 137. When the deployment type is a normal application service type, AMF (or AIoTMF) 133 can obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal from the third-party server (normal) 136 via NEF135.

[0188] In the second case, the storage location of the subscription data is of local type, that is, the subscription data is stored in the service operator network. In this case, AMF (or AIoTMF) 133 obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal from UDM 134.

[0189] In the third case, the storage location of the subscription data is roaming type, that is, the subscription data is stored in the home operator network of the AIoT terminal. In this case, AMF (or AIoTMF) 133 obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal from UDM 140 in the home operator network via SEPP 139. In addition, AMF (or AIoTMF) 133 can also obtain historical service data or historical access information of the AIoT terminal from AMF (or AIoTMF) 141 in the home operator network.

[0190] In the disclosed embodiment, the various devices in the communication system cooperate with each other to effectively locate and obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal, thereby facilitating the subsequent access authentication of the AIoT terminal based on the subscription data of the AIoT terminal and providing corresponding network access services.

[0191] Here, various aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices, and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each frame of the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of frames can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0192] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable device to produce a machine, so that the processor executes the instructions to produce means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0193] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which cause the computer to work in a specific manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0194] The present disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0195] So far, the communication method, device and communication system according to the present disclosure have been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art are not described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed here.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first core network device, comprising: Receiving a subscription data acquisition request for a passive Internet of Things (AIoT) terminal to be connected from a second core network device, wherein the acquisition request carries an identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, and the second core network device and the first core network device are located in the operator network to be connected; Determine the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected and the location information table of the pre-stored AIoT subscription data; The indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location is sent to the second core network device.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The location information table of the AIoT subscription data includes a correspondence between an identifier of the AIoT terminal and information of a third-party server, and the third-party server is used to store the subscription data of the AIoT terminal.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: Determining the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected and the location information table of the pre-stored AIoT subscription data includes: According to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, query the location information table of the AIoT subscription data; When the location information table of the AIoT subscription data contains information of a third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is used as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The sending the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device includes: When the storage location is a third-party server, the information of the third-party server is sent to the second core network device as indication information of the storage location, so that the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party server according to the information of the third-party server.

5. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The acquisition request also carries the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the determining the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed and the location information table of the pre-stored AIoT subscription data also includes: When the location information table of the AIoT subscription data does not contain the information of the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is the same as the identifier of the operator network to be accessed, the operator network to be accessed is used as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein: The sending the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device also includes: When the storage location is the operator network to be accessed, the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed obtained from the operator network to be accessed is sent to the second core network device.

7. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The acquisition request also carries the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the determining the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed according to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed and the location information table of the pre-stored AIoT subscription data also includes: When the location information table of the AIoT subscription data does not contain the information of the third-party server corresponding to the identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, and the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be accessed is different from the identifier of the operator network to be accessed, the third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier is used as the storage location of the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein: The sending the indication information of the storage location or the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location to the second core network device also includes: When the storage location is a third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier, the information of the third-party operator network is sent to the second core network device as the indication information of the storage location, so that the second core network device obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party operator network according to the information of the third-party operator network.

9. The communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The identifier of the AIoT terminal in the location information table of the AIoT subscription data is a unique identifier of the AIoT terminal, or an identifier of the group to which the AIoT terminal belongs.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, wherein: The identifier of the group to which the AIoT terminal belongs includes the identifier of the manufacturer to which the AIoT terminal belongs, or the identifier of the application to which the AIoT terminal belongs.

11. The communication method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: The information of the third-party server in the location information table of the AIoT subscription data includes the address information of the third-party server.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein: The information of the third-party server in the location information table of the AIoT subscription data also includes deployment type information of the third-party server, and sending the information of the third-party server as the indication information of the storage location to the second core network device includes: The address information of the third-party server and the deployment type information of the third-party server are sent to the second core network device.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, wherein: The deployment type of the third-party server is a server in an independent non-public network SNPN, or a server in a data network.

14. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first core network device is a unified data management UDM device, and the second core network device is a passive Internet of Things management function AIoTMF device or an access and mobility management function AMF device.

15. A communication device, arranged in a first core network device, comprising: A module for executing the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A communication device, arranged in a first core network device, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 based on instructions stored in the memory.

17. A communication system comprising: A first core network device, comprising the communication device according to claim 15 or 16; The second core network device is configured as: Sending a subscription data acquisition request for the AIoT terminal to be connected to the first core network device; Receiving, from the first core network device, indication information of a storage location or subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected obtained from the storage location; as well as When the indication information of the storage location is received, the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected is obtained from the storage location according to the indication information of the storage location.

18. The communication system according to claim 17, wherein: The indication information of the storage location is information of a third-party server, and the second core network device receives the indication information of the storage location from the first core network device or obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location, including: receiving the information of the third-party server from the first core network device; The second core network device acquires the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location according to the indication information of the storage location, including: In the case where the deployment type of the third-party server is a server in an independent non-public network SNPN, the authentication and authorization function device selected by the network slice sends a data acquisition request to the third-party server to obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party server; In the case where the deployment type of the third-party server is a server in a data network, a data acquisition request is sent to the third-party server through a network open function device to obtain the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the third-party server.

19. The communication system according to claim 17, wherein: The second core network device receives the indication information of the storage location from the first core network device or obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location, including: Receive subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the first core network device.

20. The communication system according to claim 17, wherein: The indication information of the storage location is information of a third-party operator network indicated by the home network identifier of the AIoT terminal to be connected, and the second core network device receives the indication information of the storage location from the first core network device or obtains the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location, including: receiving information of the third-party operator network from the first core network device; The second core network device acquires the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected from the storage location according to the indication information of the storage location, including: Sending a data acquisition request to a device in the third-party operator network; Receive subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be connected returned by a device in the third-party operator network.

21. The communication system according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein: The second core network device is further configured as: Before sending a subscription data acquisition request for the AIoT terminal to be connected to the first core network device, receiving a network access request for the AIoT terminal to be connected sent by the wireless reader; After obtaining the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed, network access authentication is performed on the AIoT terminal to be accessed according to the subscription data of the AIoT terminal to be accessed.

22. The communication system according to any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising: The business operation support device is configured to deploy the location information table of the AIoT subscription data to the first core network device.

23. A computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

24. A computer program product having computer instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions are executed by a processor to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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