Communication method, terminal, first network element, second network element and network equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method, a terminal, a first network element, a second network element and network equipment. The method is performed by a second network element and comprises: sending a first message, the first message being used for requesting first information from a first network element, the first information being related to security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service. According to the embodiment of the invention, the security process of ranging / sidelink positioning discovery in a cross-PLMN scene can be realized.

Description

Communication method, terminal, first network element, second network element, network device Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a communication method, a terminal, a first network element, a second network element, and a network device. Background Art

[0002] In communication systems, ranging / sidelink location discovery is proposed. For scenarios across public land mobile networks (PLMNs), it is currently impossible to determine the sidelink positioning key management function (SLPKMF) of serving terminals in different PLMNs, making the current security process of ranging / sidelink location discovery impossible.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the current security process of ranging / sidelink positioning discovery, the SLPKMF of the serving terminal needs to be determined.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a second network element. The method includes: sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service from a first network element; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0006] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from the first network element, the first information being related to the security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0007] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a terminal. The method includes: sending a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of a first service; wherein the third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method includes: a second network element sending a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a network device. The method includes: receiving a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of a first service; wherein the third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of a first service. The third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from the first network element, the first information being related to the security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided. The second network element includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service from the first network element; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided. The network device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of a first service. The third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided. The terminal includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network element is provided. The first network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element is provided. The second network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network device is provided. The network device includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method described in the fifth aspect.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal and a network device. The terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the third aspect. The network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the fifth aspect.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method described in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects.

[0021] According to a seventeenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects.

[0022] According to an eighteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the communication method described in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects.

[0023] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a security process of ranging / sidelink positioning discovery in a cross-PLMN scenario can be implemented.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not constitute limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG2 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG3A is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG3B is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG3C is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG3D is an exemplary flowchart of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG4A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG4B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG4C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG5A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG5B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG6A is an exemplary structural diagram of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG6B is an exemplary structural diagram of a second network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG6C is an exemplary structural diagram of a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG7A is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG7B is a schematic structural diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a terminal, a first network element, a second network element, and a network device.

[0043] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a second network element. The method includes: sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service from a first network element; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0044] In the above embodiment, a first network element in a PLMN supporting the first service can be selected, and the first information can be requested from the selected first network element. In this way, the first information can be obtained from the first network element in the PLMN supporting the first service to implement the first service with first information protection.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: determining the first network element according to second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN that supports the first service.

[0046] In the above embodiment, by determining the first network element from at least one PLMN supporting the first service, it can be ensured that the determined first network element belongs to the PLMN supporting the first service.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: a received PLMN list; a locally configured PLMN list.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the second information may include a received PLMN list and / or a locally configured PLMN list. The first network element may be determined based on at least one of these two PLMN lists. The PLMN list used to determine the first network element may be selected based on different scenarios and requirements, thereby improving flexibility and adaptability.

[0049] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the second information includes a received PLMN list and a configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list do not conflict, the first network element is determined based on at least one of the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the first network element is determined when the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list do not conflict, so that it can be ensured that the determined first network element belongs to a PLMN that supports the first service.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the second information includes a received PLMN list and a configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list conflict, the second request message for requesting the first information is rejected.

[0052] In the above embodiment, when the received PLMN list conflicts with the configured PLMN list, the request for the first information is rejected, thereby avoiding errors caused by the conflict.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the received PLMN list may be carried in the second request message.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a second message, wherein the second message includes the first information.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the first information contained in the second message can be obtained by receiving the second message, so that the first information can be obtained and the first service can be implemented based on the first information.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a second request message, wherein the second request message is used to request the first information; and sending a second response message, wherein the second response message includes the first information.

[0057] In the above embodiment, after receiving the second request message requesting the first information, the obtained first information can be carried in the second response message for replying. In this way, the requesting party such as the terminal can obtain the first information and implement the first service based on the first information.

[0058] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second request message may include at least one of the following: second information and third information, where the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0059] In the above embodiment, by carrying the second information in the second request message, the PLMN supporting the first service requested by the requester can be known, and the first network element can be determined based on the second information.

[0060] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first service may include a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information may include discovery safety information.

[0061] In the above embodiment, by sending a first message to the first network element, discovery security information can be obtained from the first network element. Discovery security information is information specific to ranging / sidelink positioning services. This allows security procedures for ranging / sidelink positioning services to be implemented, thereby enabling ranging / sidelink positioning services protected by the discovery security information.

[0062] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from the first network element, the first information being related to the security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a first network element in a PLMN supporting the first service can be selected, and the first information can be requested from the selected first network element. In this way, the first information can be obtained from the first network element in the PLMN supporting the first service to implement the first service with first information protection.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: checking the PLMN to which the second network element belongs.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the first network element can check the PLMN to which the second network element belongs based on the first message. This ensures that the PLMN to which the second network element belongs supports the first service. This ensures that both the PLMNs to which the first network element and the second network element belong support the first service, thereby ensuring the implementation of ranging / sidelink positioning services protected by discovery security information.

[0066] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending a second message, wherein the second message includes the first information.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a first request message, wherein the first request message is used to request first information; and sending a first response message, wherein the first response message includes the first information.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first request message may include second information and third information, the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first service may include a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information may include discovery safety information.

[0070] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a terminal. The method includes: sending a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service; wherein the third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information indicates at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information indicates the first service.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the first information can be obtained by sending a third request message for the first information. This allows a requesting party, such as a terminal, to obtain the first information and thereby implement the first service based on the first information. Furthermore, the third request message can carry second information, allowing the requested party to obtain the second information and, based on the second information, acquire the first information.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a third response message, wherein the third response message includes the first information.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first service may include a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information may include discovery safety information.

[0074] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, comprising: a second network element sending a first message to a first network element, wherein the first message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service; and wherein a PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: the terminal sends a second request message to the second network element, wherein the second request message is used to request the first information.

[0076] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method. The method is performed by a network device. The method includes: receiving a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service; wherein the third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information indicates at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information indicates the first service.

[0077] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a terminal. The terminal includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service from a first network element; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal may further include a processing module configured to determine a first network element based on second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: a received PLMN list; a locally configured PLMN list.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, when the second information includes a received PLMN list and a configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list do not conflict, the first network element is determined based on at least one of the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, when the second information includes a received PLMN list and a configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list conflict, the second request message for requesting the first information is rejected.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the received PLMN list can be carried in the second request message.

[0083] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to receive a second message, where the second message includes the first information.

[0084] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to: receive a second request message, wherein the second request message is used to request the first information; and send a second response message, wherein the second response message contains the first information.

[0085] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the second request message may include at least one of the following: second information, third information, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0086] In combination with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first service may include a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information may include discovery safety information.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network element. The first network element includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from the first network element, the first information being related to the security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first network element may further include a processing module, wherein the processing module is configured to check the PLMN to which the second network element belongs.

[0089] In combination with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to send a second message, where the second message includes the first information.

[0090] In combination with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to: receive a first request message, wherein the first request message is used to request first information; and send a first response message, wherein the first response message contains the first information.

[0091] In combination with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first request message may include second information and third information, the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0092] In combination with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first service may include a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information may include discovery safety information.

[0093] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a second network element. The second network element includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to send a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information related to the security of a first service from the first network element; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the second network element may further include a processing module configured to determine the first network element based on second information, where the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service.

[0095] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: a received PLMN list; a locally configured PLMN list.

[0096] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, when the second information includes a received PLMN list and a configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list do not conflict, the first network element is determined based on at least one of the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list.

[0097] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to receive a second message, where the second message includes the first information.

[0098] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to: receive a second request message, wherein the second request message is used to request the first information; and send a second response message, wherein the second response message contains the first information.

[0099] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the second request message may include at least one of the following: second information, third information, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

[0100] In combination with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the first service may include a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information may include discovery safety information.

[0101] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network device. The network device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to receive a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, the first information being related to the security of a first service; wherein the third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information indicates at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information indicates the first service.

[0102] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal. The terminal includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the third aspect and possible embodiments thereof.

[0103] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network element. The first network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the second aspect and possible embodiments thereof.

[0104] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network element. The second network element includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect and possible embodiments thereof.

[0105] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network device. The network device includes one or more processors and is configured to execute the communication method described in the fifth aspect.

[0106] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a terminal and a network device. The terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in any one of the third aspect and possible embodiments thereof. The network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the fifth aspect.

[0107] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects and possible embodiments thereof.

[0108] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth aspects and possible embodiments thereof.

[0109] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0110] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and possible embodiments thereof.

[0111] It is understandable that the above-mentioned terminal, first network element, second network element, network device, communication system, storage medium, computer program, computer program product, chip, and chip system are all used to perform the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0112] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a first network element, a second network element, and a network device. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method are interchangeable; the terms communication device, information processing device, and information transmission device are interchangeable; and the terms communication system, information processing system, and information processing system are interchangeable.

[0113] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0115] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English are used in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one", "one or more", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0120] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0121] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for example, if the description object is "information", then the "second information" and the "first information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0122] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0123] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time / frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0124] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0125] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0126] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0127] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.). For example, a network device may include at least one access network device. For another example, a network device may include at least one core network device. For another example, a network device may include at least one access network device and at least one core network device.

[0128] In some embodiments, the core network device may include at least one network element. Then, the network device including the core network device means that the network device may include at least one network element.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0130] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0132] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0133] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0134] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0135] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0136] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , a communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102 .

[0137] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may include two network elements 101A and 101B.

[0138] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include two network elements 102A, 102B.

[0139] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0140] In some embodiments, the network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0141] In some embodiments, the access network device may be, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a satellite base station, a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, the terminal and the core network device may interact through the access network device. In some embodiments, the terminal and the core network device may interact directly. This is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0143] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0144] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0145] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0146] In some embodiments, the network elements 102A, 102B may be a sidelink positioning key management function (SLPKMF).

[0147] In some embodiments, network elements 102A and 102B may be used to provide discovery security information for services of terminal 101 , but the name is not limited thereto.

[0148] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0149] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1 are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or part of the entities shown in Figure 1, or may include other entities outside of Figure 1. The number and form of the entities may be arbitrary. The connection relationship between the entities is illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connection may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0150] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, the fourth generation mobile communication system (4 th generation mobile communication system, 4G), fifth generation mobile communication system (5 thgeneration mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), systems using other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extended from them. In addition, multiple systems can also be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G).

[0151] For the security process of ranging / sidelink positioning discovery, it is currently required that the security mechanisms of the two models for restricted 5G neighbor service direct discovery are also used for terminals with neighbor service capabilities, thereby providing protection for the ranging / sidelink positioning discovery of the terminals.

[0152] The direct discovery name management function (DDNMF) / positioning key management function (PKMF) associated with the monitoring terminal / discoverer terminal needs to locate or select the DDNMF / PKMF associated with the announcing terminal / discoveree terminal to support inter-PLMN scenarios. In some cases, the DDNMF / PKMN can be selected based on the identifier of the potential target terminal (including the PLMN identity) in the discovery request sent by the terminal. In some cases, the DDNMF / PKMN can be a configured list of HPLMNs based on potential 5G proximity service U2N relays (mapped to the relay service code (RSC) sent by the terminal in the discovery key request).

[0153] In some cases, during ranging / sidelink location discovery, the potential target terminal's identifier (including PLMN identity) is not present in the discovery request, and the RSC sent by the UE is not present in the discovery key request. Consequently, the SLPKMF of the monitoring / discovering terminal cannot determine (select) the SLPKMF of the declaring / discovered terminal. Therefore, it is necessary to implement the current security procedures for ranging / sidelink location discovery in cross-PLMN scenarios.

[0154] Figure 2 is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is applied to a communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2, the method includes steps S201 to S210.

[0155] In step S201, the first terminal 101A sends a first request message to the first network element 102A.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may receive a first request message.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first request message may be used to request first information. In some embodiments, the first request message may be used to request first information related to a first service.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first service may be a service selected by the first terminal 101A. In some embodiments, the first service may be a service that the first terminal 101A wants to discover. The first terminal 101A may support multiple services. The first service may be at least one service among the multiple services supported by the first terminal 101A. In some embodiments, the second terminal 102B may be configured with multiple services, all of which are supported by the first terminal 101A. Each of the multiple services may be supported by one or more PLMNs. Each service may correspond to identification information of the one or more PLMNs.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first service may include a ranging / sidelink positioning service. In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple services supported by the first terminal 101A may be a ranging / sidelink positioning service. It is understood that the ranging / sidelink positioning service may include at least one of a ranging service and a sidelink positioning service. Specifically, the ranging / sidelink positioning service may be a ranging service, a sidelink positioning service, or both a ranging service and a sidelink positioning service.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first information may include information related to the security of the first service. In some embodiments, the first information may include discovery security materials. In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: discovery security information related to the ranging service, and discovery security information related to the sidelink positioning service.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may be one of the following: a declaring terminal, a discovered party terminal.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may be a SLPKMF. The SLPKMF may be associated with the first terminal 101A.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first request message may be one of the following: a discovery request message, a discovery key request message. It is understandable that the first request message may also be other messages, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first request message may include at least one of the following: second information and third information. The second information indicates at least one PLMN that supports the first service. The third information indicates the first service. It is understood that the first request message may also include other information, which is not specifically limited in the present embodiment. In one example, the first request message may include both the second information and the third information.

[0165] In some embodiments, the third information may include identification information of the first service. In some embodiments, the third information may include an identifier of the first service.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second information may include identification information of one or more PLMNs. In some embodiments, the second information may include a PLMN list. The PLMN list may include identifiers (ie, PLMN IDs) of PLMNs that support the first service.

[0167] In step S202, the first network element 102A obtains first information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may obtain the first information based on the first request message. In other words, the first network element 102A may generate the first information upon receiving the first request message. In one example, the first network element 102A may obtain the first information based on the third information in the first request message. Specifically, the first network element 102A may obtain the third information from the first request message. Since the third information indicates the first service, the first network element 102A may know the first service requested by the first terminal 101A. Subsequently, the first network element 102A may generate the first information related to the first service.

[0169] In some embodiments, after obtaining the first information, the first network element 102A may store the obtained first information together with the second information. Specifically, the first request message may include the second information, and the first network element 102A may obtain the second information from the first request message. The first network element 102A may then store the obtained second information together with the first information obtained based on the third information. In one example, the first network element 102A may store the discovered security information and the PLMN list of PLMNs supporting the first service.

[0170] In step S203, the first network element 102A sends a first response message to the first terminal 101A.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may receive a first response message.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first response message may be sent by the first network element 102A in response to the first request message. The first network element 102A may send a first response message to the first terminal 101A in response to the first request message.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first response message may include the first information. Specifically, after obtaining the first information, the first network element 102A may carry the first information in the first response message and send it to the first terminal 101A.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first response message may be one of the following: a discovery request message, a discovery key request message. It is understandable that the first response message may also include other information, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0175] The above steps S201 to S203 may constitute a service request process of the first terminal 101A, more specifically, a discovery request process. Through this service request process, the first terminal 101A may obtain the first information.

[0176] In step S204, the second terminal 101B sends a second request message to the second network element 102B.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may receive the second request message.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second request message may be used to request the first information. In some embodiments, the second request message may be used to request the first information related to the first service.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first service may also be a service selected by the second terminal 101B. In some embodiments, the first service may be a service that the second terminal 101B wants to discover. The second terminal 101B may support multiple services. The first service may be at least one service among the multiple services supported by the second terminal 101B. In some embodiments, the first terminal 102A may be configured with multiple services, all of which are supported by the second terminal 101B. Each of the multiple services may be supported by one or more PLMNs. Each service may correspond to identification information of one or more PLMNs.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may be one of the following: a monitoring terminal, a discoverer terminal.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may be a SLPKMF. The SLPKMF may be associated with the second terminal 101B. In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B and the second network element 102B may be located in the same PLMN, or correspond to the same PLMN.

[0182] In some embodiments, the second request message may be one of the following: a discovery request message, a key discovery request message. It is understandable that the second request message may also be other messages, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second request message may include at least one of the following: second information and third information. The second information indicates at least one PLMN that supports the first service. The third information indicates the first service. It is understood that the second request message may also include other information, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In one example, the second request message may include the third information. In another example, the second request message may include both the second information and the third information.

[0184] In step S205 , the second network element 102B determines the first network element 102A.

[0185] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B can determine the first network element 102A based on the second information. The PLMN to which the determined first network element 102A belongs supports the first service. In one example, the second network element 102B can select an SLPKMF from one or more PLMNs based on a PLMN list. The selected SLPKMFs are all in the PLMN list. Since all PLMNs in the PLMN list support the first service, the selected SLPKMF can support the first service.

[0186] In some embodiments, the number of the first network element 102A determined by the second network element 102B may be one or more.

[0187] In some embodiments, the second information obtained by the second network element 102B may include at least one of the following: second information obtained from the second terminal 101B, and locally configured second information. In one example, the second information obtained by the second network element 102B may include at least one of the following: a PLMN list received from the second terminal 101B, and a locally configured PLMN list. The second information received from the second terminal 101B may be second information obtained from the second request message.

[0188] In some embodiments, when the second information is received only from the second terminal 101B, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the received second information.

[0189] In some embodiments, when only the second information configured locally is obtained, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A according to the second information configured locally.

[0190] In some embodiments, upon receiving second information from the second terminal 101B and acquiring locally configured second information, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the received second information and the locally configured second information. In some cases, the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list do not conflict. Here, "no conflict" may mean that the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list are completely identical or at least partially identical. In some embodiments, if the second information includes the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list do not conflict, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on at least one of the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list. In one example, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the received PLMN list. In one example, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the configured PLMN list. In one example, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the union of the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list. In some cases, there may be a conflict between the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list. Here, "conflict" may mean that the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list are completely different or at least partially different. In some embodiments, if the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list conflict, the second network element 102B may reject the second request message. In some embodiments, there may be a priority or default selection between the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list. In one example, the second network element 102B may prioritize (or default) the first network element 102A based on the received PLMN list. In one example, the second network element 102B may prioritize (or default) the first network element 102A based on the configured PLMN list. Of course, there may not be a priority or default selection between the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list. In one example, the second network element 102B may prioritize (or default) the first network element 102A based on the intersection of the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list.

[0191] In step S206, the second network element 102B sends a first message to the first network element 102A.

[0192] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may send a first message to each of the determined one or more first network elements 102A.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may receive the first message.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request the first information. In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request the first information from the first network element 102A.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first message may include indication information for requesting the first information. For example, the first message may include indication information for requesting discovery of security information.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first message may include third information. Through the third information, the second network element 102B may inform the first network element 102A that the requested first information is associated with the first service.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first message may be one of the following: a monitor request message or a discovery request message. In one example, the second terminal 101B may be a monitoring terminal and the first terminal 101A may be a declaring terminal, and the first message may be a monitor request message. In another example, the second terminal 101B may be a discovering terminal and the first terminal 101A may be a discovered terminal, and the first message may be a discovery request message.

[0198] In step S207, the first network element 102A checks the PLMN to which the second network element 102B belongs.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may obtain the first information and the second information based on the third information in the first message. The first information and the second information are associated and both correspond to the first service indicated by the third information. In one example, the first network element 102A may obtain locally stored discovery security information and a PLMN list of PLMNs supporting the first service.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may check the PLMN to which the second network element 102B belongs based on the first message. In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may check whether the PLMN corresponding to the second network element 102B is among the PLMNs indicated by the second message. In one example, the first network element 102A may search a PLMN list for the PLMN corresponding to the second network element 102B. If the PLMN corresponding to the second network element 102B is in the PLMN list, the second network element 102B passes the check (i.e., the check succeeds); otherwise, the second network element 102B fails the check (i.e., the check fails).

[0201] In some embodiments, if the first network element 102A succeeds in checking, the process continues with step S208. In some embodiments, if the first network element 102A fails in checking, the first message may be rejected.

[0202] In step S208, the first network element 102A sends a second message to the second network element 102B.

[0203] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may receive the second message.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second message may be a response message to the first message. In some embodiments, the second message may include the first information. In one example, the second message may include discovery security information related to the first service.

[0205] In some embodiments, the second message may be one of the following: a monitor response message or a discovery response message. In one example, the second terminal 101B may be a monitoring terminal and the first terminal 101A may be a declaring terminal, and the first message may be a monitor response message. In another example, the second terminal 101B may be a discovering terminal and the first terminal 101A may be a discovered terminal, and the first message may be a discovery response message.

[0206] In step S209, the second network element 102B sends a second response message to the second terminal 101B.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may receive a second response message.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second response message may be a response message to the second request message. In some embodiments, the second response message may include the first information. In one example, the second message may include discovery security information related to the first service.

[0209] It is understandable that after receiving the second message, the second network element 102B can carry the first information in the second message in the second response message and send it to the second terminal 101B.

[0210] The above steps S204 to S209 may constitute a service request process of the second terminal 101B, more specifically, a discovery request process. Through this service request process, the second terminal 101B may obtain the first information.

[0211] In step S210 , the first terminal 101A and the second terminal 101B perform broadcast monitoring.

[0212] In some embodiments, after the first terminal 101A and the second terminal 101B both obtain the first information associated with the first service, broadcasting and listening may be performed between the first terminal 101A and the second terminal 101B.

[0213] In some embodiments, broadcast monitoring may be achieved through a communication interface such as a PC5 interface between the first terminal 101A and the second terminal 101B.

[0214] In some embodiments, first terminal 101A may send an announcement message to second terminal 101B. The announcement message may be protected by first information in first terminal 101A. Second terminal 101B may receive the announcement message and verify the received announcement message using the first information in second terminal 101B.

[0215] In some embodiments, second terminal 101B may send a solicitation message to first terminal 101A. The solicitation message may be protected by the first information in first terminal 101A. First terminal 101A may receive the solicitation message and verify the received solicitation message using the first information in first terminal 101A. First terminal 101A may send the verification result to second terminal 101B. In one example, if the verification result shows that the first information in second terminal 101B matches the first information in first terminal 101A, first terminal 101A may send the verification result to second terminal 101B.

[0216] The above step S210 may constitute a broadcast monitoring process between the second terminal 101B and the first terminal 101A. Through this broadcast monitoring process, the security of the first service between the second terminal 101B and the first terminal 101A may be verified.

[0217] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0218] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0219] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0220] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0221] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0222] In some embodiments, terms such as "service" and "business" may be used interchangeably.

[0223] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0224] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values ​​(for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0225] The communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S201 to S210. For example, step S201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S201 and S203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S205 and S206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S206 and S207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S205, S206, and S207 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0226] In some embodiments, steps S201 and S204 may be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0227] In some embodiments, steps S203 and S209 may be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0228] In some embodiments, steps S203 and S208 may be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0229] In some embodiments, steps S202 to S210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0230] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S203 and steps S205 to S210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0231] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S204 and steps S207 to S210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0232] In some embodiments, steps S201 to S205 and steps S208 to S210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0233] In some embodiments, reference may be made to other optional implementations described before or after the description corresponding to FIG. 2 .

[0234] Figure 3A is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method in this embodiment can be performed by a first terminal 101A. The method includes steps S3101 to S3103.

[0235] In step S3101, a first request message is sent.

[0236] The optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may send a first request message to the first network element 102A.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first request message sent by the first terminal 101A can be received by the first network element 102A.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first request message may be used to request first information.

[0240] In step S3102, a first response message is obtained.

[0241] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may receive a first response message sent by the first network element 102A, but is not limited thereto and may also receive a first response message sent by other entities.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first response message may include first information.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first information may be determined by the first network element 102A according to the request message.

[0245] In step S3103, broadcast monitoring is performed.

[0246] The optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may send an announcement message.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may send a declaration message to the second terminal 101B to enable the second terminal 101B to perform verification.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may receive the request message.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first terminal 101A may receive a request message sent by the second terminal 101B and perform verification based on the request message.

[0251] The communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S3101 and S3102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0252] In some embodiments, steps S3102 and S3103 are optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0253] Figure 3B is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method in this embodiment can be performed by the second terminal 101B. The method includes steps S3201 to S3203.

[0254] In step S3201, a second request message is sent.

[0255] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0256] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may send a second request message to the second network element 102B.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second request message sent by the first terminal 101B can be received by the second network element 102B.

[0258] In some embodiments, the second request message may be used to request the first information.

[0259] In step S3202, a second response message is obtained.

[0260] The optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S209 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0261] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may receive a second response message sent by the second network element 102B, but is not limited thereto and may also receive a second response message sent by other entities.

[0262] In some embodiments, the second response message may include the first information.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first information may be obtained by the second network element 102B from the first network element 102A.

[0264] In step S3203, broadcast monitoring is performed.

[0265] The optional implementation of step S3203 can refer to the optional implementation of step S210 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0266] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may send a request message.

[0267] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may send a request message to the first terminal 101A to enable the first terminal 101A to perform verification.

[0268] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may receive the announcement message.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second terminal 101B may receive the declaration message sent by the first terminal 101A and perform verification based on the declaration message.

[0270] The communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3203. For example, step S3201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S3201 and S3202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0271] In some embodiments, steps S3202 and S3203 are optional and may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0272] In the embodiment of the present application, the request message sent by the first terminal 101A to the first network element 102A can be referred to as the first request message, and the response message sent by the first network element 102A and received by the first terminal 101A can be referred to as the first response message. Similarly, the request message sent by the second terminal 101B to the second network element 102B can be referred to as the second request message, and the response message sent by the second network element 102B and received by the second terminal 101B can be referred to as the second response message. It should be noted that, without distinguishing between the first terminal 101A and the second terminal 101B, or the first network element 102A and the second network element 102B, the first request message and the second request message can both be referred to as the third request message, and the first response message and the second response message can both be referred to as the third response message. That is, in the method flow of the embodiment of the present application, the request message sent by the terminal to the network element is the third request message, and the response message sent by the network element to the terminal is the third response message.

[0273] Figure 3C is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method in this embodiment can be performed by the first network element 102A. The method includes steps S3301 to S3306.

[0274] In step S3301, a first request message is obtained.

[0275] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S201 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may receive a first request message sent by the first terminal 101A, but is not limited thereto and may also receive a first request message sent by other entities.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first request message may be used to request first information.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first request message may include second information.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may obtain second information specified by the protocol.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may obtain the second information from a higher layer.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may perform processing to obtain the second information.

[0282] In step S3302, first information is obtained.

[0283] The optional implementation of step S3302 can refer to the optional implementation of step S202 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may obtain the first information in response to the first request message.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first information may be determined based on third information in the first request message.

[0286] In step S3303, a first response message is sent.

[0287] The optional implementation of step S3303 can refer to the optional implementation of step S203 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may send a first response message to the first terminal 101A.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first response message may include first information.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first response message may be received by the first terminal 101A.

[0291] In step S3304, the first message is obtained.

[0292] The optional implementation of step S3304 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may receive a first message sent by the second network element 102B, but is not limited thereto and may also receive a first message sent by other entities.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request first information.

[0295] In step S3305, the PLMN to which the second network element 102B belongs is checked.

[0296] The optional implementation of step S3305 can refer to the optional implementation of step S207 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may check the PLMN to which the second network element 102B belongs based on the first message.

[0298] In step S3306, a second message is sent.

[0299] The optional implementation of step S3306 can refer to the optional implementation of step S208 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may send a second message to the second network element 102B.

[0301] In some embodiments, the second message may include the first information.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second message may be received by the second network element 102B.

[0303] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3301 to S3306. For example, step S3301 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3305 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S3301 and S3302 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S3304 and S3305 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S3301 and S3304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0304] In some embodiments, steps S3302, S3303, S3304, S3305, and S3306 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0305] In some embodiments, steps S3301, S3302, S3303, S3305, and S3306 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0306] Figure 3D is an exemplary flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3D, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The communication method in this embodiment can be performed by the second network element 102B. The method includes steps S3401 to S3405.

[0307] In step S3401, a second request message is obtained.

[0308] The optional implementation of step S3401 can refer to the optional implementation of step S204 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may receive a second request message sent by the second terminal 101B, but is not limited thereto and may also receive a second request message sent by other entities.

[0310] In some embodiments, the second request message may be used to request the first information.

[0311] In some embodiments, the second request message may include second information.

[0312] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may obtain second information specified by the protocol.

[0313] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may obtain the second information from a higher layer.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first network element 102B may perform processing to obtain the second information.

[0315] In step S3402, the first network element 102A is determined.

[0316] The optional implementation of step S3402 can refer to the optional implementation of step S205 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the second information in the second request message.

[0318] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the second information configured locally.

[0319] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may determine the first network element 102A based on the second information in the second request message and the second information configured locally.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first network element 102A may be determined based on at least one of the second information in the second request message and the second information configured locally.

[0321] In step S3403, a first message is sent.

[0322] The optional implementation of step S3403 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may send a first message to the first network element 102A.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first message may be used to request first information from the first network element 102A.

[0325] In some embodiments, the first message may be received by the first network element 102A.

[0326] In step S3404, a second message is received.

[0327] The optional implementation of step S3404 can refer to the optional implementation of step S208 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may receive a second message sent by the first network element 102A.

[0329] In some embodiments, the second message may include the first information.

[0330] In step S3405, a second response message is sent.

[0331] The optional implementation of step S3405 can refer to the optional implementation of step S209 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0332] In some embodiments, the second network element 102B may send a second response message to the second terminal 101B.

[0333] In some embodiments, the second response message may include the first information.

[0334] In some embodiments, the second response message may be received by the second terminal 101B.

[0335] The communication method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3401 to S3305. For example, step S3401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S3402 and S3403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S3403 and S3404 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S3401 and S3403 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0336] In some embodiments, steps S3402, S3403, S3404, and S3405 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0337] In some embodiments, steps S3401, S3402, S3404, and S3405 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0338] FIG4A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4A , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes step S4101.

[0339] In step S4101, a third request message is sent.

[0340] For the optional implementation of step S4101, please refer to the optional implementation of steps S201 and S204 in Figure 2, step S3101 in Figure 3A, step S3201 in Figure 3B, step S3301 in Figure 3C, and step S3401 in Figure 3D, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] In one embodiment, the third request message may be the first request message sent by the first terminal 101A to the first network element 102A.

[0342] In one embodiment, the third request message may be a second request message sent by the second terminal 101B to the second network element 102B.

[0343] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first terminal side, the second terminal side, the first network element side, the second network element side, the network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0344] FIG4B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4B , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes step S4201.

[0345] In step S4201, a first message is sent.

[0346] The optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, step S3304 in Figure 3C, step S3403 in Figure 3D, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3C, and 3D, which will not be repeated here.

[0347] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first network element side, the second network element side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0348] FIG4C is an exemplary interaction diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4C , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes step S4301.

[0349] In step S4301, the second network element 102B sends a first message to the first network element 102A.

[0350] The optional implementation of step S4301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S206 in Figure 2, step S3304 in Figure 3C, step S3403 in Figure 3D, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3C, and 3D, which will not be repeated here.

[0351] In some embodiments, the above method may include the method described in the above embodiments of the communication system side, the first network element side, the second network element side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0352] FIG5A is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5A , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes steps S5101 to S5111.

[0353] In the embodiment shown in FIG5A , the A-UE (announcing UE) may be the first terminal 101A, the M-UE (monitoring UE) may be the second terminal 101B, the SLPKMF of the A-UE may be the first network element 102A, and the SLPKMF of the M-UE may be the second network element 102B.

[0354] In step S5101, the A-UE may be configured with a list of ranging / sidelink positioning services supported by the A-UE. The list includes the corresponding PLMN IDs that support these ranging / sidelink positioning services. When sending a discovery key request message, the A-UE may indicate the services it wishes to discover and the PLMN IDs (e.g., a list of PLMN IDs) that support the requested services.

[0355] In step S5102, the SLPKMF of the A-UE generates discovery security materials associated with the requested ranging service, and saves the discovery security materials and a list of PLMNs supporting the requested ranging service.

[0356] In step S5103, the SLPKMF of the A-UE includes the discovery security information in a discovery key response message.

[0357] In step S5104, the M-UE may be configured with a list of ranging / sidelink positioning services supported by the M-UE. This list includes the corresponding PLMN IDs that support these ranging / sidelink positioning services. When sending a discovery key request message, the A-UE may indicate the services it wishes to discover and the PLMN IDs (e.g., a list of PLMN IDs) that support the requested services.

[0358] In step S5105, the SLPKMF of the M-UE selects a SLPKMF in the PLMN based on the PLMN ID list. The PLMN ID list may be received from the M-UE or locally configured in the SLPKMF of the M-UE. In the event that the SLPKMF of the M-UE has both the received PLMN ID list and the locally configured PLMN ID list, the SLPKMF of the M-UE needs to check whether there is a conflict between the received PLMN ID list and the locally configured PLMN ID list before continuing. If there is a conflict between the received PLMN ID list and the locally configured PLMN ID list, the SLPKMF of the M-UE may reject the Discovery Key Request message.

[0359] In step S5106, the SLPKMF of the M-UE sends a monitor request message to each of the selected SLPKMFs. The monitor request message includes indication information for requesting ranging discovery security information.

[0360] In step S5107, upon receiving the monitoring request message, the SLPKMF of the A-UE retrieves the stored discovery security information and the corresponding PLMN list supporting the requested ranging service. Furthermore, the SLPKMF of the A-UE checks whether the PLMN of the SLPKMF of the M-UE is in the PLMN list.

[0361] In step S5108, if the PLMN check is successful, the SLPKMF of the A-UE sends a monitor response message in response to the SLPKMF of the M-UE. The monitor response message includes discovery security information.

[0362] In step S5109, the SLPKMF of the M-UE returns the discovery security information via a discovery key response message.

[0363] In step S5110 , the A-UE broadcasts a notification message protected by the discovery security information.

[0364] In step S5111 , the M-UE receives the notification message and verifies the notification message using the discovery security information.

[0365] FIG5B is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific implementation of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5B , an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method. The method includes steps S5201 to S5211.

[0366] In the embodiment shown in FIG5B , the E-UE (discoveree UE) may be the first terminal 101A, the R-UE (discoverer UE) may be the second terminal 101B, the SLPKMF of the E-UE may be the first network element 102A, and the SLPKMF of the R-UE may be the second network element 102B.

[0367] In step S5201, the E-UE may be configured with a list of ranging / sidelink positioning services supported by the E-UE. This list includes the corresponding PLMN IDs that support these ranging / sidelink positioning services. When sending a discovery key request message, the E-UE may indicate the services it wishes to discover and the PLMN IDs (e.g., a list of PLMN IDs) that support the requested services.

[0368] In step S5202, the SLPKMF of the E-UE generates discovery security information associated with the requested ranging service, and saves the discovery security information and a list of PLMNs supporting the requested ranging service.

[0369] In step S5203, the SLPKMF of the E-UE includes the discovery security information in a discovery key response message.

[0370] In step S5204, the R-UE may be configured with a list of ranging / sidelink positioning services supported by the M-UE. This list includes the corresponding PLMN IDs that support these ranging / sidelink positioning services. When sending a Discovery Key Request message, the R-UE may indicate the services it wishes to discover and the PLMN IDs (e.g., a list of PLMN IDs) that support the requested services.

[0371] In step S5205, the SLPKMF of the R-UE selects a SLPKMF in the PLMN based on the PLMN ID list. The PLMN ID list may be received from the R-UE or locally configured in the SLPKMF of the R-UE. In the case that the SLPKMF of the R-UE has both the received PLMN ID list and the locally configured PLMN ID list, the SLPKMF of the R-UE needs to check whether there is a conflict between the received PLMN ID list and the locally configured PLMN ID list before continuing. If there is a conflict between the received PLMN ID list and the locally configured PLMN ID list, the SLPKMF of the R-UE may reject the discovery key request message.

[0372] In step S5206, the SLPKMF of the R-UE sends a discovery request message to each of the selected SLPKMFs. The discovery request message includes indication information for requesting ranging discovery security information.

[0373] In step S5207, upon receiving the discovery request message, the SLPKMF of the E-UE obtains the stored discovery security information and the corresponding PLMN list supporting the requested ranging service. In addition, the SLPKMF of the E-UE checks whether the PLMN of the SLPKMF of the R-UE is in the PLMN list.

[0374] In step S5208, if the PLMN check is successful, the SLPKMF of the E-UE sends a discovery response message in response to the SLPKMF of the R-UE. The discovery response message includes discovery security information.

[0375] In step S5209, the SLPKMF of the R-UE returns the discovery security information through a discovery key response message.

[0376] In step S5210, the R-UE broadcasts a solicitation message protected by the discovery security information.

[0377] In step S5211, the E-UE receives the request message and verifies it using the discovery security information, and responds to the R-UE if there is a match.

[0378] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0379] The present disclosure also provides a communication device for implementing any of the above methods. For example, the present disclosure provides a communication device. The communication device includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, the present disclosure also provides another communication device including units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device in any of the above methods.

[0380] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above devices is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above devices, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0381] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0382] Figure 6A is an exemplary structural diagram of a first network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the first network element 6100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6101, a processing module 6102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 is configured to receive a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from the first network element, the first information being related to the security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service. Optionally, the transceiver module 6101 may be configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S203, S206, and S208) such as sending and / or receiving executed by the first network element 6100 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here. Optionally, the transceiver module 6102 may be configured to execute at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S202 and S207, but not limited thereto) of the first network element 6100 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here.

[0383] Figure 6B is an exemplary structural diagram of a second network element provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the second network element 6200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6201 and a processing module 6202. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 is configured to send a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from the first network element, the first information being related to the security of a first service; wherein the PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service. Optionally, the transceiver module 6201 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S204, S206, S208, and S209) such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 6200 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here. Optionally, the transceiver module 6202 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S205, but not limited thereto) of the second network element 6200 in any of the above methods, which are not further described here.

[0384] Figure 6C is an exemplary structural diagram of a terminal provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6C, the terminal 6300 may include a transceiver module 6301. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6301 is configured to send a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of the first service; wherein the third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN that supports the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service. Optionally, the transceiver module 6301 can be configured to execute at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps S201, S203, S206, S208, but not limited thereto) of the terminal 101 (including the first terminal 101A and the second terminal 101B) in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0385] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0386] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0387] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0388] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 7100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 7101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0389] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7102, the transceiver 7102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S201, S203, S204, S206, S208, S209, and S210, but not limited thereto), and the processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S202, S205, and S207, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0390] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside the communication device 7100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuits 7104 are connected to the memories 7103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 7103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 7103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 may read data stored in the memories 7103 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0391] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0392] 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 7200 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 shown in FIG7B , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0393] The chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. The chip 7200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0394] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Alternatively, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 7203 may be located external to chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203 and may be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 may read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0395] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S203, S204, S206, S208, S209, and S210) of the above-described method. The interface circuit 7202 performing the communication steps (e.g., steps S201, S203, S204, S206, S208, S209, and S210) of the above-described method, for example, means that the interface circuit 7202 performs data exchange between the processor 7201, the chip 7200, the memory 7203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S202, S205, and S207, but not limited thereto).

[0396] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0397] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 7100, the communication device 7100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0398] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 7100, enables the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0399] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the above methods.

[0400] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow from the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0401] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a second network element, comprising: Sending a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from a first network element, and the first information is related to the security of a first service; The public land mobile network PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The method further comprises: The first network element is determined according to second information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The second information includes at least one of the following: Received PLMN list; Locally configured PLMN list.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: When the second information includes a received PLMN list and a configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list do not conflict, the first network element is determined according to at least one of the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: In a case where the second information includes the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list, and the received PLMN list and the configured PLMN list conflict, the second request message for requesting the first information is rejected.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The method further comprises: A second message is received, wherein the second message includes the first information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving a second request message, wherein the second request message is used to request the first information; A second response message is sent, wherein the second response message includes the first information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The second request message includes at least one of the following: the second information and third information, where the third information is used to indicate the first service.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first service includes a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information includes discovery safety information.

10. A communication method, performed by a first network element, comprising: receiving a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from the first network element, and the first information is related to the security of a first service; The public land mobile network PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The method further comprises: Check the PLMN to which the second network element belongs.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The method further comprises: A second message is sent, wherein the second message includes the first information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving a first request message, wherein the first request message is used to request the first information; A first response message is sent, wherein the first response message includes the first information.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The first request message includes the second information and third information, the second information is used to indicate at least one PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: The first service includes a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information includes discovery safety information.

16. A communication method, executed by a terminal, comprising: Sending a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of the first service; The third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one public land mobile network PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The method further comprises: A third response message is received, wherein the third response message includes the first information.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The first service includes a ranging / side link positioning service, and the first information includes discovery safety information.

19. A communication method, comprising: The second network element sends a first message to the first network element, wherein the first message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of the first service; The public land mobile network PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

20. A communication method, performed by a network device, comprising: receiving a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of the first service; The third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one public land mobile network PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

21. A terminal, comprising: a transceiver module, configured to send a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of the first service; The third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one public land mobile network PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

22. A first network element, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from a first network element, and the first information is related to the security of a first service; The public land mobile network PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

23. A second network element, comprising: A transceiver module, configured to send a first message, wherein the first message is used to request first information from a first network element, and the first information is related to the security of a first service; The public land mobile network PLMN to which the first network element belongs supports the first service.

24. A network device comprising: a transceiver module, configured to receive a third request message, wherein the third request message is used to request first information, and the first information is related to the security of the first service; The third request message includes at least one of the following: second information and third information, wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one public land mobile network PLMN supporting the first service, and the third information is used to indicate the first service.

25. A terminal, comprising: one or more processors; The terminal is used to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 16 to 18.

26. A first network element, comprising: one or more processors; The first network element is used to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

27. A second network element, comprising: one or more processors; The second network element is used to execute the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

28. A network device comprising: one or more processors; Wherein, the network device is used to execute the communication method as claimed in claim 20.

29. A communication system, comprising a terminal and a network device, wherein: The terminal is configured to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, and the network device is configured to implement the communication method according to claim 20.

30. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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