Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, and relates to the field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring perception data, wherein the perception data comprises first perception data and / or second perception data; the first sensing data is obtained according to a sensing signal received by the second access network element; the second sensing data comes from the first access network element, and the second sensing data is obtained according to a sensing signal sent by a second access network element; processing the sensing data; the first access network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to a first operator network, and the second access network element belongs to a second operator network. According to the invention, different operator networks can share the sensing entity to obtain the sensing data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] In a communication system, a sending end can modulate an electromagnetic wave signal so that the electromagnetic wave carries source information. During the propagation process, the electromagnetic wave signal is affected by the wireless environment, that is, the electromagnetic wave signal is environmentally modulated and thus also carries environmental information. By analyzing the electromagnetic wave signal, a receiving end can not only obtain the carried source information, but also extract sensing information reflecting the characteristics of the propagation environment, which makes integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) possible.

[0003] An object used to obtain sensing data in the system can be called a sensing entity, and the sensing entity can include an access network device, a terminal device, etc. The sensing data obtained by the sensing entity can provide data support for sensing services. The more sensing entities there are, or in other words, the richer the sensing entity resources are, the richer the sensing data provided for sensing services can be. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can enable sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, which is applied to the side of a first sensing data processing functional network element. The method includes: obtaining sensing data, where the sensing data includes first sensing data and / or second sensing data; the first sensing data is obtained according to a sensing signal received by a second access network element; the second sensing data comes from a first access network element, and the second sensing data is obtained according to a sensing signal sent by the second access network element. Processing the sensing data.

[0006] The first access network element and the first sensing data processing functional network element belong to a first operator network, and the second access network element belongs to a second operator network.

[0007] Exemplarily, the method described in the first aspect can be applied to a first sensing data processing functional network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device deploying or hosting the first sensing data processing functional network element, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or hosting the first sensing data processing functional network element.

[0008] This communication method enables sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, this communication method can enable a first operator network to use a second RAN network element in a second operator network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0009] In a possible design, the obtaining of the first sensing data includes: receiving the first sensing data sent by a second sensing data processing function network element, where the first sensing data is transmitted through a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0010] In a possible scenario of this design, a first SSCF network element may request the second operator network to provide a receiving sensing entity. The second sensing entity in the second operator network may act as the receiving sensing entity to receive sensing signals and obtain sensing data based on the received sensing signals. When the second sensing entity acts as the receiving sensing entity, the sending sensing entity may be the first sensing entity in the first operator network. That is, the first sensing entity is used to send sensing signals, and the second sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals. The second sensing entity may include one or more.

[0011] In another possible scenario of this design, the first SSCF network element may request the second operator network to provide a sending sensing entity and a sensing entity. The second sensing entity in the second operator network may act as the sending sensing entity to send sensing signals and at the same time act as the receiving sensing entity to receive sensing signals, that is, the second sensing entity sends and receives by itself. Alternatively, some of the second sensing entities act as the sending sensing entity to send sensing signals, and some other second sensing entities act as the receiving sensing entity to receive sensing signals. The second sensing entity may also include one or more.

[0012] In a possible design, the method further includes: receiving a first request message from a first sensing service control function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; sending a first response message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; the first sensing service control function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0013] In this design, a first sensing bearer may be established between the first SDPF and the second SDPF for transmitting sensing data.

[0014] In a possible design, the obtaining of the first sensing data includes: receiving the first sensing data sent by a first user plane function network element; the first sensing data is sent by a second user plane function network element to the first user plane function network element, the first user plane function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second user plane function network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0015] In this design, the second RAN network element sends the first sensing data to the second UPF network element in the second operator network. The second UPF network element can send the first sensing data to the first UPF network element in the first operator network, and the first UPF network element can send the first sensing data to the first SDPF network element to achieve cross-network transmission of the first sensing data.

[0016] In a possible design, the obtaining of the second sensing data includes: receiving the second sensing data from the first access network element.

[0017] In a possible scenario of this design, the first SSCF network element can request the second operator network to provide a sending sensing entity, and the second sensing entity in the second operator network can be used as the sending sensing entity to send a sensing signal. When the second sensing entity is used as the sending sensing entity, the receiving sensing entity can be the first sensing entity in the first operator network, such as the first RAN network element. That is, the second sensing entity is used to send the sensing signal, and the first sensing entity is used to receive the sensing signal. The first sensing entity can obtain sensing data based on the received sensing signal. The second sensing entity can also include one or more.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, and the device has a function of implementing the method described in the first aspect above. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the first aspect above, for example, a receiving unit, a processing unit, a sending unit, etc.

[0019] Among them, the receiving unit is used to obtain sensing data, and the sensing data includes first sensing data and / or second sensing data; the first sensing data is obtained based on the sensing signal received by the second access network element; the second sensing data comes from the first access network element, and the second sensing data is obtained based on the sensing signal sent by the second access network element.

[0020] The processing unit is used to process the sensing data.

[0021] The first access network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0022] In a possible design, a receiving unit is specifically configured to receive first sensing data sent by a second sensing data processing function network element, and the first sensing data is transmitted through a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0023] In a possible design, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a first request message from a first sensing service control function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; a sending unit is configured to send a first response message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; the first sensing service control function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0024] In a possible design, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive first sensing data sent by a first user plane function network element; the first sensing data is sent by a second user plane function network element to the first user plane function network element, the first user plane function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second user plane function network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0025] In a possible design, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive second sensing data from the first access network element.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, the device is caused to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0028] Exemplarily, in the third aspect and the fourth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0029] The communication device described in any one of the second aspect to the fourth aspect above can be applied to a first sensing data processing function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the second aspect to the fourth aspect can be a communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing data processing function network element, or a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing data processing function network element.

[0030] Fifth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or simply instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built into the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0031] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above-provided second aspect to fifth aspect, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the first aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0032] Sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the second sensing data processing function network element side. The method includes: receiving first sensing data from a second access network network element, where the first sensing data is obtained by the second access network network element based on the received sensing signal; sending the first sensing data to a first sensing data processing function network element; the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to a first operator network, and the second access network network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0033] Exemplarily, the method described in the sixth aspect can be applied to the second sensing data processing function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device deploying or hosting the second sensing data processing function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or hosting the second sensing data processing function network element.

[0034] This communication method can enable sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, this communication method can enable the first operator network to use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0035] In a possible design, the first sensing data is transmitted through a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element.

[0036] In a possible design, the method further includes: receiving a second request message from a second perception service control function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first perception bearer; sending a second response message to the second perception service control function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first perception bearer; receiving a third request message from the second perception service control function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to improve the first perception bearer; sending a third response message to the second perception service control function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the improvement of the first perception bearer.

[0037] The second perception service control function network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0038] In this design, a first perception bearer can be established between the first SDPF and the second SDPF for transmitting perception data.

[0039] In a possible design, the sending of the first perception data to the first perception data processing function network element includes: sending the first perception data to a second user function network element, so as to send the first perception data to the first perception data processing function network element through the second user plane function network element and the first user plane function network element.

[0040] The first user plane function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second user plane function network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0041] In this design, the second RAN network element sends the first perception data to the second UPF network element in the second operator network, the second UPF network element can send the first perception data to the first UPF network element in the first operator network, and the first UPF network element can send the first perception data to the first SDPF network element to implement cross-network transmission of the first perception data.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, and the device has a function of implementing the method described in the sixth aspect above. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the sixth aspect above, for example, a receiving unit, a sending unit, etc.

[0043] Among them, the receiving unit is used to receive the first perception data from the second access network element, and the first perception data is obtained by the second access network element according to the received perception signal.

[0044] The sending unit is used to send the first perception data to the first perception data processing function network element.

[0045] The first perception data processing function network element belongs to the first operator's network, and the second access network and the second perception data processing function network element belong to the second operator's network.

[0046] In a possible design, the first perception data is transmitted through a first perception bearer between the first perception data processing function network element and the second perception data processing function network element.

[0047] In a possible design, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second request message from a second perception service control function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first perception bearer. The sending unit is further configured to send a second response message to the second perception service control function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first perception bearer.

[0048] The receiving unit is further configured to receive a third request message from the second perception service control function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to improve the first perception bearer. The sending unit is further configured to send a third response message to the second perception service control function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the improvement of the first perception bearer.

[0049] The second perception service control function network element belongs to the second operator's network.

[0050] In a possible design, the sending unit is specifically configured to send the first perception data to a second user function network element, so as to send the first perception data to the first perception data processing function network element through the second user plane function network element and the first user plane function network element.

[0051] The first user plane function network element belongs to the first operator's network, and the second user plane function network element belongs to the second operator's network.

[0052] In an eighth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, cause the device to execute the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect.

[0053] In a ninth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect.

[0054] Exemplarily, in the eighth aspect and the ninth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect.

[0055] The communication device described in any one of the seventh to ninth aspects above can be applied to the second sensing data processing function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the seventh to ninth aspects can be a communication device that deploys or hosts the second sensing data processing function network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the second sensing data processing function network element.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built into the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the sixth aspect or any possible design of the sixth aspect.

[0057] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the seventh to tenth aspects provided above, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the sixth aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0058] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the first sensing service control function network element side. The method includes: sending a fourth request message to the first access network element, where the fourth request message is used to instruct the first access network element to be the first sensing entity; receiving a fourth response message from the first access network element, where the fourth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the first access network element is the first sensing entity. Sending a fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the fifth request message is used to instruct to request the second operator network to provide an access network element as the second sensing entity for the first operator network; receiving a fifth response message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the fifth response message is used to indicate providing a second access network element as the second sensing entity for the first operator network.

[0059] The first sensing entity and the second sensing entity are used to obtain sensing data. The first access network element and the first sensing service control function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0060] Exemplarily, the method described in the first aspect can be applied to the first sensing service control function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing service control function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing service control function network element.

[0061] This communication method enables the sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, this communication method can enable the first operator network to use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0062] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals, and the method further includes: receiving a sixth request message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element. Sending a first request message to the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer. Receiving a first response message from the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer. Sending a sixth response message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0063] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network, and the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0064] In this design, a first sensing bearer can be established between the first SDPF and the second SDPF for transmitting sensing data.

[0065] In a possible design, the first sensing entity is used to send sensing signals, the second sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals, and the method further includes: sending a first sensing request message to the first access network element, where the first sensing request message is used to indicate that the first access network element performs sensing.

[0066] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send sensing signals, and the method further includes: sending a second sensing request message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the second sensing request message is used to indicate that the second access network element performs sensing.

[0067] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending a seventh request message to the first network storage function network element, where the seventh request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; receiving a seventh response message from the first network storage function network element, where the seventh response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0068] The first network storage function network element belongs to the first operator's network.

[0069] In a possible design, the first sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal; the fourth response message and the fifth request message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0070] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the first sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal; the fourth request message and the fifth response message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0071] In a possible design, the fifth request message includes at least one of the following information: a sensing service identifier, a sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information; the sensing service identifier is used to indicate a sensing service; the sensing area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity; the sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service; the sensing entity requirement information is used to indicate the type of the sensing entity of the second sensing entity, and the type of the sensing entity includes a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0072] In a possible design, sending the fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element includes: when the available sensing entity resources in the first operator's network are insufficient, sending the fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element.

[0073] In this design, when the available sensing entity resources in the first operator's network are insufficient, the first operator's network uses the second RAN network element in the second operator's network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0074] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, and the device has a function of implementing the method described in the eleventh aspect above. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the eleventh aspect above. For example, a sending unit, a receiving unit, etc.

[0075] Among them, the sending unit is used to send a fourth request message to the first access network element, and the fourth request message is used to instruct the first access network element to be the first sensing entity; the receiving unit is used to receive a fourth response message from the first access network element, and the fourth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the first access network element is the first sensing entity.

[0076] The sending unit is further configured to send a fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the fifth request message is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide an access network element to the first operator network as a second sensing entity; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a fifth response message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the fifth response message is used to indicate providing a second access network element as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0077] The first sensing entity and the second sensing entity are used to obtain sensing data. The first access network element and the first sensing service control function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0078] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal. The receiving unit is further configured to receive a sixth request message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element. The sending unit is further configured to send a first request message to the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer.

[0079] The receiving unit is further configured to receive a first response message from the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of establishing the first sensing bearer. The sending unit is further configured to send a sixth response message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of establishing the first sensing bearer.

[0080] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network, and the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0081] In a possible design, the first sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal, and the sending unit is further configured to send a first sensing request message to the first access network element, where the first sensing request message is used to indicate that the first access network element performs sensing.

[0082] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the sending unit is further configured to send a second sensing request message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the second sensing request message is used to indicate that the second access network element performs sensing.

[0083] In a possible design, the sending unit is further configured to send a seventh request message to a first network storage function network element, where the seventh request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a seventh response message from the first network storage function network element, where the seventh response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0084] The first network storage function network element belongs to a first operator network.

[0085] In a possible design, the first sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal; the fourth response message and the fifth request message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0086] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the first sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal; the fourth request message and the fifth response message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0087] In a possible design, the fifth request message includes at least one of the following information: a sensing service identifier, a sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information; the sensing service identifier is used to indicate a sensing service; the sensing area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity; the sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service; the sensing entity requirement information is used to indicate the sensing entity type of the second sensing entity, and the sensing entity type includes a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0088] In a possible design, the sending unit is specifically configured to send the fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element when the available sensing entity resources in the first operator network are insufficient.

[0089] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor, configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, cause the device to execute the method described in the eleventh aspect or any possible design of the eleventh aspect.

[0090] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the eleventh aspect or any possible design of the eleventh aspect.

[0091] Exemplarily, in the thirteenth aspect and the fourteenth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the eleventh aspect or any possible design of the eleventh aspect.

[0092] The communication device described in any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects above can be applied to the first sensing service control function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects can be a communication device on which the first sensing service control function network element is deployed or carried, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device on which the first sensing service control function network element is deployed or carried.

[0093] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the eleventh aspect or any possible design of the eleventh aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built into the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the eleventh aspect or any possible design of the eleventh aspect.

[0094] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects provided above, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the eleventh aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0095] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the second sensing service control function network element side, and the method includes: receiving a fifth request message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the fifth request message is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide an access network element for the first operator network as a second sensing entity; sending an eighth request message to the second access network element, where the eighth request message is used to indicate that the second access network element serves as the second sensing entity of the first operator network; receiving an eighth response message from the second access network element, where the eighth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the second access network element serves as the second sensing entity of the first operator network; sending a fifth response message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the fifth response message is used to indicate providing the second access network element as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0096] The second sensing entity is used to obtain sensing data, the first sensing service control function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0097] Exemplarily, the method described in the sixteenth aspect can be applied to the second sensing service control function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device on which the second sensing service control function network element is deployed or carried, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device on which the second sensing service control function network element is deployed or carried.

[0098] The communication method can enable sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, the communication method can enable the first operator network to use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0099] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending a sixth request message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; receiving a sixth response message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0100] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network, and the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0101] In this design, a first sensing bearer can be established between the first SDPF and the second SDPF for transmitting sensing data.

[0102] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending a second request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; receiving a second response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; sending a third request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to improve the first sensing bearer; receiving a third response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the improvement of the first sensing bearer.

[0103] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the method further includes: receiving a second sensing request message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the second sensing request message is used to indicate that the second access network network element performs sensing; sending a third sensing request message to the second access network network element, where the third sensing request message is used to indicate that the second access network network element performs sensing.

[0104] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal; the fifth request message and the eighth request message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0105] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send sensing signals; the fifth response message and the eighth response message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signals.

[0106] In a possible design, the fifth request message includes at least one of the following pieces of information: a sensing service identifier, a sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information; the sensing service identifier is used to indicate the sensing service; the sensing area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity; the sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service; the sensing entity requirement information is used to indicate the type of the second sensing entity, and the type of the sensing entity includes a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0107] In a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, and the device has the functions of implementing the method described in the above sixteenth aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the above sixteenth aspect, for example, a receiving unit, a sending unit, and the like.

[0108] Among them, the receiving unit is used to receive a fifth request message from a first sensing service control function network element, and the fifth request message is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide an access network element for the first operator network as a second sensing entity; the sending unit is used to send an eighth request message to a second access network element, and the eighth request message is used to indicate that the second access network element is used as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0109] The receiving unit is further used to receive an eighth response message from the second access network element, and the eighth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the second access network element is used as the second sensing entity of the first operator network; the sending unit is further used to send a fifth response message to the first sensing service control function network element, and the fifth response message is used to indicate providing the second access network element as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0110] The second sensing entity is used to obtain sensing data, the first sensing service control function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0111] In a possible design, the sending unit is further configured to send a sixth request message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a sixth response message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0112] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network, and the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0113] In a possible design, the sending unit is further configured to send a second request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0114] The sending unit is further configured to send a third request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to improve the first sensing bearer; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a third response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the improvement of the first sensing bearer.

[0115] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal. The receiving unit is further configured to receive a second sensing request message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the second sensing request message is used to instruct the second access network element to perform sensing; the sending unit is further configured to send a third sensing request message to the second access network element, where the third sensing request message is used to instruct the second access network element to perform sensing.

[0116] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal; the fifth request message and the eighth request message include spectrum resources for carrying the sensing signal.

[0117] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal; the fifth response message and the eighth response message include spectrum resources for carrying the sensing signal.

[0118] In a possible design, the fifth request message includes at least one of the following pieces of information: a sensing service identifier, a sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information; the sensing service identifier is used to indicate a sensing service; the sensing area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity; the sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service; the sensing entity requirement information is used to indicate the sensing entity type of the second sensing entity, and the sensing entity type includes a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0119] In an eighteenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, cause the device to execute the method described in the sixteenth aspect or any possible design of the sixteenth aspect.

[0120] In a nineteenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the sixteenth aspect or any possible design of the sixteenth aspect.

[0121] Exemplarily, in the eighteenth aspect and the nineteenth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the sixteenth aspect or any possible design of the sixteenth aspect.

[0122] The communication device described in any one of the seventeenth aspect to the nineteenth aspect above can be applied to a second sensing service control function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the seventeenth aspect to the nineteenth aspect can be a communication device on which the second sensing service control function network element is deployed or carried, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device on which the second sensing service control function network element is deployed or carried.

[0123] In a twentieth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the sixteenth aspect or any possible design of the sixteenth aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built in the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the sixteenth aspect or any possible design of the sixteenth aspect.

[0124] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above-mentioned seventeenth aspect to the twentieth aspect, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the sixteenth aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0125] In a twenty-first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the second user plane function network element side. The method includes: receiving first sensing data from a second access network element, where the first sensing data is obtained by the second access network element according to the received sensing signal; and sending the first sensing data to a first user plane function.

[0126] The first user plane function network element belongs to a first operator network, and the second access network element and the second user plane function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0127] Exemplarily, the method described in the twenty-first aspect can be applied to a second user plane function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device deploying or hosting the second user plane function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or hosting the second user plane function network element.

[0128] This communication method can enable sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, this communication method can enable the first operator network to use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0129] In a possible design, a message carrying the first sensing data indicates or carries first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the sensing data needs to be transmitted to a first sensing data processing function network element; the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0130] In a twenty-second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the method described in the above twenty-first aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the function of the method described in the above twenty-first aspect. For example, a receiving unit, a sending unit, etc.

[0131] Among them, the receiving unit is used to receive first sensing data from a second access network element, where the first sensing data is obtained by the second access network element according to the received sensing signal; the sending unit is used to send the first sensing data to a first user plane function.

[0132] The first user plane function network element belongs to a first operator network, and the second access network element and the second user plane function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0133] In a possible design, the message carrying the first sensing data indicates or carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the sensing data needs to be transmitted to a first sensing data processing functional network element; the first sensing data processing functional network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0134] In a twenty-third aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, causing the device to execute the method described in the twenty-first aspect or any possible design of the twenty-first aspect.

[0135] In a twenty-fourth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the twenty-first aspect or any possible design of the twenty-first aspect.

[0136] Exemplarily, in the twenty-third aspect and the twenty-fourth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the twenty-first aspect or any possible design of the twenty-first aspect.

[0137] The communication device described in any one of the above twenty-second aspect to twenty-fourth aspect can be applied to a second user plane function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the twenty-second aspect to twenty-fourth aspect can be a communication device that deploys or carries the second user plane function network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device that deploys or carries the second user plane function network element.

[0138] In a twenty-fifth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, causing the method described in the twenty-first aspect or any possible design of the twenty-first aspect to be implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions run in a communication device or a device built in the communication device, causing the communication device to implement the method described in the twenty-first aspect or any possible design of the twenty-first aspect.

[0139] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above twenty-second aspect to twenty-fifth aspect, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the twenty-first aspect and any possible design thereof, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0140] In a twenty-sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the first user plane function network element side, and the method includes: receiving first sensing data sent by a second user plane function, where the first sensing data is obtained by a second access network element according to a received sensing signal; sending the first sensing data to a first sensing data processing functional network element.

[0141] The first user plane function network element and the first perception data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network network element and the second user plane function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0142] Exemplarily, the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect can be applied to the first user plane function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device deploying or hosting the first user plane function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or hosting the first user plane function network element.

[0143] This communication method enables sharing of perception entities between different operator networks to obtain perception data. For example, this communication method can enable the first operator network to use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as a perception entity to obtain perception data.

[0144] In a possible design, a message carrying the first perception data indicates or carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the perception data needs to be transmitted to the first perception data processing function network element.

[0145] In the twenty-seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect, such as a receiving unit, a sending unit, etc.

[0146] The receiving unit is configured to receive first perception data sent by the second user plane function, where the first perception data is obtained by the second access network network element according to the received perception signal; the sending unit is configured to send the first perception data to the first perception data processing function network element.

[0147] The first user plane function network element and the first perception data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network network element and the second user plane function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0148] In a possible design, a message carrying the first perception data indicates or carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the perception data needs to be transmitted to the first perception data processing function network element.

[0149] In the twenty-eighth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, the device is caused to execute the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the twenty-sixth aspect.

[0150] In a twenty-ninth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the twenty-sixth aspect.

[0151] Exemplarily, in the twenty-eighth aspect and the twenty-ninth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the twenty-sixth aspect.

[0152] The communication device described in any one of the above twenty-seventh aspect to twenty-ninth aspect can be applied to a first user plane function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the twenty-seventh aspect to twenty-ninth aspect can be a communication device that deploys or hosts the first user plane function network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the first user plane function network element.

[0153] In a thirtieth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the twenty-sixth aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built into the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the twenty-sixth aspect.

[0154] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above-provided twenty-seventh aspect to thirtieth aspect, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the twenty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof, which will not be elaborated here.

[0155] In a thirty-first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the first network storage function network element side. The method includes: receiving a seventh request message from a first sensing service control function, where the seventh request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of a second sensing service control function network element; sending a ninth request message to a second network storage function network element, where the ninth request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; receiving a ninth response message from the second network storage function network element, where the ninth response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; and sending a seventh response message to the first sensing service control function, where the seventh response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0156] The first network storage function network element and the first perception service control function belong to the first operator network, and the second network storage function network element and the second perception service control function belong to the second operator network.

[0157] Exemplarily, the method described in the thirty-first aspect can be applied to the first network storage function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device deploying or hosting the first network storage function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or hosting the first network storage function network element.

[0158] This communication method can enable sharing of perception entities between different operator networks to obtain perception data. For example, this communication method can enable the first operator network to use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as a perception entity to obtain perception data.

[0159] In a thirty-second aspect, the present application provides a communication device having the function of implementing the method described in the thirty-first aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the thirty-first aspect. For example, a receiving unit, a sending unit, etc.

[0160] Among them, the receiving unit is used to receive a seventh request message from the first perception service control function, and the seventh request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second perception service control function network element; the sending unit is used to send a ninth request message to the second network storage function network element, and the ninth request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second perception service control function network element.

[0161] The receiving unit is further used to receive a ninth response message from the second network storage function network element, and the ninth response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second perception service control function network element; the sending unit is further used to send a seventh response message to the first perception service control function, and the seventh response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second perception service control function network element.

[0162] The first network storage function network element and the first perception service control function belong to the first operator network, and the second network storage function network element and the second perception service control function belong to the second operator network.

[0163] In a thirty-third aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, cause the device to execute the method described in the thirty-first aspect or any possible design of the thirty-first aspect.

[0164] In a thirty-fourth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the thirty-first aspect or any possible design of the thirty-first aspect.

[0165] Exemplarily, in the thirty-third aspect and the thirty-fourth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the thirty-first aspect or any possible design of the thirty-first aspect.

[0166] The communication device described in any one of the above thirty-second aspect to thirty-fourth aspect can be applied to a first network storage function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the thirty-second aspect to thirty-fourth aspect can be a communication device that deploys or hosts the first network storage function network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the first network storage function network element.

[0167] In a thirty-fifth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the thirty-first aspect or any possible design of the thirty-first aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built into the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the thirty-first aspect or any possible design of the thirty-first aspect.

[0168] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above thirty-second aspect to thirty-fifth aspect, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the thirty-first aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0169] In a thirty-sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the second network storage function network element side. The method includes: receiving a ninth request message from the first network storage function network element, where the ninth request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second perception service control function network element; sending a ninth response message to the first network storage function network element, where the ninth response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second perception service control function network element.

[0170] The first network storage function network belongs to the first operator network, and the second network storage function network element and the second perception service control function belong to the second operator network.

[0171] Exemplarily, the method described in the thirty-sixth aspect may be applied to a second network storage function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device deploying or hosting the second network storage function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or hosting the second network storage function network element.

[0172] This communication method enables sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, this communication method enables a first operator network to use a second RAN network element in a second operator network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0173] In a thirty-seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the method described in the above thirty-sixth aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the above thirty-sixth aspect. For example, a receiving unit, a sending unit, etc.

[0174] Among them, the receiving unit is used to receive a ninth request message from a first network storage function network element, and the ninth request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of a second sensing service control function network element; the sending unit is used to send a ninth response message to the first network storage function network element, and the ninth response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0175] The first network storage function network belongs to a first operator network, and the second network storage function network element and the second sensing service control function belong to a second operator network.

[0176] In a thirty-eighth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor, configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, cause the device to execute the method described in the thirty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the thirty-sixth aspect.

[0177] In a thirty-ninth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the thirty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the thirty-sixth aspect.

[0178] Exemplarily, in the thirty-eighth aspect and the thirty-ninth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the thirty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the thirty-sixth aspect.

[0179] The communication device described in any one of the above 37th to 39th aspects can be applied to the second network storage function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the 37th to 39th aspects can be a communication device that deploys or hosts the second network storage function network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the second network storage function network element.

[0180] In a 40th aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the 36th aspect or any possible design of the 36th aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built into the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the 36th aspect or any possible design of the 36th aspect.

[0181] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above-provided 37th to 40th aspects, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the 36th aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0182] In a 41st aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to the first sensing service control function network element side. The method includes: receiving a sixth request message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; sending a first request message to the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; receiving a first response message from the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; sending a sixth response message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0183] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The first sensing service control function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second sensing service control function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0184] Exemplarily, the method described in the 41st aspect can be applied to the first sensing service control function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing service control function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing service control function network element.

[0185] This communication method can establish a perception bearer between a first SDPF network element and a second SDPF network element for transmitting perception data.

[0186] In a forty-second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which has the function of implementing the method described in the forty-first aspect above. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the forty-first aspect above. For example, a receiving unit, a sending unit, etc.

[0187] Among them, the receiving unit is used to receive a sixth request message from a second perception service control function network element, and the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first perception bearer between a first perception data processing function network element and a second perception data processing function network element; the sending unit is used to send a first request message to the first perception data processing function network element, and the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first perception bearer.

[0188] The receiving unit is further used to receive a first response message from the first perception data processing function network element, and the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first perception bearer; the sending unit is further used to send a sixth response message to the second perception service control function network element, and the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first perception bearer.

[0189] The first perception bearer is used for the second perception data processing function network element to send perception data to the first perception data processing function network element. The first perception service control function network element and the first perception data processing function network element belong to a first operator network, and the second perception service control function network element and the second perception data processing function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0190] In a forty-third aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor, configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, cause the device to execute the method described in the forty-first aspect or any possible design of the forty-first aspect.

[0191] In a forty-fourth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method described in the forty-first aspect or any possible design of the forty-first aspect.

[0192] Exemplarily, in the forty-third aspect and the forty-fourth aspect, the processor is configured to execute the method described in the forty-first aspect or any possible design of the forty-first aspect.

[0193] The communication device described in any one of the forty-second to forty-fourth aspects above can be applied to the first sensing service control function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the forty-second to forty-fourth aspects can be a communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing service control function network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the first sensing service control function network element.

[0194] In a forty-fifth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect is implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions run in a communication device or a device built into the communication device, the communication device implements the method described in the forty-first aspect or any possible design of the forty-first aspect.

[0195] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the forty-second to forty-fifth aspects provided above, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the forty-first aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0196] In a forty-sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a second sensing service control function network element, and the method includes: sending a sixth request message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; receiving a sixth response message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0197] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The first sensing service control function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to a first operator network, and the second sensing service control function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0198] Exemplarily, the method described in the forty-sixth aspect can be applied to a second sensing service control function network element. For example, the method is executed by a communication device that deploys or hosts the second sensing service control function network element, or by a device (such as a chip or software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the second sensing service control function network element.

[0199] This communication method can establish a sensing bearer between the first SDPF network element and the second SDPF network element for transmitting sensing data.

[0200] In a possible design, the method further includes: sending a second request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; receiving a second response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; sending a third request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to improve the first sensing bearer; receiving a third response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the improvement of the first sensing bearer.

[0201] In a forty-seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, and the device has a function of implementing the method described in the above forty-sixth aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions of the method described in the above forty-sixth aspect, for example, a sending unit, a receiving unit, etc.

[0202] Among them, the sending unit is used to send a sixth request message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; the receiving unit is used to receive a sixth response message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0203] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The first sensing service control function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to a first operator network, and the second sensing service control function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0204] In a possible design, the sending unit is further used to send a second request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; the receiving unit is further used to receive a second response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0205] The sending unit is further used to send a third request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to improve the first sensing bearer; the receiving unit is further used to receive a third response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the improvement of the first sensing bearer.

[0206] In a forty-eighth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, causing the device to perform the method described in the forty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the forty-sixth aspect.

[0207] In a forty-ninth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, including: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and perform the method described in the forty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the forty-sixth aspect.

[0208] Exemplarily, in the forty-eighth aspect and the forty-ninth aspect, the processor is configured to perform the method described in the forty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the forty-sixth aspect.

[0209] The communication device described in any one of the above forty-seventh aspect to forty-ninth aspect can be applied to the second sensing service control function network element. For example, the communication device described in any one of the forty-seventh aspect to forty-ninth aspect can be a communication device that deploys or hosts the second sensing service control function network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device that deploys or hosts the second sensing service control function network element.

[0210] In a fiftieth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions, or referred to as instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, causing the method described in the forty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the forty-sixth aspect to be implemented. For example, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device or a device built in the communication device, causing the communication device to implement the method described in the forty-sixth aspect or any possible design of the forty-sixth aspect.

[0211] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above forty-seventh aspect to fiftieth aspect, reference can be made to the beneficial effects in the forty-sixth aspect and any of its possible designs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0212] Fifty-first aspect, the present application provides a communication device, including: a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit can be used for sending and receiving information, or for communicating with other network elements. The processing unit can be used for processing data. The device can implement the methods described in the first aspect and any possible design thereof, or the methods described in the sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the eleventh aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the sixteenth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the twenty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the twenty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the thirty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the thirty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the forty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the forty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0213] Fifty-second aspect, the present application further provides a computer program product, which can implement the methods described in the first aspect and any possible design thereof when executed; or the methods described in the sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the eleventh aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the sixteenth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the twenty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the twenty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the thirty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the thirty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the forty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the methods described in the forty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0214] Fifty-third aspect, the present application further provides a chip system, which includes one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuits and the processors are interconnected by lines; the processors receive and execute computer instructions from the memory of the electronic device through the interface circuits to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the eleventh aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the sixteenth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the twenty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the thirty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the thirty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the forty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the forty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0215] Fifty-fourth aspect, the present application further provides a communication system, which includes one or more network elements as described in the first aspect, the sixth aspect, the eleventh aspect, the sixteenth aspect, the twenty-first aspect, the twenty-sixth aspect, the thirty-first aspect, the thirty-sixth aspect, the forty-first aspect, the forty-sixth aspect, etc. The foregoing network elements cooperate to implement the methods mentioned in the first aspect to the fiftieth aspect. For example, each network element executes the steps described in the foregoing corresponding aspect.

[0216] Fifty-fifth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, which can be used to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the eleventh aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the sixteenth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the twenty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the twenty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the thirty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the thirty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the forty-first aspect and any possible design thereof; or the method described in the forty-sixth aspect and any possible design thereof.

[0217] It can be understood that for the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the above-mentioned fifty-first aspect to the fifty-fifth aspect, reference can be made to the beneficial effects described in the first aspect to the fortieth aspect, which will not be elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0218] Figure 1Schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0219] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a sensing scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0220] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0221] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0222] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of another process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0223] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of yet another process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0224] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of yet another process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0225] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of yet another process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0226] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of yet another process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0227] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the process flow for establishing a sensing bearer provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0228] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the process flow for transmitting the first sensing data provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0229] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the process flow for establishing a UPF network element cross-network data transmission channel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0230] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of yet another process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0231] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of yet another process flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0232] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0233] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of another structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0234] Sensing is a process of collecting, processing the collected data, and generating sensing results. For example, by collecting data to determine the distance, shape, type, etc. of surrounding obstacles, or by collecting data to determine the breathing frequency, heart rate, etc. of the monitored object. Among them, the collected data can be data collected by sensors or data collected by wireless signals. The process of sensing through collecting wireless signals is also called wireless sensing.

[0235] Both wireless sensing and wireless communication are based on the electromagnetic wave theory. In a communication system, the transmitting end can modulate the electromagnetic wave signal so that the electromagnetic wave carries the source information. The electromagnetic wave signal will be affected by the wireless environment during propagation, that is, the electromagnetic wave signal is modulated by the environment and thus also carries the environmental information. By analyzing the electromagnetic wave signal, the receiving end can not only obtain the carried source information, but also extract the sensing information reflecting the characteristics of the propagation environment, which makes integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) possible. ISAC can also be called joint communications and sensing (JCAS) or communication-sensing integration. Compared with a system where sensing and communication are separated, ISAC has a series of advantages, such as cost savings, reduced device size, lower power consumption, improved frequency efficiency, reduced mutual interference between communication and sensing, etc.

[0236] Using the sensing ability of the communication system, sensing data can be provided for the consumers of the sensing data. For example, the consumers of the sensing data can use the sensing data to implement various functions and services.

[0237] Exemplarily, the consumer of the sensing data refers to the object or entity that requests or consumes the sensing data, or is described as the consumer or user of the sensing service. The data requester can also be called the data consumer, data user, data consumer, sensing subscriber, sensing subscription party, etc., and this application does not limit this name.

[0238] In some possible scenarios, the consumer of the sensing data can be a third-party entity, such as a server, a terminal device, a data processing system, etc.

[0239] Exemplarily, in the embodiments of this application, one or more services and functions such as high-precision positioning and tracking, synchronous imaging, map construction and positioning, human sensory enhancement, gesture and action recognition, etc. can be implemented using the sensing data. The third-party entity can be a server, system, device, etc. for implementing the foregoing services and functions, such as a positioning system, an autonomous driving system, etc.

[0240] In some other possible scenarios, the consumer of the sensing data can also be a network function (NF) network element or entity within the network. For example, an application function (AF) network element or entity, a data network (DN), etc.

[0241] This application does not limit the specific type of the consumer of the sensing data.

[0242] In the above scenarios of obtaining sensing data using a communication system, the object in the communication system for obtaining sensing data can be referred to as a sensing entity, and the sensing entity can include access network devices, terminal devices, etc. The sensing data obtained by the sensing entity can provide data support for sensing services. The more the number of sensing entities, or rather, the richer the sensing entity resources, the richer the sensing data provided for sensing services can be.

[0243] This application provides a communication method, which can enable sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, the network of operator A can use the sensing entities in the network of operator B to obtain sensing data.

[0244] It should be understood that for an operator network, it can use the sensing entities in one or more other operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, there can be multiple networks of operator B. In the embodiments of this application, taking the use of the sensing entities in one other operator network to obtain sensing data as an example for illustrative purposes, but it is not limited thereto.

[0245] Exemplarily, the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applicable to the interaction between the communication systems of two operator networks. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication system of each operator network can refer to Figure 1 .

[0246] Such as Figure 1As shown in the figure, the communication system may include: a radio access network (RAN) network element 110, a sensing service control function (SSCF) network element 120, a sensing data process function (SDPF) network element 130, a network repository function (NRF) network element 140, a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) 150, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element 160, a session management function (SMF) network element 170, a user plane function (UPF) network element 180, etc.

[0247] Among them, the RAN network element 110 may be a network element in the access network (also known as the radio access network), such as an access network device. The RAN network element 110 may also be referred to as a RAN node (or device).

[0248] In a possible scenario, the RAN network element 110 can be a base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), next generation NodeB (gNB), next generation base station in a 6G system, base station in a future mobile communication system, satellite, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, access network device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system of a mobile switching center, that is, it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite, etc. The RAN network element 110 can be a macro base station, micro base station or indoor station, relay node or donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN network element 110 can also be a device that serves as a base station function in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication, or machine communication. Optionally, the RAN network element 110 can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle or in-vehicle device, etc. For example, the RAN network element 110 in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU).

[0249] All or part of the functions of the RAN network element 110 in this application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The RAN network element 110 in this application can also be a logical node, logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN network element 110.

[0250] In another possible scenario, the RAN network element 110 can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU - control plane (CP), a CU - user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It can be understood that the RAN network element 110 can be a CU node, or a DU node, or a device including both a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU can be classified as a network device in the radio access network RAN, or the CU can also be classified as a network device in the core network CN, which is not restricted here.

[0251] In different systems, the CU (or CU - CP and CU - UP), the DU, or the RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O - RAN or ORAN) system, the CU can also be called an O - CU (open CU), the DU can also be called an O - DU, the CU - CP can also be called an O - CU - CP, the CU - UP can also be called an O - CU - UP, and the RU can also be called an O - RU. Any one of the CU (or CU - CP, CU - UP), the DU, and the RU can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0252] Figure 1 The SSCF network element 120 and the SDPF network element 130 shown in [figure number not provided] can be core network function modules. The SSCF network element 120 is used to implement the control plane function of the sensing service, such as receiving the sensing capability information of the sensing entity and orchestrating the sensing service based on the sensing capability information of the sensing entity. The sensing service is also called the sensing service. The SDPF network element 130 is used to implement the data plane function of the sensing service, such as processing the sensing data of the sensing service to obtain the sensing result of the sensing service.

[0253] In the embodiments of the present application, a sensing entity (SE) is a logical entity, which can also be referred to as a logical sensing entity. In a sensing scenario, sensing entities are divided into sensing entities that send sensing signals (such as Tx) and sensing entities that receive sensing signals (such as Rx). The sensing signal can be the aforementioned electromagnetic wave signal. The sensing entity that sends the sensing signal can be called the transmitting sensing entity, and the sensing entity that receives the sensing signal can be called the receiving sensing entity. The sensing data is carried in the sensing signal received by the receiving sensing entity. In some scenarios, a sensing entity can simultaneously act as a transmitting sensing entity and a receiving sensing entity, that is, a sensing entity can simultaneously have the functions of sending and receiving sensing signals. For example, a sensing entity can send and receive signals by itself.

[0254] The aforementioned sensing entities can be deployed on network devices or terminal devices. That is to say, network devices and / or terminal devices with sensing capabilities can act as sensing entities, or sensing entities can include network devices and / or terminal devices with sensing capabilities. Different sensing entities can form different sensing scenarios.

[0255] For example, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a sensing scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 2 shown, based on the type of sensing entity, the sensing scenario can include Figure 2 the six types shown in (a) to (f) in

[0256] Figure 2 In scenario 1 shown in (a) in Figure 2 , a network device (such as a base station) can act as a sensing entity that sends a sensing signal and a sensing entity that receives a sensing signal. That is, the network device can simultaneously act as the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) of the sensing signal. The sensing signal sent by the network device reaches a target object (such as a vehicle, a person, other objects, etc., Figure 2 taking a vehicle as an example in

[0257] Figure 2 After the sensing signal is reflected by the target object, the network device can receive the sensing signal, and then can process the sensing signal to obtain a sensing result, such as sensing data.

[0258] Figure 1 The sensing scenarios shown in (a) and (b) of

[0259] Figure 2 In scenario 3 shown in (c) of

[0260] Figure 2 a network device (such as a base station) can be a sensing entity that sends sensing signals, and a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) can be a sensing entity that receives sensing signals. The transmitting end (Tx) of the sensing signal can be the network device, and the receiving end (Rx) can be the terminal device. The sensing signal sent by the network device reaches the target object, and after the sensing signal is reflected by the target object, the terminal device can receive the sensing signal, and then can process the sensing signal to obtain a sensing result, such as sensing data.

[0261] Figure 2 In scenario 4 shown in (d) of

[0262] Figure 2 a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) can be a sensing entity that sends sensing signals, and a network device (such as a base station) can be a sensing entity that receives sensing signals. The transmitting end (Tx) of the sensing signal can be the terminal device, and the receiving end (Rx) can be the network device. The sensing signal sent by the terminal device reaches the target object, and after the sensing signal is reflected by the target object, the network device can receive the sensing signal, and then can process the sensing signal to obtain a sensing result, such as sensing data.

[0263] Figure 2In scenario 6 shown in (f), a terminal device (such as mobile phone 1) can be a sensing entity that sends sensing signals, and another terminal device (such as mobile phone 2) can be a sensing entity that receives sensing signals. The transmitting end (Tx) and receiving end (Rx) of the sensing signals can be different terminal devices. The sensing signals sent by terminal device 1 reach the target object, and after being reflected by the target object, terminal device 2 can receive the sensing signals and then process the sensing signals to obtain sensing results, such as sensing data.

[0264] Figure 2 The sensing scenarios shown in (e) and (f) can be called terminal device-based sensing scenarios, or UE-to-UE sensing scenarios.

[0265] The sensing signals sent by the above transmitting end can be called first sensing signals, and the sensing signals received by the receiving end can be called second sensing signals. The information carried by the second sensing signals is more than that carried by the first sensing signals. For example, the second sensing signals can carry source information and environmental information.

[0266] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the network device may refer to the implementation of the above-mentioned RAN network element 110. The terminal device may also be referred to as a user equipment. In some examples, the terminal device may be a wireless terminal. A wireless terminal may be a device that provides voice and / or other service data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. For example, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, a pad, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a cellular phone, a personal communication service (PCS) phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal in a 5G or 6G mobile communication system, or a terminal in a future evolved network, etc.

[0267] It should be understood that the present application does not limit the specific product forms of the terminal device and the network device.

[0268] Optionally, the SSCF network element 120 may also be referred to as a perception control entity, or a perception service control network element, or a perception control network element, etc. The SDPF network element 130 may also be referred to as a perception processing entity, or a perception data processing network element, or a perception processing network element, etc.

[0269] The names of the SSCF network element 120 and the SDPF network element 130 mentioned in the present application are only for examples and do not constitute limitations. With the development of communication technology and perception technology, these two modules may adopt other names.

[0270] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the SSCF network element 120 can be mounted on the SBI bus through a service-based interface (SBI) to communicate with other core network function modules. The SDPF network element 130 can be mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI to communicate with other core network function modules, or can communicate through a separate interface, such as communicating with other SDPF network elements 130 through a separate interface, or communicating with the SSCF network element 120 through a separate interface.

[0271] In a possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 is connected to the SSCF network element 120 through the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element 160. The RAN network element 110 is connected to the SDPF network element 120 through the user plane function (UPF) 180. The SDPF network element 130 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI, and the SSCF network element 120 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI. The RAN network element 110 can perform control plane communication with the SSCF network element 120 through the AMF network element 160, and the RAN network element 110 can perform data plane communication with the SDPF network element 130 through the UPF network element 180.

[0272] In another possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SSCF network element 120. The RAN network element 110 is connected to the SDPF network element 130 through the UPF network element 180. The SDPF network element 130 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI interface, and the SSCF network element 120 is not mounted on the SBI bus. The RAN network element 110 can directly perform control plane communication with the SSCF network element 120, and the RAN network element 110 can perform data plane communication with the SDPF network element 130 through the UPF network element 180.

[0273] In yet another possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 is connected to the SSCF network element 120 through the AMF network element 160. The RAN network element 110 is connected to the SDPF network element 130 through the UPF network element 180. The SDPF network element 130 is not mounted on the SBI bus, and the SSCF network element 120 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI. The RAN network element 110 can perform control plane communication with the SSCF network element 120 through the AMF network element 160, and the RAN network element 110 can perform data plane communication with the SDPF network element 130 through the UPF network element 180.

[0274] In yet another possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SSCF network element 120. The RAN network element 110 is connected to the SDPF network element 130 through the UPF network element 180. The SDPF network element 130 is not mounted on the SBI bus, and the SSCF network element 120 is not mounted on the SBI bus. The RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SSCF network element 120 on the control plane, and the RAN network element 110 can communicate with the SDPF network element 130 on the data plane through the UPF network element 180.

[0275] In yet another possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 is connected to the SSCF network element 120 through the AMF network element 160. The RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SDPF network element 130. The SDPF network element 130 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI, and the SSCF network element 120 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI. The RAN network element 110 can communicate with the SSCF network element 120 on the control plane through the AMF network element 160, and the RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SDPF network element 130 on the data plane.

[0276] In yet another possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SSCF network element 120. The RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SDPF network element 130. The SDPF network element 130 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI, and the SSCF network element 120 is not mounted on the SBI bus. The RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SSCF network element 120 on the control plane, and the RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SDPF network element 130 on the data plane.

[0277] In yet another possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 is connected to the SSCF network element 120 through the AMF network element 160. The RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SDPF network element 130. The SDPF network element 130 is not mounted on the SBI bus, and the SSCF network element 120 is mounted on the SBI bus through the SBI. The RAN network element 110 can communicate with the SSCF network element 120 on the control plane through the AMF network element 160, and the RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SDPF network element 130 on the data plane.

[0278] In yet another possible networking architecture, the RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SSCF network element 120. The RAN network element 110 can be directly connected to the SDPF network element 130. The SDPF network element 130 is not mounted on the SBI bus, and the SSCF network element 120 is not mounted on the SBI bus. The RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SSCF network element 120 on the control plane, and the RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SDPF network element 130 on the data plane.

[0279] As described above, in the embodiments of the present application, the RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SSCF network element 120 on the control plane, or communicate with the SSCF network element 120 on the control plane through the AMF network element 160. The SDPF network element 130 can be mounted on the SBI bus or not mounted on the SBI bus. The RAN network element 110 can directly communicate with the SDPF network element 130 on the data plane, or communicate with the SDPF network element 120 on the data plane through the UPF network element 180. Among them, control plane communication refers to the transmission of control plane messages, such as the control messages in the embodiments of the present application; data plane communication refers to the transmission of sensed data and / or sensed results. The interactions among network elements such as the RAN network element 110, the SSCF network element 120, and the SDPF network element 130 in the foregoing embodiments of the present application can be implemented based on any of the above possible networking architectures, and the present application does not limit this.

[0280] Optionally, the SSCF network element 120 and the SDPF network element 130 can be independently upgraded and maintained, so that the network can flexibly deploy and manage core network function entities. In actual implementation, the number of SDPF network elements 130 can also be increased or decreased according to actual needs.

[0281] Figure 1 The NRF network element 140 shown in can be used to manage and maintain information about various services and resources in the network. For example, it is responsible for maintaining the registration information of all available services and resources in the network and providing this information to other network elements so that they can discover and use these services and resources.

[0282] Exemplarily, the SSCF network element 120 can register the services it can provide with the NRF network element 140. The SDPF network element 130 can provide the interfaces for data exposure to the NRF network element 140.

[0283] Figure 1 The SEPP 150 shown in can ensure the transmission security between different operator networks. An operator network is also called a public land mobile network (PLMN). SEPP 150 can be deployed in each operator's PLMN. Exemplarily, when cross-network signaling transmission occurs between different PLMNs, it needs to be forwarded through SEPP 150. SEPP 150 can be responsible for the security protection of cross-network signaling and implement network topology hiding. For example, SEPP 150 can replace the full qualified domain name (FQDN) of each network element in the signaling with a telescopic FQDN and then forward it to other PLMNs. The interface between SEPPs can be called the N32 interface.

[0284] The AMF network element 160 can be responsible for managing user access and mobility management, including functions such as user access control, mobility management, and security.

[0285] The SMF network element 170 can be responsible for session management, including functions such as policy control, session management, and quality of service (QoS) control of the user plane.

[0286] The UPF network element 180 can be responsible for processing user data packets, including functions such as traffic control, data packet processing, and QoS policy execution. The interface through which different UPF network elements can communicate can be called the N9 interface. For example, two different UPF network elements in the same operator network can communicate through the N9 interface. Another example is that the UPF network element of operator A's network and the UPF network element of operator B's network can directly communicate through the N9 interface.

[0287] In the embodiments of this application, the communication system of each operator network can be referred to Figure 1 as shown. The communication systems of different operator networks can be the same or different. For any operator network, Figure 1The communication system shown may include, but is not limited to: narrow band-internet of things (NB-IoT) system, global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE) system, wide band code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) 2000 system, time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) system, long term evolution (LTE) system, 5G mobile communication system and next-generation 5G mobile communication system, enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), long range (LoRa) system or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system, or future 6G communication system or other evolved communication systems, etc. The type of the communication system is not limited in this application.

[0288] Optionally, the communication system of each operator network may also include more or fewer network elements than Figure 1 shown. For example, it may also include a unified data management (UDM) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a sensing service subscriber management (SSSM) network element, a network exposure function (NEF) network element, etc.

[0289] Optionally, in the communication system of each operator network, different network elements can also be co-located or separately and independently deployed. For example, the SSCF network element 120 and the SDPF network element 130 can be integrated, separately deployed, or also deployed together with other core network function modules. After the control plane function and the data plane function of the sensing service are independently deployed, the number of control plane function entities and data plane function entities can be flexibly configured and adjusted according to resources and service conditions; secondly, an attack on the data plane will not affect the control plane, which can improve the reliability and security of the sensing service.

[0290] Exemplarily, Figure 3 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a network device or a terminal device. The network device can be the aforementioned sensing entity or the device deploying the sensing entity, or can also be any network element involved in the embodiments of the present application or the device carrying / deploying the network element. For example, RAN network element, SSCF network element, SDPF network element, UPF network element, AMF network element, NRF network element, etc., which will not be elaborated one by one.

[0291] As Figure 3 shown, the communication device may include: at least one processor 31, a memory 32, a communication interface 33, and a bus 34.

[0292] The processor 31 is the control center of the communication device and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 31 can be a central processing unit (CPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or can also be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of the present application. For example: one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0293] Among them, the processor 31 can execute various functions of the communication device by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 32 and calling data stored in the memory 32. For example, when the communication device is a certain network element involved in the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application or the device carrying the network element, it can execute the steps performed by the network element in the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0294] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 31 may include one or more CPUs. For exampleFigure 3 CPU0 and CPU1 shown in

[0295] In a specific implementation, as an example, the communication device may include multiple processors, such as Figure 3 processor 31 and processor 35 shown in

[0296] The memory 32 may store a software program of the method steps executed by the communication device and be controlled by the processor 31 for execution. The memory 32 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0297] The memory 32 may exist independently and be connected to the processor 31 through the bus 34. Alternatively, the memory 32 may also be integrated with the processor 31, which is not limited herein.

[0298] The communication interface 33 uses any device such as a transceiver for communicating with other devices or communication networks. The communication interface 33 may include an Ethernet interface, a radio access network (RAN) interface, a wireless local area networks (WLAN) interface, etc. The communication interface 33 may include a receiving unit to implement the receiving function and a transmitting unit to implement the transmitting function.

[0299] The bus 34 can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or the like. This bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of convenience of representation, Figure 3 only a thick line is used to represent it in Figure 3 , but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0300] Although the bus 34 is used in the attachment Figure 3 in Figure 3 , it can be understood that the bus can also be replaced by other forms of connection relationships, and is not limited to the bus itself.

[0301] Optionally, any network element involved in the embodiments of the present application, or the device carrying / deploying the network element, may also include more or fewer components than those shown Figure 3 herein, and no limitation is made herein.

[0302] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is exemplarily described below. The processing described below as being performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into being performed by multiple execution entities, and these execution entities can be logically and / or physically separated. It should also be understood that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0303] It should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions, and are not used for special limitation of a certain feature, that is, the first or the second may include more content, rather than being limited to a specific concept. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. These three situations. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and back associated objects. At least one means one or more; multiple means two or more. The embodiments of the present application may only perform fewer steps than all the steps, or perform more steps, without limitation. "At least one of the following" or its similar expressions are used to represent any combination of the items listed; for example, at least one of A, B, and (or) C can represent the following situations: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, B and C exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, A, B, and C exist simultaneously, where A, B, and C can be single or multiple.

[0304] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention application.

[0305] Exemplarily, in each of the embodiments described below in this application, the steps executed by each network element (such as an SSCF network element, an SDPF network element, a RAN network element, a UPF network element, etc.) can be specifically executed by a communication device carrying / deploying the network element, or a device (such as a software module or a chip) built into the communication device carrying / deploying the network element. The communication device can be a network device or a terminal device.

[0306] In the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application, the first operator network can utilize a sensing entity in the second operator network to obtain sensing data. The first operator network and the second operator network are different. For example, the SSCF network element (hereinafter referred to as the first SSCF network element) in the first operator network can communicate with the SSCF network element (hereinafter referred to as the second SSCF network element) in the second operator network to request the sensing entity in the second operator network to assist in obtaining sensing data. The sensing entity in the second operator network can be an access network element (such as a base station) or a terminal device in the second operator network, which are hereinafter collectively referred to as the second RAN network element for description. The sensing entity in the first operator network can be an access network element (such as a base station) or a terminal device in the first operator network, which are hereinafter collectively referred to as the first RAN network element for description.

[0307] In this communication method, the first SSCF network element can send a request message to the second SSCF network element, requesting the second SSCF network element to provide a sensing entity in the second operator network to perform a sensing task. The second SSCF network element can send a request message to the second RAN network element, requesting the second RAN network element to be a sensing entity for the first operator network, and send a response message to the first SSCF network element to notify the first SSCF network element that the second RAN network element can be provided as a sensing entity.

[0308] Exemplarily, Figure 4 shows a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application. As Figure 4 shown, this communication method can include S401-S404.

[0309] S401. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 1 to the second SSCF network element, and the request message 1 is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide a RAN network element for the first operator network as a second sensing entity.

[0310] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the request message 1.

[0311] Exemplarily, the first SSCF network element belongs to the first operator network. A data requester such as a third-party entity in the first operator network or a network function (NF) network element within the network can request the first SSCF network element to perform sensing task orchestration to obtain sensing data. The meanings of the third-party entity and the NF network element can be referred to those described in the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here. For example, the data requester can request the first SSCF network element to obtain the sensing data of sensing service 1. The first SSCF network element can select a sending sensing entity and a receiving sensing entity to execute the sensing task to obtain the sensing data. For example, the first SSCF network element can send control messages (or called sensing control messages) to the sending sensing entity and the receiving sensing entity respectively, instructing the sending entity to send sensing signals and instructing the receiving sensing entity to receive the sensing signals. The sensing data is carried in the sensing signals received by the receiving sensing entity.

[0312] In the embodiment of the present application, the first SSCF network element can send request message 1 to the second SSCF network element, requesting the second operator network to provide a RAN network element as a sensing entity to execute the sensing task for the first operator network. The sensing entity provided by the second operator network can be called the second sensing entity. The sensing entity in the first operator network can be called the first sensing entity.

[0313] In a possible scenario, the first SSCF network element can request the second operator network to provide a receiving sensing entity. The second sensing entity can be used as the receiving sensing entity to receive the sensing signals and obtain the sensing data according to the received sensing signals. When the second sensing entity is used as the receiving sensing entity, the sending sensing entity can be the first sensing entity in the first operator network. That is, the first sensing entity is used to send the sensing signals, and the second sensing entity is used to receive the sensing signals. The second sensing entity can include one or more.

[0314] In another possible scenario, the first SSCF network element can request the second operator network to provide a sending sensing entity. The second sensing entity can be used as the sending sensing entity to send the sensing signals. When the second sensing entity is used as the sending sensing entity, the receiving sensing entity can be the first sensing entity in the first operator network. That is, the second sensing entity is used to send the sensing signals, and the first sensing entity is used to receive the sensing signals. The first sensing entity can obtain the sensing data according to the received sensing signals. The second sensing entity can also include one or more.

[0315] In yet another possible scenario, the first SSCF network element may request the second carrier network to provide a transmitting sensing entity and a sensing entity. The second sensing entity may act as a transmitting sensing entity to send sensing signals and at the same time act as a receiving sensing entity to receive sensing signals, that is, the second sensing entity transmits and receives by itself. Alternatively, some of the second sensing entities act as transmitting sensing entities to send sensing signals, and some other second sensing entities act as receiving sensing entities to receive sensing signals. The second sensing entity may also include one or more.

[0316] Exemplarily, the above request message 1 may include at least one of the following information: sensing service identifier, sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information.

[0317] Among them, the sensing service is used to indicate the sensing service, for example, it may be the identifier of sensing service 1. The sensing service identifier may also be referred to as a sensing identifier.

[0318] The sensing service area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity. The second SSCF network element may determine the second sensing entity according to the sensing area. For example, select a sensing entity whose signal can cover the sensing area as the second sensing entity. The sensing service area may also be referred to as a service zone.

[0319] The sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service. For example, the sensing data requirements may be accuracy requirements, data quality requirements, etc. The second SSCF network element may also select a suitable sensing entity as the second sensing entity according to the sensing data requirement information.

[0320] The sensing entity requirement (SE requirement) information is used to indicate the sensing entity type of the second sensing entity. The sensing entity type includes a transmitting sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity. The second SSCF network element may select to provide a transmitting sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity as the second sensing entity according to the sensing entity requirement information. For specific details, refer to the different implementation scenarios of the second sensing entity above.

[0321] Optionally, the sensing entity requirement information may also be used to indicate the number of sensing entities to be provided. Alternatively, the second SSCF network element may determine the number of second sensing entities according to the sensing data requirement information, and there is no limitation here.

[0322] After receiving the above request message 1, the second SSCF network element may select to provide the second RAN network element as the second sensing entity of the first carrier network according to the information included in the request message 1, and execute the following S402. As described above, the second RAN network element includes one or more. Here, only one is taken as an example for illustration.

[0323] Exemplarily, the second SSCF network element may select a second sensing entity according to the sensing capability information of each sensing entity in the second operator network. For example, in request message 1, it is indicated that a receiving sensing entity needs to be provided as the second sensing entity, and the sensing service is the first sensing service in area 1. The current longitude and latitude information of sensing entity a in the second operator network is within the range of area 1, and the role identifier of sensing entity a is a receiving sensing entity. Then, the second SSCF network element may select sensing entity a as the second sensing entity. Sensing entity a may be referred to as the second RAN network element.

[0324] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the sensing capability information of the sensing entity may include: device identifier, role identifier, device type, geographical location information, sensing processing capability, supported sensing service types, etc.

[0325] Among them, the device identifier is used to uniquely identify the sensing entity. For example, if the first sensing entity is a terminal device, the device identifier may be an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), a Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI), a Media Access Control (MAC) address, etc. For another example, if the first sensing entity is a network device, the device identifier may be a cell identifier and / or a Tracking Area Identity (TAI), etc. The cell identifier may be, for example, a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI).

[0326] The role identifier is used to indicate that the sensing entity is a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0327] The device type is used to indicate that the sensing entity is a network device or a terminal device. Optionally, if it is a network device, the device type may further indicate that the network device is a base station, a CU, or a DU, etc.; if it is a terminal device, the device type may further indicate that the terminal device is a UE, an Internet of Things device, a flying device, or a VR device, etc.

[0328] The geographical location information may be used to indicate one or more of the following: the geographical location where the sensing entity is currently located, the geographical location range that the sensing entity can sense. The geographical location, such as longitude and latitude information, Global Positioning System (GPS) location information, etc.

[0329] The sensing processing capability is used to indicate that the sensing entity has one or more of the layer 1 (L1) sensing capability, layer 2 (L2) sensing capability, and layer 3 (L3) sensing capability.

[0330] Among them, the L1 sensing processing capability is used to sense the raw data, where the raw data refers to the basic information of the sensing signal, such as amplitude, phase, and the sensing signal is one or more of information such as the I-channel signal or Q-channel signal.

[0331] The L2 sensing processing capability is used to sense the measurement data, where the measurement data is obtained by processing the raw data and is used to characterize the measurement dimension, and may include but is not limited to one or more of information such as the time delay of the sampling point, the reception angle of the sensing signal, the signal strength of the sensing signal, Doppler (i.e., the frequency offset of the sensing signal), the position of the target object, and the speed of the target object; among them, the sampling point refers to the signal value at some specific moments or positions when the continuous signal is discretized during the signal processing process.

[0332] The L3 sensing processing capability is used to process the sensing data to obtain the sensing result. The sensing data may be the raw data and / or the measurement data, and the sensing result may include but is not limited to one or more of information such as the distance between the sensing entity and the target object, the speed of the target object, the position of the target object, the angle between the sensing entity and the target object, the moving path of the target object, the breathing frequency of the target object, and the heartbeat of the target object.

[0333] The supported sensing service types are used to indicate the sensing service types that the sensing entity can provide, and may include but are not limited to one or more of the following types: environment type, monitoring type, imaging type, positioning type, etc. The environment type may include but is not limited to one or more of environmental temperature, environmental humidity, air quality, weather conditions, crowd density, traffic flow density, air pressure, etc. The monitoring type may include but is not limited to one or more of mobile monitoring, intrusion monitoring, fall monitoring, health monitoring, etc. Mobile monitoring may include but is not limited to one or more of distance monitoring, position monitoring, moving speed monitoring, moving path monitoring, etc. Health monitoring may include but is not limited to one or more of information such as breathing frequency and heartbeat. The imaging type may include but is not limited to one or more of medical imaging, 3D map imaging, 3D map construction, building imaging, body temperature imaging, etc.

[0334] This application does not limit the specific manner in which the second SSCF network element selects the second sensing entity.

[0335] Optionally, the information included in the above-mentioned request message 1 may also be sent to the SSCF through other messages or other means, and this application also does not limit this here.

[0336] Exemplarily, the above request message 1 may be an interface message of "Nsscf_SensingService_Request".

[0337] S402. The second SSCF network element sends a request message 2 to the second RAN network element, and the request message 2 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to be the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0338] Correspondingly, the second RAN network element receives the request message 2.

[0339] As described above, the second RAN network element is the second sensing entity selected by the second SSCF network element.

[0340] Exemplarily, the request message 2 may also include at least one of the following information: sensing service identifier, sensing area, sensing data requirement information. The second RAN network element may perform sensing tasks according to the foregoing information included in the request message 2, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0341] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the request message 2 may further include role type information, or be referred to as sensing role information or sensing entity type information. The role type information is used to instruct the second RAN network element to be a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity. For details, please refer to the foregoing description.

[0342] Exemplarily, the above request message 2 may be an interface message of "Ns_Sensing_Request".

[0343] S403. The second RAN network element sends a response message 2 to the second SSCF functional network element.

[0344] Optionally, the response message 2 is used to indicate confirmation of being the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0345] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 2.

[0346] Exemplarily, the above response message 2 may be an interface message of "Ns_Sensing_Response".

[0347] S404. The second SSCF network element sends a response message 1 to the first SSCF network element.

[0348] Optionally, the response message 1 may be used to indicate providing the second RAN network element as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0349] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 1.

[0350] Exemplarily, the above response message 1 may be an interface message of "Nsscf_SensingService_Response".

[0351] Through the process shown above Figure 4 The second RAN network element in the second operator network can establish a connection with the first operator network (or the first SSCF network element), so that the first operator network can use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as the second sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0352] It should be understood that for the scenario where the above second sensing entity (second RAN network element) is used as the receiving sensing entity, the first sensing entity is used to send sensing signals, and the second sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals, the first SSCF network element may also send a request message (or a control message) to the first RAN network element in the first operator network, requesting the first RAN network element to be the sending sensing entity. The first RAN network element may include one or more.

[0353] For the scenario where the above second sensing entity (second RAN network element) is used as the sending sensing entity, the second sensing entity is used to send sensing signals, and the first sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals, the first SSCF network element may also send a request message to the first RAN network element in the first operator network, requesting the first RAN network element to be the receiving sensing entity. The first RAN network element may include one or more.

[0354] For the scenarios where the above second sensing entity is used as the sending entity and the sensing entity sends and receives by itself, and where some of the second sensing entities are used as the sending sensing entities and some of the second sensing entities are used as the receiving sensing entities, the first SSCF network element may also send a request message to the first RAN network element in the first operator network, requesting the first RAN network element to be the first sensing entity. At this time, the sensing entity type of the first RAN network element is similar to that of the second RAN network element. The first RAN network element may send and receive by itself, or some of the first RAN network elements are used as the sending sensing entities and some of the first RAN network elements are used as the receiving sensing entities, which will not be elaborated here. The first RAN network element may include one or more.

[0355] For example, Figure 5 Another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 5 shown, the communication method may include S501 - S506.

[0356] S501. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 1 to the second SSCF network element, and the request message 1 is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide a RAN network element for the first operator network as the second sensing entity.

[0357] Accordingly, the second SSCF network element receives request message 1.

[0358] S502. The second SSCF network element sends request message 2 to the second RAN network element, and request message 2 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to be the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0359] Accordingly, the second RAN network element receives request message 2.

[0360] S503. The second RAN network element sends response message 2 to the second SSCF functional network element.

[0361] Accordingly, the second SSCF network element receives response message 2.

[0362] S504. The second SSCF network element sends response message 1 to the first SSCF network element.

[0363] Accordingly, the first SSCF network element receives response message 1.

[0364] S501 - S504 can refer to the above S404 - S404 and will not be elaborated here.

[0365] S505. The first SSCF network element sends request message 3 to the first RAN network element, and request message 3 is used to instruct the first RAN network element to be the first sensing entity.

[0366] Accordingly, the first RAN network element receives request message 3.

[0367] The description of the first sensing entity can be referred to in the different implementation scenarios of the second sensing entity described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0368] Exemplarily, request message 3 may also include at least one of the following information: sensing service identifier, sensing area, sensing data requirement information. The first RAN network element can perform sensing tasks according to the foregoing information included in request message 3, which will not be elaborated here either.

[0369] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, request message 3 may further include role type information, or be referred to as sensing role information or sensing entity type information. The role type information is used to instruct the first RAN network element to be a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0370] Exemplarily, the above request message 3 may be an "Ns_Sensing_Request" interface message.

[0371] S506. The first RAN network element sends response message 3 to the first SSCF network element.

[0372] Optionally, the response message 3 is used to indicate the confirmation of the first RAN network element as the first sensing entity.

[0373] Accordingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 3.

[0374] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned response message 3 may be an "Ns_Sensing_Response" interface message.

[0375] Optionally, S505 - S506 may also be executed before S501 - S504, and there is no restriction on the execution order.

[0376] In a possible design, for the scenario where the above-mentioned second sensing entity (second RAN network element) is the receiving sensing entity, the first sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal, the first SSCF network element may also obtain the spectrum resource (such as frequency point information) of the sensing signal sent by the first RAN network element, or the spectrum resource carrying the sensing signal. The first SSCF network element may send the spectrum resource carrying the sensing signal to the second SSCF network element, and the second SSCF network element may send the spectrum resource carrying the sensing signal to the second RAN network element, so that the second RAN network element can receive the sensing signal according to the spectrum resource carrying the sensing signal.

[0377] For example, Figure 6 shows another flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6 shown, the communication method may include S601 - S606.

[0378] S601. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 3 to the first RAN network element, and the request message 3 is used to indicate the first RAN network element as the first sensing entity.

[0379] Accordingly, the first RAN network element receives the request message 3.

[0380] S602. The first RAN network element sends a response message 3 to the first SSCF network element, and the response message 3 includes the spectrum resource carrying the sensing signal.

[0381] For example, the response message 3 may include one or more fields for indicating the spectrum resource information (frequency resource info) of the sensing signal carried.

[0382] Accordingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 3.

[0383] S601 - S602 may refer to the above S505 - S506, the difference being that the response message 3 carries or indicates the spectrum resource carrying the sensing signal, which will not be elaborated here.

[0384] The first SSCF network element sends a request message 1 to the second SSCF network element. The request message 1 is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide a RAN network element as the second sensing entity for the first operator network, and the request message 1 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0385] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the request message 1.

[0386] The second SSCF network element sends a request message 2 to the second RAN network element. The request message 2 is used to indicate that the second RAN network element serves as the second sensing entity for the first operator network, and the request message 2 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0387] Correspondingly, the second RAN network element receives the request message 2.

[0388] The second RAN network element sends a response message 2 to the second SSCF functional network element.

[0389] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 2.

[0390] The second SSCF network element sends a response message 1 to the first SSCF network element.

[0391] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 1.

[0392] S603 - S606 can refer to the above S401 - S404 or S501 - S504. The difference is that the request message 1 and the request message 2 carry or indicate the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal, which will not be elaborated here.

[0393] It should be noted that Figure 6 In the shown process, S601 - S602 need to be executed before S603 - S606 so that the first SSCF network element can obtain the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to send the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to the second SSCF network element.

[0394] Figure 6In the process shown, the first SSCF network element can obtain the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal through the response message 3 sent by the first RAN network element and send them to the second SSCF network element. Optionally, the first SSCF network element can also obtain the spectrum resources of the sensing signal sent by the first sensing entity (the first RAN network element) through other means. For example, the first RAN network element can also send the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to the first SSCF network element through other messages. Similarly, between the first SSCF and the second SSCF network elements, and between the second SSCF network element and the second RAN network element, the spectrum resources of the carrying signal can also be sent through other messages or other means, and this application does not limit this.

[0395] In a possible design, for the scenario where the above-mentioned second sensing entity (the second RAN network element) is the sending sensing entity, the second sensing entity is used to send the sensing signal, and the first sensing entity is used to receive the sensing signal, the second SSCF network element can also obtain the spectrum resources (such as frequency point information) of the sensing signal sent by the second RAN network element, or the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal. The second SSCF network element can send the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to the first SSCF network element, and the first SSCF network element can send the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to the first RAN network element so that the first RAN network element can receive the sensing signal according to the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0396] For example, Figure 7 shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 7 shown, the communication method may include S701 - S706.

[0397] S701. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 1 to the second SSCF network element, and the request message 1 is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide a RAN network element as the second sensing entity for the first operator network.

[0398] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the request message 1.

[0399] S702. The second SSCF network element sends a request message 2 to the second RAN network element, and the request message 2 is used to indicate that the second RAN network element is the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0400] Correspondingly, the second RAN network element receives the request message 2.

[0401] S703. The second RAN network element sends a response message 2 to the second SSCF functional network element, and the response message 2 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0402] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 2.

[0403] The second SSCF network element sends a response message 1 to the first SSCF network element, and the response message 1 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0404] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 1.

[0405] S701 - S704 can refer to the above S401 - S404 or S501 - S504. The difference is that the response message 2 and the response message 1 carry or indicate the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal, which will not be elaborated here.

[0406] S705. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 3 to the first RAN network element. The request message 3 is used to indicate that the first RAN network element is the first sensing entity, and the request message 3 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0407] Correspondingly, the first RAN network element receives the request message 3.

[0408] S706. The first RAN network element sends a response message 3 to the first SSCF network element.

[0409] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 3.

[0410] S705 - S706 can refer to the above S505 - S506. The difference is that the request message 3 carries or indicates the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal, which will not be elaborated here.

[0411] It should be noted that Figure 7 In the shown process, S701 - S704 need to be executed before S705 - S706 so that the first SSCF network element can obtain the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to send the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to the first SSCF network element.

[0412] Figure 7 In the shown process, the second SSCF network element can obtain the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal through the response message 2 sent by the second RAN network element and send them to the first SSCF network element. Optionally, the second SSCF network element can also obtain the spectrum resources of the sensing signal sent by the second sensing entity (the second RAN network element) through other means. For example, the second RAN network element can also send the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal to the second SSCF network element through other messages. Similarly, between the first SSCF and the second SSCF network elements, and between the first SSCF network element and the first RAN network element, the spectrum resources of the carrying signal can also be sent through other messages or other means, and this application does not limit this either.

[0413] Optionally, for the scenario where the above-mentioned second sensing entity acts as a sending entity and the sensing entity sends and receives spontaneously, the second RAN network element itself can know the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal. For the scenario where some of the second sensing entities act as sending sensing entities and some of the second sensing entities act as receiving sensing entities, within the second operator network, different RAN network elements can synchronize the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal, and this application does not limit the synchronization method of the spectrum resources.

[0414] Based on the above embodiments, after determining the sensing entities (such as the first sensing entity and the second sensing entity), the first SSCF network element can send a sensing request message to the sending sensing entity, instructing the sending sensing entity to start sending the sensing signal, so as to perform the sensing task. Correspondingly, the receiving sensing entity can receive the sensing signal to obtain sensing data.

[0415] For example, for the scenario where the above-mentioned second sensing entity (the second RAN network element) acts as the receiving sensing entity, the first sensing entity is used to send the sensing signal, and the second sensing entity is used to receive the sensing signal, the first SSCF network element can send a sensing request message 1 to the first RAN network element, requesting the first RAN network element to perform sensing.

[0416] Exemplarily, based on Figure 6 the embodiments shown, Figure 8 FIG. shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 8 shown, the communication method may include S801-S809.

[0417] S801. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 3 to the first RAN network element, and the request message 3 is used to instruct the first RAN network element to act as the first sensing entity.

[0418] Correspondingly, the first RAN network element receives the request message 3.

[0419] S802. The first RAN network element sends a response message 3 to the first SSCF network element, and the response message 3 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0420] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 3.

[0421] S803. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 1 to the second SSCF network element, and the request message 1 is used to instruct the second operator network to provide a RAN network element as the second sensing entity for the first operator network, and the request message 1 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0422] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the request message 1.

[0423] The second SSCF network element sends a request message 2 to the second RAN network element. The request message 2 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to act as the second sensing entity of the first operator network, and the request message 2 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0424] Correspondingly, the second RAN network element receives the request message 2.

[0425] The second RAN network element sends a response message 2 to the second SSCF functional network element.

[0426] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 2.

[0427] The second SSCF network element sends a response message 1 to the first SSCF network element.

[0428] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 1.

[0429] S801 - S806 can refer to the above - mentioned S601 - S606 and will not be elaborated here.

[0430] The first SSCF network element sends a sensing request message 1 to the first RAN network element. The sensing request message 1 is used to instruct the first RAN network element to perform sensing.

[0431] For example, the sensing request message 1 is used to instruct the first RAN network element to send a sensing signal.

[0432] Exemplarily, the sensing request message 1 can be the "Ns_Sensing_Start_Request" interface message.

[0433] Optionally, the sensing request message 1 can include a sensing service identifier, and the sensing service identifier can refer to that described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0434] Correspondingly, the first RAN network element receives the sensing request message 1. After receiving the sensing request message 1, the first RAN network element can execute S808 - S809. Among them, S808 is optionally executed.

[0435] The first RAN network element sends a sensing response message 1 to the first SSCF network element.

[0436] Optionally, the sensing response message 1 is used to indicate confirmation of performing sensing.

[0437] The first RAN network element sends a sensing signal.

[0438] Accordingly, the second RAN network element may receive the sensing signal and obtain sensing data based on the received sensing signal. The sensing data obtained by the second RAN network element may be transmitted to the first SDPF network element, so that the first SDPF network element obtains the sensing data obtained by using the second RAN network element. The first SDPF network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0439] For another example, for the scenario where the above-mentioned second sensing entity (the second RAN network element) is used as the sending sensing entity, the second sensing entity is used to send the sensing signal, and the first sensing entity is used to receive the sensing signal, the first SSCF network element may send a sensing request message 2 to the second SSCF network element, requesting the second RAN network element to perform sensing. After receiving the sensing request message 2, the second SSCF network element may send a sensing request message 3 to the second RAN network element, instructing the second RAN network element to perform sensing.

[0440] Exemplarily, based on Figure 7 the embodiment shown, Figure 9 FIG. shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 9 shown, the communication method may include S901-S911.

[0441] S901. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 1 to the second SSCF network element, and the request message 1 is used to instruct to request the second operator network to provide a RAN network element as the second sensing entity for the first operator network.

[0442] Accordingly, the second SSCF network element receives the request message 1.

[0443] S902. The second SSCF network element sends a request message 2 to the second RAN network element, and the request message 2 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to be the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0444] Accordingly, the second RAN network element receives the request message 2.

[0445] S903. The second RAN network element sends a response message 2 to the second SSCF functional network element, and the response message 2 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0446] Accordingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 2.

[0447] S904. The second SSCF network element sends a response message 1 to the first SSCF network element, and the response message 1 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0448] Accordingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 1.

[0449] The first SSCF network element sends a request message 3 to the first RAN network element. The request message 3 is used to instruct the first RAN network element to act as the first sensing entity, and the request message 3 includes the spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0450] Correspondingly, the first RAN network element receives the request message 3.

[0451] The first RAN network element sends a response message 3 to the first SSCF network element.

[0452] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 3.

[0453] S901 - S906 can refer to the above - mentioned S701 - S706 and will not be elaborated here.

[0454] The first SSCF network element sends a sensing request message 2 to the second SSCF network element. The sensing request message 2 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to perform sensing.

[0455] For example, the sensing request message 2 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to send a sensing signal.

[0456] Optionally, the sensing request message 2 may include a sensing service identifier, and the sensing service identifier can be referred to as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0457] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the sensing request message 2. After receiving the sensing request message 2, the second SSCF network element can execute S908 - S909. Among them, S908 is optionally executable.

[0458] The second SSCF network element sends a sensing response message 2 to the first SSCF network element.

[0459] Optionally, the sensing response message 2 is used to indicate confirmation of performing sensing. S908 can also be executed after the following S910, and the execution order is not limited here.

[0460] The second SSCF network element sends a sensing request message 3 to the second RAN network element. The sensing request message 3 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to perform sensing.

[0461] For example, the sensing request message 3 is used to instruct the second RAN network element to send a sensing signal.

[0462] Optionally, the sensing request message 3 may include a sensing service identifier, and the sensing service identifier can be referred to as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0463] Correspondingly, the second RAN network element receives the sensing request message 3. After receiving the sensing request message 3, the second RAN network element can execute S910 - S911. Among them, S910 is optionally executable.

[0464] S910. The second RAN network element sends a sensing response message 3 to the second SSCF network element.

[0465] Optionally, the sensing response message 3 is used to indicate confirmation of performing sensing.

[0466] S911. The second RAN network element sends a sensing signal.

[0467] Correspondingly, the first RAN network element can receive the sensing signal and obtain sensing data based on the received sensing signal. The sensing data obtained by the first RAN network element can be transmitted to the first SDPF network element, so that the first SDPF network element obtains the sensing data obtained by using the second RAN network element.

[0468] Optionally, for the scenario where the above-mentioned second sensing entity acts as both a sending entity and a sensing entity and sends and receives by itself, and for the scenario where some of the above-mentioned second sensing entities act as sending sensing entities and some act as receiving sensing entities, the first SSCF network element can also send a sensing request message 2 to the second SSCF network element in a similar Figure 9 way as described above, requesting the second RAN network element to perform sensing. After receiving the sensing request message 2, the second SSCF network element can send a sensing request message 3 to the second RAN network element, instructing the second RAN network element to perform sensing. The difference from the Figure 9 shown process is that at this time, the second RAN network element receives the sensing signal (sends and receives by itself or sends and receives from others) and obtains sensing data based on the sensing signal. The sensing data obtained by the second RAN network element can be transmitted to the first SDPF network element, so that the first SDPF network element obtains the sensing data obtained by using the second RAN network element.

[0469] As described above, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can enable sharing of sensing entities between different operator networks to obtain sensing data. For example, the communication method can enable the first operator network to use the second RAN network element in the second operator network as a sensing entity to obtain sensing data.

[0470] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the above-mentioned Figures 4 to 9Among them, the request message 3 sent by the first SSCF network element to the first RAN network element can be referred to as the fourth request message, and the response message 3 sent by the first RAN network element to the first SSCF network element can be referred to as the fourth response message. The request message 1 sent by the first SSCF network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the fifth request message, and the response message 1 sent by the second SSCF network element to the first SSCF network element can be referred to as the fifth response message. The request message 2 sent by the second SSCF network element to the second RAN network element can be referred to as the eighth request message, and the response message 2 sent by the second RAN network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the eighth response message. The sensing request message 1 sent by the first SSCF network element to the first RAN network element can be referred to as the first sensing request message, and the sensing response message 1 sent by the first RAN network element to the first SSCF network element can be referred to as the first sensing response message.

[0471] The sensing request message 2 sent by the first SSCF network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the second sensing request message, and the sensing response message 2 sent by the second SSCF network element to the first SSCF network element can be referred to as the second sensing response message. The sensing request message 3 sent by the second SSCF network element to the second RAN network element can be referred to as the third sensing request message, and the sensing response message 3 sent by the second RAN network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the third sensing response message.

[0472] It can be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first SDPF network element in the first operator network can obtain sensing data, and the sensing data obtained by the first SDPF network element can include two categories. One category is the sensing data obtained by the first RAN network element (the first sensing entity) receiving sensing signals, and the other category is the sensing data obtained by the second RAN network element (the second sensing entity) receiving sensing signals. After the first SDPF network element obtains the sensing data, it can process the sensing data, for example, fuse, perform L2 sensing processing, and / or L3 sensing processing, etc.

[0473] In the embodiments of this application, the sensing data obtained by the second RAN network element receiving sensing signals can be referred to as the first sensing data, and the sensing data obtained by the first RAN network element receiving sensing signals can be referred to as the second sensing data. The second sensing data can be obtained by the first RAN network element according to the sensing signals sent by the second RAN network element. Different implementation scenarios for the second RAN network element to receive sensing signals can refer to those described in the foregoing embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0474] Among them, the second sensing data does not need to be transmitted across networks. For example, the first RAN network element can obtain the second sensing data according to the received sensing signals and send the second sensing data to the first SDPF network element. Correspondingly, the first SDPF network element can receive the second sensing data.

[0475] In a possible design, the second perception data sent by the first RAN network element to the first SDPF network element may be the original perception data measured by the first RAN network element according to the received perception signal.

[0476] In another possible design, the second perception data sent by the first RAN network element to the first SDPF network element may be the processed perception data of the first RAN network element. For example, the first RAN network element may also have the ability to process the original perception data. After the first RAN network element measures the original perception data according to the received perception signal, it may process the original perception data, such as performing L1 perception processing and / or L2 perception processing, to obtain the processed perception data.

[0477] This application does not limit whether the second perception data is the original perception data or the processed perception data.

[0478] For the first perception data, after obtaining the first perception data, the second RAN network element needs to transmit the first perception data to the first SDPF network element through cross-network transmission. Similar to the second perception data, the first perception data may also be the original perception data obtained by the second RAN network element, or the processed perception data of the second RAN network element.

[0479] In a possible design, the second RAN network element may transmit the first perception data to the first SDPF network element through the second SDPF network element to achieve cross-network transmission of the first perception data. The second SDPF network element belongs to the second operator network. For example, the communication method may further include: the second RAN network element sends the first perception data to the second SDPF network element. Correspondingly, the second SDPF network element receives the first perception data. The second SDPF network element sends the first perception data to the first SDPF network element. Correspondingly, the first SDPF network element receives the first perception data.

[0480] Optionally, a first perception bearer may be established between the first SDPF network element and the second SDPF network element, and the first perception data may be transmitted through the first perception bearer. Or rather, the first SDPF network element may send the first perception data to the second SDPF network element through the first perception bearer.

[0481] Among them, the first perception bearer can be understood as a perception shared data transmission channel for the second SDPF network element to send perception data to the first SDPF network element. The first perception bearer may be initiated and established by the first operator network side, or may be initiated and established by the second operator network side. The first perception bearer may be pre-established, or may be established when the first SSCF network element requests the second RAN network element to be the receiving perception entity. For example, it may be in the above Figure 6 or Figure 8It is established in the process shown in etc. Below, taking the second SSCF network element in the second operator network initiating the establishment of the first sensing bearer as an example, the establishment process of the first sensing bearer is introduced.

[0482] Exemplarily, Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the sensing bearer establishment process provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 10 shown, the establishment process of the first sensing bearer may include S1001 - S1010.

[0483] S1001. The second SSCF network element sends a request message 4 to the second SDPF network element, and the request message 4 is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer.

[0484] Correspondingly, the second SDPF network element receives the request message 4.

[0485] Exemplarily, the request message 4 may be an interface message of "SensingBearer_Establishment_Request".

[0486] After receiving the request message 4, the second SDPF network element may execute S1002.

[0487] S1002. The second SDPF network element sends a response message 4 to the second SSCF network element, and the response message 4 is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0488] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 4.

[0489] Exemplarily, the response message 4 may be an interface message of "SensingBearer_Establishment_Response".

[0490] After receiving the response message 4 sent by the second SDPF network element, the second SSCF network element may execute S1003 to request the first operator network to establish a sensing bearer.

[0491] S1003. The second SSCF network element sends a request message 5 to the first SSCF network element, and the request message 5 is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer.

[0492] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the request message 5.

[0493] Optionally, the request message 5 may carry an authentication identifier, communication information of the second SDPF network element, etc. For example, the authentication identifier may be the FQDN of the second SDPF network element. The communication information of the second SDPF network element can be understood as the interface of the second SDPF network element, which can be used for other network elements (such as the first SDPF network element) to establish a data transmission channel with the second SDPF network element, that is, the first sensing bearer.

[0494] Exemplarily, the request message 5 may be an interface message of "Nsscf_SensingBearer_Create_Request".

[0495] After receiving the request message 5, the first SSCF network element may execute S1004 to instruct the first SDPF network element to establish a first sensing bearer.

[0496] S1004. The first SSCF network element sends a request message 6 to the first SDPF network element, and the request message 6 is used to instruct to request the establishment of a first sensing bearer.

[0497] Correspondingly, the first SDPF network element receives the request message 6.

[0498] Optionally, the request message 6 may carry the same content as the request message 5. For example, it may also carry an authentication identifier, communication information of the second SDPF network element, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0499] After receiving the request message 6, the first SDPF network element may establish a first sensing bearer with the second SDPF network element according to the channel information of the second SDPF network element, and establish a connection from the first SDPF network element to the second SDPF network element.

[0500] Exemplarily, the request message 6 may be an interface message of "SensingBearer_Establishment_Request".

[0501] S1005. The first SDPF network element sends a response message 6 to the first SSCF network element, and the response message 6 is used to indicate the confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0502] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the response message 6.

[0503] Exemplarily, the response message 6 may be an interface message of "SensingBearer_Establishment_Response".

[0504] After receiving the response message 6, the first SSCF network element may execute S1006 to return a response for establishing a sensing bearer to the second SSCF network element.

[0505] S1006. The first SSCF network element sends a response message 5 to the second SSCF network element, and the response message 5 is used to indicate the confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0506] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 5.

[0507] Optionally, the channel information of the first SDPF network element may be carried in the response message 5, which is used for the second SDPF network element to establish a data transmission channel with the first SDPF network element, that is, the first sensing bearer.

[0508] Exemplarily, the response message 5 may be an "Nsscf_SensingBearer_Create_Response" interface message.

[0509] S1007. The second SSCF network element sends a request message 7 to the second SDPF network element, and the request message 7 is used to indicate a request to complete the first sensing bearer.

[0510] Correspondingly, the second SDPF network element receives the request message 7.

[0511] Optionally, the request message 7 may carry the communication information of the first SDPF network element.

[0512] After receiving the request message 7, the second SDPF network element may complete the first sensing bearer according to the channel information of the first SDPF network element, and establish a connection from the second SDPF network element to the first SDPF network element.

[0513] Exemplarily, the request message 7 may be a "SensingBearer_Modification_Request" interface message.

[0514] S1008. The second SDPF network element sends a response message 7 to the second SSCF network element, and the response message 7 is used to indicate confirmation of the completion of the first sensing bearer.

[0515] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 7.

[0516] Exemplarily, the response message 7 may be a "SensingBearer_Modification_Response" interface message.

[0517] Optionally, the second SSCF network element may also execute the following S1009 to establish a sensing bearer between the second RAN network element and the second SDPF network element, and this sensing bearer can be considered as a part of the first sensing bearer. The second RAN network element may send the first sensing data to the second SDPF network element through the sensing bearer, and the second SDPF network element may send the first sensing data to the first SDPF network element through the first sensing bearer.

[0518] S1009. The second SSCF network element sends a request message 8 to the second RAN network element, and the request message 8 is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer.

[0519] Correspondingly, the second RAN network element receives the request message 8.

[0520] Exemplarily, the request message 8 may be a message of the Ns-D interface. For example, it may be the "Ns-D_Bearer_Establishment_Request" interface message.

[0521] S1010. The second RAN network element sends a response message 8 to the second SSCF network element, and the response message 8 is used to indicate the confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0522] Correspondingly, the second SSCF network element receives the response message 8.

[0523] Exemplarily, the response message 8 may be the "Ns-D_Bearer_Establishment_Response" interface message.

[0524] Through the process shown above Figure 10 The first sensing bearer can be established. Based on the first sensing bearer, the second RAN network element may send first sensing data to the second SDPF network element. After receiving the first sensing data, the second SDPF network element may send the first sensing data to the first SDPF network element.

[0525] Optionally, the first sensing data may be the original sensing data obtained by the second RAN network element, or the sensed data processed by the second RAN network element, or alternatively, it may also be the sensed data processed by the second SDPF network element, which is not limited here.

[0526] Optionally, the above Figure 10 The shown process may be executed after the second SSCF network element receives the response message 2 sent by the second RAN network element. For example, after receiving the response message 2 described in S605 or S805 above, the second SSCF network element may execute S1001 to send a request message 4 to the second SDPF network element.

[0527] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, the above Figure 10In the process shown, the request message 4 sent by the second SSCF network element to the second SDPF network element can be referred to as the second request message, and the response message 4 sent by the second SDPF network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the second response message. The request message 5 sent by the second SSCF network element to the first SSCF network element can be referred to as the sixth request message, and the response message 5 sent by the first SSCF network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the sixth response message. The request message 6 sent by the first SSCF network element to the first SDPF network element can be referred to as the first request message, and the response message 6 sent by the first SDPF network element to the first SSCF network element can be referred to as the first response message. The request message 7 sent by the second SSCF network element to the second SDPF network element can be referred to as the third request message, and the response message 7 sent by the second SDPF network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the third response message. The request message 8 sent by the second SSCF network element to the second RAN network element can be referred to as the tenth request message, and the response message 8 sent by the second RAN network element to the second SSCF network element can be referred to as the tenth response message.

[0528] In another possible design, the second RAN network element sends first sensing data to the second UPF network element in the second operator network, the second UPF network element may send the first sensing data to the first UPF network element in the first operator network, and the first UPF network element may send the first sensing data to the first SDPF network element to achieve cross-network transmission of the first sensing data.

[0529] Exemplarily, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the transmission process of the first sensing data provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 11 shown, the transmission process of the first sensing data based on the UPF network element may include S1101-S1103.

[0530] S1101. The second RAN network element sends the first sensing data to the second UPF network element.

[0531] Correspondingly, the second UPF network element receives the first sensing data.

[0532] S1102. The second UPF network element sends the first sensing data to the first UPF network element.

[0533] Correspondingly, the first UPF network element receives the first sensing data.

[0534] S1103. The first UPF network element sends the first sensing data to the first SDPF network element.

[0535] Correspondingly, the first SDPF network element receives the first sensing data.

[0536] Optionally, a cross-operator / cross-network data transmission channel needs to be established between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element first, and the first sensed data can be transmitted across networks based on the data channel between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element.

[0537] Exemplarily, Figure 12 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of the establishment process of the cross-network data transmission channel of the UPF network element provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 12 shown, the establishment process of the cross-network data transmission channel of the UPF network element may include S1201-S1213.

[0538] S1201. The second RAN network element sends a session establishment request message 1 to the second AMF network element. The session establishment request message 1 is used to indicate a request to establish a cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0539] Correspondingly, the second AMF network element receives the session establishment request message 1. The second AMF network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0540] Exemplarily, the session establishment request message 1 may include sensing-related identification information, cross-operator network identification information, identification information of the second RAN network element, etc. The sensing-related identification information is used to indicate that sensed data needs to be transmitted through the cross-network data transmission channel. The cross-operator network identification information is used to indicate that a cross-network data transmission channel needs to be established. For example, it may be the PLMN identification of the second operator network.

[0541] S1202. The second AMF network element sends a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request message 1 to the second SMF network element. The PDU session establishment request message 1 is used to indicate a request to establish a cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0542] Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment request message 1 may carry the FQDN of the first SMF network element. The PDU session establishment request message 1 may be an "Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext_Request" interface message. The second SMF network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0543] Correspondingly, the second SMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request message 1.

[0544] S1203. The second SMF network element sends a PDU session establishment response message 1 to the second AMF network element.

[0545] Optionally, the PDU session establishment response message 1 is used to indicate an acknowledgment of receiving the PDU session establishment request message 1.

[0546] Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment response message 1 can be an "Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext_Response" interface message.

[0547] Correspondingly, the second AMF network element receives the PDU session establishment response message 1.

[0548] S1204. The second SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request message 1 to the second UPF network element. The N4 session establishment request message 1 is used to indicate a request to establish a cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0549] Exemplarily, the N4 session establishment request message 1 can be an "N4 Session Establishment Request" interface message.

[0550] Correspondingly, the second UPF network element receives the N4 session establishment request message 1.

[0551] S1205. The second UPF network element sends an N4 session establishment response message 1 to the second SMF network element. The N4 session establishment response message 1 is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of a cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0552] Exemplarily, the N4 session establishment response message 1 can be an "N4 Session Establishment Response" interface message.

[0553] Correspondingly, the second SMF network element receives the N4 session establishment response message 1.

[0554] S1206. The second SMF network element sends a PDU session establishment request message 2 to the first SMF network element. The PDU session establishment request message 2 is used to indicate a request to establish a cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0555] Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment request message 2 can be an "Nsmf_PDUSession_Create_Request" interface message. The first SMF network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0556] Correspondingly, the first SMF network element receives the PDU session establishment request message 2.

[0557] S1207. The first SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request message 2 to the first UPF network element. The N4 session establishment request message 2 is used to indicate a request to establish a cross-network data transmission channel with the first operator network.

[0558] Exemplarily, the N4 session establishment request message 2 may be an "N4 Session Establishment Request" interface message.

[0559] Correspondingly, the first UPF network element receives the N4 session establishment request message 2.

[0560] S1208. The first UPF network element sends an N4 session establishment response message 2 to the first SMF network element, and the N4 session establishment response message 2 is used to indicate confirmation of establishing a cross-network data transmission channel with the first operator network.

[0561] Exemplarily, the N4 session establishment response message 2 may be an "N4 Session Establishment Response" interface message.

[0562] Correspondingly, the first SMF network element receives the N4 session establishment response message 2.

[0563] Optionally, the PDU session establishment request message 2 and the N4 session establishment request message 2 carry the channel information of the second UPF network element, which is used to establish a connection from the first UPF network element to the second UPF network element.

[0564] S1209. The first SMF network element sends a PDU session establishment response message 2 to the second SMF network element, and the PDU session establishment response message 2 is used to indicate confirmation of establishing a cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0565] Exemplarily, the PDU session establishment response message 2 may be an "Nsmf_PDUSession_Create_Response" interface message.

[0566] Correspondingly, the second SMF network element receives the PDU session establishment response message 2.

[0567] S1210. The second SMF network element sends an N4 session refinement request message 1 to the second UPF network element, and the N4 session refinement request message 1 is used to indicate a request to refine the cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0568] Exemplarily, the N4 session refinement request message 1 may be an "N4 Session Modification Request" interface message.

[0569] Correspondingly, the second UPF network element receives the N4 session refinement request message 1.

[0570] S1211. The second UPF network element sends an N4 session completion response message 1 to the second SMF network element. The N4 session completion response message 1 is used to indicate the confirmation of the completion of the cross-network data transmission channel with the second operator network.

[0571] Exemplarily, the N4 session completion response message 1 can be an "N4 Session Modification Response" interface message.

[0572] Correspondingly, the second SMF network element receives the N4 session completion response message 1.

[0573] Optionally, the PDU session establishment response message 2 and the N4 session completion request message 1 carry the channel information of the first UPF network element, which is used to establish a connection from the second UPF network element to the first UPF network element. Thus, a cross-network data transmission channel is established between the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element.

[0574] S1212. The second SMF network element sends a session configuration message to the second RAN network element. The session configuration message is used to indicate the cross-network data transmission channel.

[0575] For example, the session configuration message may include session configuration information related to the cross-network data transmission channel.

[0576] Correspondingly, the second RAN network element receives the session configuration message.

[0577] S1213. The second RAN network element sends a session configuration response message to the second SMF network element. The session configuration response message is used to indicate the confirmation of receiving the session configuration message.

[0578] Correspondingly, the second SMF network element receives the session configuration response message.

[0579] Through the Figure 12 process shown above, a cross-network data transmission channel can be established. The second RAN network element can send the first sensing data to the second UPF network element in the second operator network, the second UPF network element can send the first sensing data to the first UPF network element in the first operator network, and the first UPF network element can send the first sensing data to the first SDPF network element to achieve the cross-network transmission of the first sensing data.

[0580] In some possible implementation manners, in the above embodiments of cross-network transmission of the first sensing data by the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element, the message carrying the first sensing data indicates or carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the sensing data needs to be transmitted to the first SDPF network element. For example, the data packet of the first sensing data may indicate or carry the first indication information. After receiving the first sensing data, the first UPF network element may know, according to the first indication information, that the first sensing data needs to be transmitted to the first SDPF network element.

[0581] Optionally, the first indication information may be a predefined IP, such as a fixed or special IP. Before sending the first sensing data, the second RAN network element may encapsulate the first sensing data, and use the predefined IP as the destination address during encapsulation. The encapsulated packet of the first sensing data is transmitted to the first UPF network element through the process shown above Figure 11 or, the first UPF network element may parse the encapsulated packet of the first sensing data to obtain the predefined IP. The predefined IP may indicate that the first UPF network element sends the first sensing data to the first SDPF network element.

[0582] The predefined IP can reduce the security exposure of the first SDPF network element and improve security.

[0583] Optionally, the first indication information (such as the predefined IP) may be agreed upon by the first SSCF network element and the second SSCF network element. For example, the first indication information may be included in the request message 1 sent by the first SSCF network element to the second SSCF network element in the foregoing embodiments, and then transmitted to the second SMF through SBI. The second SMF may send the first indication information to the second UPF network element in the N4 session establishment request message 1 shown above Figure 12 . The first SMF may send the first indication information to the first UPF network element in the N4 session establishment request message 2 shown above Figure 12 . The first indication information may be included in the request message 2 sent by the second SSCF network element to the second RAN network element in the foregoing embodiments for sending to the second RAN network element.

[0584] Alternatively, the first indication information (such as the predefined IP) may also be agreed upon during session establishment. For example, the second RAN network element may carry the first indication information when sending a session establishment request to the second AMF network element, and then the second AMF network element sends the first indication information to the second SMF network element, and the second SMF network element sends the first indication information to the first SMF network element. The second SMF network element and the first SMF network element may respectively send the first indication information to the second UPF network element and the first UPF network element through the N4 session establishment request message 1 and the N4 session establishment request message 2 shown above.

[0585] Optionally, the first indication information may also be other fields. Alternatively, in some other possible implementations, the first UPF may also be instructed in other ways that the first sensed data needs to be transmitted to the first SDPF network element, which is not limited in this application.

[0586] Optionally, the second RAN network element may also send the first sensed data to the second SDPF network element, and the second SDPF network element sends the first sensed data to the second UPF network element, so as to transmit the first sensed data to the first SDPF network element through the second UPF network element and the first UPF network element. The implementation process is similar to that shown above Figure 11 and Figure 12 and will not be elaborated here.

[0587] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the first SSCF network element needs to obtain the relevant information of the second SSCF network element, such as the FQDN, before it can send the above request message 1 to the second SSCF network element, requesting the second operator network to provide a RAN network element as the second sensing entity for the first operator network.

[0588] In a possible design, the first SSCF network element may send a cross-domain sensing assistance request to the first NRF network element, requesting to obtain the fully qualified domain name information (such as FQDN) of the SSCF network element in the second operator network. The first NRF network element may send a cross-domain sensing assistance request to the second NRF network element. After receiving the cross-domain sensing assistance request, the second NRF network element may return the fully qualified domain name information of the second SSCF network element to the first NRF network element. The first NRF network element may send the fully qualified domain name information of the second SSCF network element to the first SSCF network element. The first NRF network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second NRF network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0589] Exemplarily, Figure 13 shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application. As Figure 13 shown, the communication method may include S1301-S1304.

[0590] S1301. The first SSCF network element sends a cross-domain sensing assistance request message 1 to the first NRF network element. The cross-domain sensing assistance request message 1 is used to indicate a request to obtain the fully qualified domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0591] Correspondingly, the first NRF network element receives the cross-domain sensing assistance request message 1.

[0592] Exemplarily, the cross-domain sensing assistance request message 1 may be an "Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request" interface message.

[0593] S1302. The first NRF network element sends a cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2 to the second NRF network element. The cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2 is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0594] Correspondingly, the second NRF network element receives the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2.

[0595] S1303. The second NRF network element sends a cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2 to the first NRF network element. The cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2 is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0596] For example, the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2 carries or includes the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0597] Correspondingly, the first NRF network element receives the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2.

[0598] S1304. The first NRF network element sends a cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1 to the first SSCF network element. The cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1 is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0599] For example, the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1 carries or includes the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0600] Correspondingly, the first SSCF network element receives the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1.

[0601] Exemplarily, the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1 can be an "Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Response" interface message.

[0602] Through Figure 13 the process shown, the first SSCF network element can obtain the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0603] The cross-domain awareness assistance request message 1 can be referred to as the seventh request message, and the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1 can be referred to as the seventh response message. The cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2 can be referred to as the ninth request message, and the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2 can be referred to as the ninth response message.

[0604] Similarly, the second AMF network element described in the above embodiments can also obtain the FQDN of the first SMF network element in a similar Figure 13 way, which will not be elaborated here.

[0605] Optionally, in the cross-network communication between different operator networks in the embodiments of the present application, the cross-network transmission of signaling needs to pass through SEPP, and SEPP is as described in the foregoing embodiments. For example, Figures 4 to 10 , andFigure 12 and Figure 13 Each signaling for cross-network transmission between the first operator network and the second operator network shown in Figure 13 can be forwarded through the SEPP of the first operator network and the second operator network.

[0606] Exemplarily, taking the process in which the first SSCF network element obtains the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element shown in Figure 13 as an example, Figure 13 shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 14 , the communication method may include S1401-S1408. Figure 14 shows another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. As Figure 14 shown, the communication method may include S1401-S1408.

[0607] S1401. The first SSCF network element sends a cross-domain awareness assistance request message 1 to the first NRF network element, and the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 1 is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0608] Correspondingly, the first NRF network element receives the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 1.

[0609] S1402. The first NRF network element sends a cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2 to the first SEPP, and the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2 is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0610] Correspondingly, the first SEPP receives the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2. The first SEPP belongs to the first operator network.

[0611] S1403. The first SEPP sends a cross-domain awareness assistance request message 3 to the second SEPP, and the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 3 is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0612] Exemplarily, the information carried in the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 3 includes the information carried in the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2. For example, the target operator network list (target-plmn-list) and the awareness area information may be carried in the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 1, the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 2, and the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 3.

[0613] Correspondingly, the second SEPP receives the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 3.

[0614] The second SEPP may determine the second NRF network element according to the awareness area information.

[0615] S1404. The second SEPP sends a cross-domain awareness assistance request message 4 to the second NRF network element, and the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 4 is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0616] Accordingly, the second NRF network element receives the cross-domain awareness assistance request message 4.

[0617] S1405. The second NRF network element sends a cross-domain awareness assistance response message 4 to the second SEPP. The cross-domain awareness assistance response message 4 is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0618] Accordingly, the second SEPP receives the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 4.

[0619] S1406. The second SEPP sends a cross-domain awareness assistance response message 3 to the first SEPP. The cross-domain awareness assistance response message 3 is used to indicate the request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0620] Accordingly, the first SEPP receives the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 3.

[0621] S1407. The first SEPP sends a cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2 to the first NRF network element. The cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2 is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0622] Accordingly, the first NRF network element receives the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 2.

[0623] S1408. The first NRF network element sends a cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1 to the first SSCF network element. The cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1 is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second SSCF network element.

[0624] Accordingly, the first SSCF network element receives the cross-domain awareness assistance response message 1.

[0625] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, when the available sensing entity resources in the first operator network are insufficient, the first SSCF network element may send the above-mentioned fifth request message or seventh request message to the second SSCF network element.

[0626] For example, the first SSCF network element selects a sensing entity in area 1 for sensing according to the sensing service, such as environmental sensing. However, it is found that there is a lack of sensing entities or the number of sensing entities is insufficient (for example, the sensing entities in its own network may malfunction). Then, the first SSCF network element may send a request message to the second SSCF network element, requesting the second operator network to provide the second RAN network element as a sensing entity to help obtain sensing data.

[0627] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present application, when a RAN network element inside the operator network sends sensing data to the SDPF network element. For example, the first RAN network element sends second sensing data to the first SDPF network element, and the second RAN network element sends first sensing data to the second SDPF network element. The RAN network element can publish the sensing data to a data communication proxy (DCP) network element, and the SDPF network element can subscribe to the DCP network element to obtain the sensing data.

[0628] Herein, DCP is only an example of a name. DCP can also be replaced by other names, and a device with the same function as DCP can be regarded as DCP. The present application does not make any limitation thereto.

[0629] The DCP can be deployed as an independent network element in the 3GPP network, or can be co-located with network elements or devices in the 3GPP network. Optionally, the DCP can be deployed in the access network or in the core network. The present application does not make any limitation on the implementation of the DCP network element.

[0630] The RAN network element can be used as a data producer to send sensing data to the DCP, such as publishing the sensing data in the DCP network element in the way of topic publish. The SDPF network element can be used as a data consumer to subscribe to and extract data from the DCP network element. For example, it can obtain the sensing data in the way of topic subscribe.

[0631] Optionally, in the above-described embodiments, when any two network elements (taking network element 1 and network element 2 as an example) interact, after network element 1 sends a request message or a control message to network element 2, network element 2 can return a response message to network element 1. This response message may carry other information or may not carry information, and is only used to confirm receipt. The present application will not elaborate on such response messages one by one.

[0632] Optionally, for each message mentioned in the embodiments of the present application, such as the first request message, the second request message, the first response message, the second response message, etc., its name may also be other descriptions, and each message may be implemented through the same or different interfaces. For example, each message can utilize the existing interfaces between interacting network elements or define new interfaces when being implemented. The present application does not make any limitation on the names and implementation manners of each message.

[0633] As described in the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application actually provide methods that can be applied to different network element sides respectively. For example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc. Among them, the methods corresponding to each network element side can refer to the steps executed by each network element in the foregoing embodiments.

[0634] It should be noted that for the foregoing method embodiments, for the sake of simple description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art should know that the present application is not limited by the described action sequence, because according to the present application, certain steps can be performed in other sequences or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also know that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to the present application.

[0635] The above mainly introduces the solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between each network element. It can be understood that each network element, for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc., in order to implement the above functions, includes the corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function.

[0636] For example, the embodiments of the present application can provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned first SDPF network element. The communication device can be a communication device for deploying or carrying the first SDPF network element, or can be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device for deploying or carrying the first SDPF network element. Figure 15 The structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 15 shown, the communication device may include: a receiving unit 1501, a processing unit 1502, and a sending unit 1503.

[0637] Among them, the receiving unit 1501 is used to obtain sensing data, and the sensing data includes first sensing data and / or second sensing data; the first sensing data is obtained according to the sensing signal received by the second access network element; the second sensing data comes from the first access network element, and the second sensing data is obtained according to the sensing signal sent by the second access network element.

[0638] The processing unit 1502 is used to process the sensing data.

[0639] The first access network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0640] In a possible design, the receiving unit 1501 is specifically configured to receive first sensing data sent by a second sensing data processing functional network element, and the first sensing data is transmitted through a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing functional network element and the second sensing data processing functional network element. The second sensing data processing functional network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0641] In a possible design, the receiving unit 1501 is further configured to receive a first request message from a first sensing service control functional network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; the sending unit 1503 is configured to send a first response message to the first sensing service control functional network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; the first sensing service control functional network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0642] In a possible design, the receiving unit 1501 is specifically configured to receive first sensing data sent by a first user plane functional network element; the first sensing data is sent by a second user plane functional network element to the first user plane functional network element, the first user plane functional network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second user plane functional network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0643] In a possible design, the receiving unit 1501 is specifically configured to receive second sensing data from the first access network element.

[0644] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned second SDPF network element. The communication device may be a communication device deploying or carrying the second SDPF network element, or may be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or carrying the second SDPF network element. Figure 16 Another structural schematic diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 16 shown, the communication device may include: a receiving unit 1601 and a sending unit 1602.

[0645] Among them, the receiving unit 1601 is configured to receive first sensing data from a second access network element, and the first sensing data is obtained by the second access network element according to the received sensing signal.

[0646] The sending unit 1602 is configured to send the first sensing data to a first sensing data processing functional network element.

[0647] The first sensing data processing functional network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing data processing functional network element belong to the second operator network.

[0648] In a possible design, the first sensing data is transmitted through a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing functional network element and the second sensing data processing functional network element.

[0649] In a possible design, the receiving unit 1601 is further configured to receive a second request message from the second sensing service control functional network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer. The sending unit 1602 is further configured to send a second response message to the second sensing service control functional network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0650] The receiving unit 1601 is further configured to receive a third request message from the second sensing service control functional network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to improve the first sensing bearer. The sending unit 1602 is further configured to send a third response message to the second sensing service control functional network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the improvement of the first sensing bearer.

[0651] The second sensing service control functional network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0652] In a possible design, the sending unit 1602 is specifically configured to send the first sensing data to the second user functional network element, so as to send the first sensing data to the first sensing data processing functional network element through the second user plane functional network element and the first user plane functional network element.

[0653] The first user plane functional network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second user plane functional network element belongs to the second operator network.

[0654] For the implementation of the communication devices corresponding to the other network elements described below, reference may also be made to the above Figure 16 as shown, and no further drawings are provided.

[0655] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above first SSCF network element. The communication device may be a communication device on which the first SSCF network element is deployed or carried, or may be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device on which the first SSCF network element is deployed or carried. The communication device may include: a sending unit, a receiving unit.

[0656] Wherein, the sending unit is configured to send a fourth request message to the first access network element, where the fourth request message is used to indicate that the first access network element is a first sensing entity; the receiving unit is configured to receive a fourth response message from the first access network element, where the fourth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the first access network element is a first sensing entity.

[0657] The sending unit is further configured to send a fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the fifth request message is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide an access network element to the first operator network as a second sensing entity; the receiving unit 1702 is further configured to receive a fifth response message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the fifth response message is used to indicate that a second access network element is provided as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0658] The first sensing entity and the second sensing entity are used to obtain sensing data, the first access network element and the first sensing service control function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0659] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a sixth request message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element. The sending unit is further configured to send a first request message to the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer.

[0660] The receiving unit is further configured to receive a first response message from the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer. The sending unit is further configured to send a sixth response message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0661] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network, and the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0662] In a possible design, the first sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal, and the sending unit is further configured to send a first sensing request message to the first access network element, where the first sensing request message is used to indicate that the first access network element performs sensing.

[0663] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the sending unit is further configured to send a second sensing request message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the second sensing request message is used to indicate that the second access network element performs sensing.

[0664] In a possible design, the sending unit is further configured to send a seventh request message to a first network storage function network element, where the seventh request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a seventh response message from the first network storage function network element, where the seventh response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0665] The first network storage function network element belongs to a first operator network.

[0666] In a possible design, the first sensing entity is configured to send a sensing signal, and the second sensing entity is configured to receive a sensing signal; the fourth response message and the fifth request message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0667] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is configured to send a sensing signal, and the first sensing entity is configured to receive a sensing signal; the fourth request message and the fifth response message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0668] In a possible design, the fifth request message includes at least one of the following information: a sensing service identifier, a sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information; the sensing service identifier is used to indicate a sensing service; the sensing area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity; the sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service; the sensing entity requirement information is used to indicate the sensing entity type of the second sensing entity, and the sensing entity type includes a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0669] In a possible design, the sending unit is specifically configured to send the fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element when the available sensing entity resources in the first operator network are insufficient.

[0670] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned second SSCF network element. The communication device may be a communication device on which the second SSCF network element is deployed or carried, or may be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in a communication device on which the second SSCF network element is deployed or carried. The communication device may include: a receiving unit, a sending unit.

[0671] Among them, a receiving unit is configured to receive a fifth request message from a first sensing service control function network element, where the fifth request message is used to indicate a request for a second operator network to provide an access network element for a first operator network as a second sensing entity; a sending unit is configured to send an eighth request message to the second access network element, where the eighth request message is used to indicate that the second access network element serves as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0672] The receiving unit is further configured to receive an eighth response message from the second access network element, where the eighth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the second access network element serves as the second sensing entity of the first operator network; the sending unit 1802 is further configured to send a fifth response message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the fifth response message is used to indicate providing the second access network element as the second sensing entity of the first operator network.

[0673] The second sensing entity is used to obtain sensing data. The first sensing service control function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0674] In a possible design, the sending unit is further configured to send a sixth request message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between a first sensing data processing function network element and a second sensing data processing function network element; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a sixth response message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0675] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network, and the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0676] In a possible design, the sending unit is further configured to send a second request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; the receiving unit 1801 is further configured to receive a second response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0677] The sending unit is further configured to send a third request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to complete the first sensing bearer; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a third response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of completing the first sensing bearer.

[0678] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal, and the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second sensing request message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the second sensing request message is used to instruct the second access network element to perform sensing; the sending unit is further configured to send a third sensing request message to the second access network element, where the third sensing request message is used to instruct the second access network element to perform sensing.

[0679] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to receive a sensing signal; the fifth request message and the eighth request message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0680] In a possible design, the second sensing entity is used to send a sensing signal; the fifth response message and the eighth response message include spectrum resources carrying the sensing signal.

[0681] In a possible design, the fifth request message includes at least one of the following information: a sensing service identifier, a sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information; the sensing service identifier is used to indicate a sensing service; the sensing area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity; the sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service; the sensing entity requirement information is used to indicate the sensing entity type of the second sensing entity, and the sensing entity type includes a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

[0682] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the foregoing second UPF network element. The communication device may be a communication device deploying or carrying the second UPF network element, or may be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or carrying the second UPF network element. The communication device may include: a receiving unit, a sending unit.

[0683] Among them, the receiving unit is configured to receive first sensing data from the second access network element, where the first sensing data is obtained by the second access network element according to the received sensing signal; the sending unit is configured to send the first sensing data to the first user plane function.

[0684] The first user plane function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second user plane function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0685] In a possible design, the message carrying the first sensing data indicates or carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the sensing data needs to be transmitted to the first sensing data processing function network element; the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

[0686] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned first UPF network element. The communication device may be a communication device deploying or carrying the first UPF network element, or a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or carrying the first UPF network element. The communication device may include: a receiving unit, a sending unit.

[0687] Among them, the receiving unit is configured to receive first sensing data sent by the second user plane function, and the first sensing data is obtained by the second access network element according to the received sensing signal; the sending unit is configured to send the first sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element.

[0688] The first user plane function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second user plane function network element belong to the second operator network.

[0689] In a possible design, the message carrying the first sensing data indicates or carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the sensing data needs to be transmitted to the first sensing data processing function network element.

[0690] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned first NRF network element. The communication device may be a communication device deploying or carrying the first NRF network element, or a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device deploying or carrying the first NRF network element. The communication device may include: a receiving unit, a sending unit.

[0691] Among them, the receiving unit is configured to receive a seventh request message from the first sensing service control function, and the seventh request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; the sending unit is configured to send a ninth request message to the second network storage function network element, and the ninth request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0692] The receiving unit is further configured to receive a ninth response message from the second network storage function network element, where the ninth response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; the sending unit is further configured to send a seventh response message to the first sensing service control function, where the seventh response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0693] The first network storage function network element and the first sensing service control function belong to a first operator network, and the second network storage function network element and the second sensing service control function belong to a second operator network.

[0694] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned second NRF network element. The communication device may be a communication device on which the second NRF network element is deployed or carried, or may be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device on which the second NRF network element is deployed or carried. The communication device may include: a receiving unit, a sending unit.

[0695] Among them, the receiving unit is configured to receive a ninth request message from the first network storage function network element, where the ninth request message is used to indicate a request to obtain the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element; the sending unit is configured to send a ninth response message to the first network storage function network element, where the ninth response message is used to indicate the full address domain name information of the second sensing service control function network element.

[0696] The first network storage function network belongs to a first operator network, and the second network storage function network element and the second sensing service control function belong to a second operator network.

[0697] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned first SSCF network element. The communication device may be a communication device on which the first SSCF network element is deployed or carried, or may be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device on which the first SSCF network element is deployed or carried. The communication device may include: a receiving unit, a sending unit.

[0698] Among them, the receiving unit is configured to receive a sixth request message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; the sending unit is configured to send a first request message to the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer.

[0699] The receiving unit is further configured to receive a first response message from the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; the sending unit is further configured to send a sixth response message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0700] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The first sensing service control function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to a first operator network, and the second sensing service control function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0701] For another example, an embodiment of the present application may provide a communication device for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned second SSCF network element. The communication device may be a communication device on which the second SSCF network element is deployed or carried, or may be a device (such as a chip or a software module) in the communication device on which the second SSCF network element is deployed or carried. The communication device may include: a sending unit, a receiving unit.

[0702] Among them, the sending unit is configured to send a sixth request message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; the receiving unit is configured to receive a sixth response message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0703] The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The first sensing service control function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to a first operator network, and the second sensing service control function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to a second operator network.

[0704] In a possible design, the sending unit is further configured to send a second request message to the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second response message from the second sensing data processing function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer.

[0705] The sending unit is further configured to send a third request message to the second perception data processing functional network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to complete the first perception bearer; the receiving unit is further configured to receive a third response message from the second perception data processing functional network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the completion of the first perception bearer.

[0706] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is only a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or physically separated. And the units in the device can all be implemented in the form of software called by processing elements; they can also all be implemented in the form of hardware; they can also be partially implemented in the form of software called by processing elements and partially implemented in the form of hardware.

[0707] For example, each unit can be a separately established processing element, or can be integrated in a certain chip of the device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory in the form of a program and called and executed by a certain processing element of the device to perform the functions of the unit. In addition, all or part of these units can be integrated together or can be independently implemented. The processing element mentioned here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor element or in the form of software called by the processing element.

[0708] In an example, the units in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, for example: one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or, one or more digital signal processing (DSP) circuits, or, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0709] Again, when the units in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduling program, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU or other processor that can call programs. Again, these units can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0710] The above receiving unit is an interface circuit or an input circuit of the device, which is used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit or an input circuit of the chip for receiving signals from other chips or devices. When the communication device includes a transmitting unit, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit or an output circuit of the device, which is used to transmit signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the transmitting unit is an interface circuit or an output circuit of the chip for transmitting signals to other chips or devices.

[0711] For example, the embodiment of the present application can also provide a communication device, which may include: a processor and an interface circuit. The processor may include one or more. When the communication device is applied to any of the foregoing network elements, for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc., the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute each step performed by the corresponding network element in the above method.

[0712] In one implementation, the units that implement each corresponding step in the above method for each of the above network elements (for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.) can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler. For example, the device for the SSCF network element may include a processing element and a storage element. The processing element calls the program stored in the storage element to execute the method performed by the corresponding SSCF network element in the above method embodiment. The storage element can be a storage element on the same chip as the processing element, that is, an on-chip storage element.

[0713] In another implementation, the program for executing the methods performed by each of the above network elements (for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.) can be stored in a storage element on a different chip from the processing element, that is, an off-chip storage element. At this time, the processing element calls or loads the program from the off-chip storage element onto the on-chip storage element to call and execute the methods performed by the corresponding network elements (for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.) in the above method embodiment.

[0714] For example, the embodiments of the present application may further provide a communication device, which may include a processor for executing computer instructions stored in a memory. When the computer instructions are executed, the device is caused to execute the methods performed by the above-mentioned various network elements (such as the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.). The memory may be located inside or outside the communication device. And the processor includes one or more.

[0715] In another implementation, the units for implementing the respective steps in the above method in each network element (such as the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.) may be configured as one or more processing elements, and these processing elements may be correspondingly arranged on each network element. Here, the processing element may be an integrated circuit, for example: one or more ASICs, or one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of these types of integrated circuits. These integrated circuits may be integrated together to form a chip.

[0716] The units for implementing the respective steps in the above method in each network element (such as the SSCF network element, or the second network element, or the first network element, or the UPF network element, or the DCP network element) may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a SOC. The SOC chip is used to implement the corresponding method. At least one processing element and a storage element may be integrated in the chip, and the corresponding method is implemented in the form of the processing element calling the program stored in the storage element; or, at least one integrated circuit may be integrated in the chip for implementing the corresponding method; or, the above implementation manners may be combined, and the functions of some units are implemented in the form of the processing element calling the program, and the functions of some units are implemented in the form of the integrated circuit.

[0717] The processing element here is the same as the above description, and may be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or may also be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, for example: one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessor DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, etc., or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0718] The storage element may be a memory or a collective term for multiple storage elements.

[0719] For example, the embodiments of the present application further provide a chip system, which can be applied to each of the above network elements (for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.). The chip system includes one or more interface circuits and one or more processors; the interface circuits and the processors are interconnected by lines; the processors receive and execute computer instructions from the memory of the electronic device through the interface circuits to implement the methods executed by each of the above network elements (for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.) in the above method embodiments. Among them, the electronic device can be a communication device carrying or deploying each network element, or a device in the communication device carrying or deploying each network element, or can also be other devices communicating with the communication device carrying or deploying each network element.

[0720] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and conciseness of description, only the above division of each functional module is used as an example for illustration. In actual applications, the above functions can be allocated to different functional modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0721] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the module or unit is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of the device or unit can be in an electrical, mechanical or other form.

[0722] The unit described as a separated component may or may not be physically separated. The component displayed as a unit may be a physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, it can be located in one place, or can also be distributed to multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0723] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0724] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, such as a program. This software product is stored in a program product, such as a computer-readable storage medium, and includes several instructions for causing a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0725] For example, the embodiments of the present application can also provide a computer-readable storage medium, including: computer software instructions; when the computer software instructions are run, the steps executed by each network element (such as the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.) in the methods described in the foregoing embodiments are implemented.

[0726] Exemplarily, when the computer software instructions are run in a communication device that deploys or hosts a certain network element (such as the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.), or when the computer software instructions are run in a device (such as a chip) built in a communication device that deploys or hosts a certain network element (such as the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.), the communication device that deploys or hosts the network element implements the steps executed by the network element in the foregoing embodiments.

[0727] Optionally, the embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device. The communication device can include: a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit can be used to send and receive information, or to communicate with other network elements. The processing unit can be used to process data. For example, the device can implement the methods executed by each of the above network elements (such as the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.) through the transceiver unit and the processing unit.

[0728] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which when executed can implement the methods executed by the above-mentioned various network elements (for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.).

[0729] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, including one or more of the network elements described in the above embodiments, for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc. Each network element can execute the steps corresponding to the method described in the foregoing embodiments by the network element.

[0730] Exemplarily, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, which can be used to implement the methods executed by the above-mentioned various network elements (for example, the first SDPF network element, the second SDPF network element, the first SSCF network element, the second SSCF network element, the first UPF network element, the second UPF network element, etc.).

[0731] It should be understood that the description of technical features, technical solutions, beneficial effects or similar languages in the present application does not imply that all features and advantages can be achieved in any single embodiment. On the contrary, it can be understood that the description of features or beneficial effects means that at least one embodiment includes specific technical features, technical solutions or beneficial effects. Therefore, the description of technical features, technical solutions or beneficial effects in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the technical features, technical solutions and beneficial effects described in this embodiment can be combined in any appropriate manner. Those skilled in the art will understand that an embodiment can be implemented without one or more specific technical features, technical solutions or beneficial effects of a specific embodiment. In other embodiments, additional technical features and beneficial effects can also be identified in specific embodiments that do not embody all embodiments.

[0732] As described above, the above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any change or replacement within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims described.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the first perception data processing functional network element side, and the method includes: Obtain perception data, where the perception data includes first perception data and / or second perception data; The first perception data is obtained according to the perception signal received by the second access network element; The second perception data comes from the first access network element, and the second perception data is obtained according to the perception signal sent by the second access network element; Process the perception data; The first access network element and the first perception data processing functional network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element belongs to the second operator network.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The obtaining of the first perception data includes: Receive the first perception data sent by the second perception data processing functional network element, and the first perception data is transmitted through the first perception bearer between the first perception data processing functional network element and the second perception data processing functional network element; The second perception data processing functional network element belongs to the second operator network.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The method further includes: Receive a first request message from the first perception service control functional network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first perception bearer; Send a first response message to the first perception service control functional network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first perception bearer; The first perception service control functional network element belongs to the first operator network.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The obtaining of the first perception data includes: Receive the first perception data sent by the first user plane functional network element; The first perception data is sent by the second user plane functional network element to the first user plane functional network element, the first user plane functional network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second user plane functional network element belongs to the second operator network.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the second perception data processing functional network element side, and the method includes: Receive the first perception data from the second access network element, where the first perception data is obtained by the second access network element according to the received perception signal; Send the first perception data to the first perception data processing functional network element; The first perception data processing functional network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second perception data processing functional network element belong to the second operator network.

6. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the first perception service control functional network element side, and the method includes: Send a fourth request message to the first access network element, where the fourth request message is used to indicate that the first access network element serves as the first perception entity; Receive a fourth response message from the first access network element, where the fourth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the first access network element serves as the first perception entity; Send a fifth request message to the second perception service control functional network element, where the fifth request message is used to indicate a request for the second operator network to provide an access network element for the first operator network as the second perception entity; Receive a fifth response message from the second perception service control functional network element, where the fifth response message is used to indicate the provision of the second access network element as the second perception entity of the first operator network; The first sensing entity and the second sensing entity are used to obtain sensing data. The first access network element and the first sensing service control function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The second sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals. The method further includes: Receiving a sixth request message from the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between the first sensing data processing function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element; Sending a first request message to the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; Receiving a first response message from the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; Sending a sixth response message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The second sensing data processing function network element belongs to the second operator network, and the first sensing data processing function network element belongs to the first operator network.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The second sensing entity is used to send sensing signals. The method further includes: Sending a second sensing request message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the second sensing request message is used to indicate that the second access network element performs sensing.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first sensing entity is used to send sensing signals, and the second sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals; The fourth response message and the fifth request message include spectrum resources carrying sensing signals.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The second sensing entity is used to send sensing signals, and the first sensing entity is used to receive sensing signals; The fourth request message and the fifth response message include spectrum resources carrying sensing signals.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6-10, characterized in that, The fifth request message includes at least one of the following information: sensing service identifier, sensing area, sensing data requirement information, and sensing entity requirement information; The sensing service identifier is used to indicate a sensing service; The sensing area is used to indicate the sensing range of the second sensing entity; The sensing data requirement information is used to indicate the sensing data requirements of the sensing service; The sensing entity requirement information is used to indicate the sensing entity type of the second sensing entity, and the sensing entity type includes a sending sensing entity and / or a receiving sensing entity.

12. The method according to any one of claims 6-11, characterized in that, The sending of the fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element includes: When the available sensing entity resources in the first operator network are insufficient, sending the fifth request message to the second sensing service control function network element.

13. A communication method, characterized in that The method is applied to the second sensing service control function network element side. The method includes: Receive a fifth request message from a first sensing service control function network element, where the fifth request message is used to indicate a request for a second operator network to provide an access network element to the first operator network as a second sensing entity; Send an eighth request message to the second access network element, where the eighth request message is used to indicate that the second access network element serves as the second sensing entity of the first operator network; Receive an eighth response message from the second access network element, where the eighth response message is used to indicate confirmation that the second access network element serves as the second sensing entity of the first operator network; Send a fifth response message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the fifth response message is used to indicate the provision of the second access network element as the second sensing entity of the first operator network; The second sensing entity is used to obtain sensing data. The first sensing service control function network element belongs to the first operator network, and the second access network element and the second sensing service control function network element belong to the second operator network.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the side of the first sensing service control function network element, and the method includes: Receive a sixth request message from a second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between a first sensing data processing function network element and a second sensing data processing function network element; Send a first request message to the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first sensing bearer; Receive a first response message from the first sensing data processing function network element, where the first response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; Send a sixth response message to the second sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The first sensing service control function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second sensing service control function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to the second operator network.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the side of the second sensing service control function network element, and the method includes: Send a sixth request message to the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth request message is used to indicate a request to establish a first sensing bearer between a first sensing data processing function network element and a second sensing data processing function network element; Receive a sixth response message from the first sensing service control function network element, where the sixth response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first sensing bearer; The first sensing bearer is used for the second sensing data processing function network element to send sensing data to the first sensing data processing function network element. The first sensing service control function network element and the first sensing data processing function network element belong to the first operator network, and the second sensing service control function network element and the second sensing data processing function network element belong to the second operator network.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The method further includes: Send a second request message to the second perception data processing function network element, where the second request message is used to indicate a request to establish the first perception bearer; Receive a second response message from the second perception data processing function network element, where the second response message is used to indicate confirmation of the establishment of the first perception bearer; Send a third request message to the second perception data processing function network element, where the third request message is used to indicate a request to complete the first perception bearer; Receive a third response message from the second perception data processing function network element, where the third response message is used to indicate confirmation of the completion of the first perception bearer.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a processor for executing computer instructions stored in a memory, and when the computer instructions are executed, causing the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-16.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and perform the method according to any one of claims 1-16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes instructions, and when the instructions are run, the method according to any one of claims 1-16 is implemented.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1-16 is implemented.

Images