Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: receiving a function management request message, the function management request message being used for requesting to provide a target function for a communication device, or for requesting to delete the target function of the communication device; and executing a target operation according to the function management request message, the target operation being used for instructing to provide a target function for the communication device, or being used for instructing to delete the target function of the communication device. According to the scheme, the target function of the communication equipment can be flexibly managed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Communication equipment has corresponding software functions and can process corresponding services based on these functions.

[0003] The software functionalities required by communication devices may differ depending on the scenario. For example, some scenarios require communication devices to have software functionalities that offer high reliability, low latency, and low data volume, while others require software functionalities that offer high data volume, low latency, and low jitter, and so on. If the software functionalities of the communication device do not match the software functionalities required in the scenario, the communication device will struggle to handle the corresponding services.

[0004] Currently, the software functions of communication equipment are usually determined by the manufacturer. Therefore, the software functions of communication equipment are fixed when it leaves the factory, resulting in low flexibility in software function management. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus to solve the problem of low flexibility in software function management.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method in which a function management network element receives a function management request message, which is used to request the provision of a target function to a communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function from the communication device; and performs a target operation according to the function management request message, which is used to instruct the provision of the target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of the target function from the communication device. Through this method, the provision or deletion of target functions to the communication device can be flexibly achieved, resulting in high flexibility in function management.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes: communication device indication information for indicating a communication device; and / or, function indication information for indicating a target function. The function management network element can determine the corresponding communication device through the communication device indication information and the corresponding target function through the function indication information, thereby accurately providing or deleting the target function for the communication device.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes: a communication device identifier for indicating a communication device; and / or, a region identifier for indicating a target region, wherein the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes: a target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function; and / or, target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0010] In one possible implementation, when a function management request message is used to request the provision of a target function to a communication device, the function management network element can further determine whether the communication device meets a first condition based on the communication device's capability information and the target function's capability requirement information. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the communication device does not possess the target function; the communication device possesses the conditions corresponding to execute the target function; the communication device is authorized to execute the target function; or a function service network element provides the communication device with the software function resources corresponding to the target function. By determining whether the communication device meets the first condition, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the communication device needs to be provided with the target function, thereby enabling targeted addition or updating of the target function.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the function management network element can send a channel establishment request message based on a function management request message. This channel establishment request message requests the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service network element. It can also receive a channel establishment response message, indicating successful establishment of the transmission channel. Furthermore, it can send a resource request message, requesting the provision of software function resources through the transmission channel. These software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication device. Requesting the establishment of the transmission channel facilitates the subsequent transmission of software function resources.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the function management network element can also receive a resource response message, which indicates that the function service network element has provided software function resources to the communication device through the transmission channel.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the function management network element can also receive indication information indicating that the communication device has the target function. Through this indication information, the function management network element can determine that the communication device has the target function and successfully provide the target function to the communication device.

[0014] In one possible implementation, when a function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of a communication device, the function management network element can also determine that the communication device possesses the target function based on the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the function management network element can send a delete function request message based on a function management request message. The delete function request message requests the deletion of a target function from the communication device. It then receives a delete function response message, indicating that the communication device has deleted the target function. These steps enable the communication device to delete the target function, saving memory resources.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the capability requirement information is determined based on a first correspondence between a function and the capability information required to perform that function. This first correspondence includes at least one of the following: a correspondence between an application identifier and a function type; a correspondence between an application identifier and a Radio Access Technology (RAT); a correspondence between an application identifier and a Key Performance Indicator (KPI); a correspondence between an application type and a function type; a correspondence between an application type and a RAT; and a correspondence between an application type and a KPI. Through this first correspondence, the capability requirement information for the target function can be accurately determined, thereby accurately judging whether the communication device meets the first condition. This allows for a more precise determination of whether the communication device needs to be provided with the target function, enabling targeted addition or updating of the target function.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the function management network element can also send a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a communication method in which an AF network element can send a function management request message. This message is used to request the provision of a target function to a communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function from the communication device. The function management request message can trigger the communication device to manage the target function.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes: communication device indication information for indicating a communication device; and / or, function indication information for indicating a target function. The AF network element can indicate the corresponding communication device to the function management network element through the communication device indication information, and can indicate the corresponding target function to the function management network element through the function indication information, thereby accurately triggering the provision of the target function to the communication device or the deletion of the target function.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes: a communication device identifier for indicating a communication device; and / or, a region identifier for indicating a target region, wherein the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes: a target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function; and / or, target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the AF network element can also receive a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0023] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method in which a function-providing network element can receive a resource request message. The resource request message requests software function resources corresponding to a target function through a transmission channel between the communication device and the function-providing network element. These software function resources are used to provide the target function to the communication device. The software function resources are then transmitted through the transmission channel. By establishing a transmission channel and transmitting the software function resources through the transmission channel, the communication device can add or update the target function based on these software function resources.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the function-providing network element can also send auxiliary information for performing the target function.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the function-providing network element can also send a resource response message, which indicates that the function-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication device through the transmission channel.

[0026] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method in which a communication device can add or update target functions, or delete target functions. This achieves flexible management of target functions.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the communication device can receive software function resources; receive auxiliary information for performing the target function; and add or update the target function based on the software function resources and the auxiliary information.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the communication device may also send an indication message indicating that the communication device has the target function.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication device can receive a delete function request message, which requests the deletion of a target function in the communication device; and delete the target function according to the delete function request message.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication device may also send a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the communication device may also send capability information. This capability information indicates the capabilities of the communication device, thereby helping to determine whether the communication device meets the first condition and enabling a more precise determination of whether the communication device needs to be provided with the target function, thus allowing for targeted addition or updating of the target function.

[0032] Fifthly, this application provides a communication method in which a channel management function network element can receive a channel establishment request message, which requests the establishment of a transmission channel between a communication device and a function service network element; establish the transmission channel; and send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established. By establishing a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service network element, the function service network element can transmit software function resources to the communication device based on the transmission channel, thereby facilitating the provision of target functions to the communication device.

[0033] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0034] The first transceiver module is used to receive function management request messages. These messages are used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function from the communication device.

[0035] The first processing module is used to execute a target operation based on the function management request message. The target operation is used to instruct the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of a target function of the communication device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes:

[0037] Communication equipment indication information, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0038] And / or,

[0039] Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes:

[0041] Communication equipment identifier, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0042] And / or,

[0043] A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes:

[0045] Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function;

[0046] And / or,

[0047] Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0048] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the provision of a target function for the communication device, the first processing module is further configured to:

[0049] Based on the capability information of the communication equipment and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication equipment meets the first condition; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0050] The communication equipment does not have target functionality;

[0051] The communication equipment possesses the conditions corresponding to perform the target function;

[0052] The communication equipment is authorized to perform the target function;

[0053] The functional service network element provides the software function resources corresponding to the target function to the communication equipment.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the first processing module is specifically used for:

[0055] According to the function management request message, a channel establishment request message is sent. The channel establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the function service network element.

[0056] Receive a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0057] Send a resource request message. The resource request message is used to request the provision of software function resources through the transmission channel. The software function resources are used to provide the target functions for the communication equipment.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module is further configured to:

[0059] Receive resource response messages, which indicate that the service-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module is further configured to:

[0061] Receive instruction information, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0062] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device, the first processing module is further configured to:

[0063] Based on the capability information of the communication equipment and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication equipment possesses the target function.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the first processing module is specifically used for:

[0065] A delete function request message is sent according to the function management request message. The delete function request message is used to request the deletion of the target function in the communication device.

[0066] Receive a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the capability requirement information is determined based on a first correspondence between a function and the capability information required to perform the function, wherein the first correspondence includes at least one of the following:

[0068] The correspondence between application identifiers and function types;

[0069] The mapping between application identifiers and RATs;

[0070] The correspondence between application identifiers and KPIs;

[0071] The correspondence between application types and function types;

[0072] The correspondence between application types and RATs;

[0073] The correspondence between application type and KPI.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module is further configured to:

[0075] Send a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0076] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0077] The second transceiver module is used to send function management request messages. These messages are used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function from the communication device.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes:

[0079] Communication equipment indication information, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0080] And / or,

[0081] Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes:

[0083] Communication equipment identifier, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0084] And / or,

[0085] A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes:

[0087] Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function;

[0088] And / or,

[0089] Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0090] In one possible implementation, the second transceiver module is further configured to:

[0091] Receive a function management response message. The function management response message is used to indicate that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0092] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0093] The third transceiver module is used to receive resource request messages. The resource request messages are used to request a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the network element providing the service function, and to provide the software function resources corresponding to the target function. The software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication equipment.

[0094] The fourth transceiver module is used to send software function resources through the transmission channel.

[0095] In one possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module is further configured to:

[0096] Send auxiliary information to perform the target function.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module is further configured to:

[0098] Send a resource response message, which indicates that the service-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0099] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0100] The processing module is used to add or update target functionality; or to delete target functionality.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used for:

[0102] Receive software function resources;

[0103] Receive auxiliary information for performing the target function;

[0104] Based on software functional resources and auxiliary information, add or update the target functions.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0106] Send an instruction message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically used for:

[0108] Receive a delete function request message, which is used to request the deletion of a target function in the communication device;

[0109] Delete the target function based on the delete function request message.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0111] Send a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0113] Send communication device capability information.

[0114] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0115] The fifth transceiver module is used to receive channel establishment request messages, which are used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between communication equipment and functional service network elements.

[0116] Establish a module to create a transmission channel;

[0117] The sixth transceiver module is used to send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0118] In one aspect, this application provides a communication device, including: a memory and a processor;

[0119] The memory stores instructions that the computer executes;

[0120] The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in memory, causing the processor to perform the method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0121] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method of any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0122] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0123] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by the chip, it implements the method of any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0124] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip module on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by the chip module, it implements the method as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0125] The communication method and apparatus provided in this application embodiment include a function management network element receiving a function management request message. This message requests either the provision of a target function to a communication device or the deletion of a target function from the communication device. The function management network element then executes a target operation based on the request message. This target operation instructs either the provision of the target function to the communication device or the deletion of the target function from the communication device. Through this operation, the target function is provided to the communication device when needed and deleted when it is no longer required, thereby improving the flexibility of target function management for the communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0126] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system architecture provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0127] Figure 2 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0128] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the provision of target functions for a communication device, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0129] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the provision of target functions for access network devices is provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0130] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the provision of target functions for a terminal device, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0131] Figure 6 A flowchart for the function of deleting a target in an access network device is provided in this embodiment of the application;

[0132] Figure 7 A flowchart for deleting a target function on a terminal device is provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0133] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0134] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0135] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ;

[0136] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 4 ;

[0137] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 5 ;

[0138] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 6 . Detailed Implementation

[0139] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0140] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0141] The use cases for communication devices are diverse, which places higher demands on the software functions they support. For example, different use cases require communication devices to have software functions that match those cases. Furthermore, as the scenarios supported by communication devices increase or evolve, corresponding software functions are also needed to keep pace.

[0142] The software functions of communication equipment are typically determined by the manufacturer, meaning the software functions of a communication device are fixed at the time of manufacture. Since manufacturers cannot know the final usage scenario of the equipment, they cannot match the appropriate software functions to that scenario, potentially leading to a mismatch between the equipment's inherent software functions and the required functions for that specific scenario.

[0143] Currently, one approach is to match all software functions to the communication device. However, this approach increases the complexity of the communication device and also results in significant memory waste.

[0144] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that guides communication devices to manage specific functions according to actual business needs, and flexibly adds or deletes functions.

[0145] The embodiments of this application will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0146] Figure 1 A system architecture diagram provided for an embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system architecture involves terminal equipment, access network equipment, channel management function network elements, function management network elements, function service network elements, and application function (AF) network elements. Among them, the channel management function network elements and function management network elements are components of the core network, while the function service network elements and AF network elements can be located within or outside the core network; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0147] Function-providing network elements can be, for example, network elements within the core network or servers from equipment manufacturers. These function-providing network elements can provide network devices or terminal devices with the information or resources required to manage specific functions, based on instructions for managing those functions.

[0148] AF (Application Function) network elements can be, for example, network elements within the core network or third-party application servers. AF network elements can request function management network elements to manage specific functions of network devices or terminal devices.

[0149] The function management network element provides a corresponding interface for receiving requests sent by the AF network element. These requests are used to request the function management network element to manage specific functions of network devices or terminal devices.

[0150] Channel management function network elements are used to establish transmission channels when function management network elements manage specific functions, so as to transmit information or resources corresponding to specific functions.

[0151] The above embodiments have described a system architecture of this application. The following will combine... Figure 2 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0152] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), future 5G systems, or new radio (NR). It can also be extended to similar wireless communication systems, such as Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), and cellular systems related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as 6th generation mobile communication systems. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0153] In the embodiments of this application, the network device typically has wireless transceiver capabilities and may possess mobility characteristics; for example, the network device may be a mobile device. Optionally, the network device may be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite may be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, or a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite. Of course, the network device may also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations. For example, the network device may be a next-generation NodeB (gNB) or a next-generation-evolved NodeB (ng-eNB). The gNB provides the UE with NR user plane and control plane functions, while the ng-eNB provides the UE with evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) user plane and control plane functions. It should be noted that gNB and ng-eNB are merely names used to indicate base stations supporting 5G network systems and are not intended to be limiting.

[0154] Network equipment can also be a base station (BTS) in GSM or CDMA systems, a base station (nodeB, NB) in WCDMA systems, or an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE systems. Alternatively, network equipment can also be relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, network-side equipment in 5G and later networks, or network equipment in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), roadside site units (RSUs), etc.

[0155] Terminal devices typically have wireless transceiver capabilities and can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal devices, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminal devices in remote medical care, wireless terminal devices in smart grids, wireless terminal devices in transportation safety, wireless terminal devices in smart cities, wireless terminal devices in smart homes, wearable terminal devices, and more. The terminal equipment involved in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal equipment, mobile device, UE terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The terminal equipment may also be fixed or mobile.

[0156] It should be noted that the execution entity in each embodiment of this application can be a chip, chip module, processor, microprocessor, etc., or it can be a device integrating the above-mentioned chips, chip modules, processors, or microprocessors, such as a communication device / channel management function network element / function management network element / function service network element / AF network element. The specific execution entity in each embodiment of this application is not limited, and it can be selected and set according to actual needs. In the following embodiments, the execution entity is described as a communication device / channel management function network element / function management network element / function service network element / AF network element integrating the above-mentioned chips, chip modules, processors, or microprocessors, etc., and this does not constitute a limitation on the actual execution entity. In each embodiment of this application, interaction between terminal devices and core network elements is involved, and the signaling or messages of the interaction can be transparently transmitted through access network devices.

[0157] Figure 2 Flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 This method is applied to functional management network elements, such as Figure 2 As shown, it includes:

[0158] S21, Receive a function management request message. The function management request message is used to request that a target function be provided to the communication device, or to request that a target function be deleted from the communication device.

[0159] The AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element, and the corresponding function management network element receives the function management request message.

[0160] In various embodiments of this application, the communication device may include a terminal device or a network device, wherein the network device may include an access network device or a core network device.

[0161] Function management request messages are used to request the provision of a target function to a communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function from a communication device. The target function may be, for example, a high-reliability, low-latency, low-data-volume communication function; a high-data-volume, low-latency, low-jitter communication function; or an Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) service processing function, etc. This application does not limit the specific content of the target function; the target function may differ in different usage scenarios.

[0162] S22, Execute the target operation according to the function management request message. The target operation is used to instruct the provision of the target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of the target function of the communication device.

[0163] If a function management request message is used to request the provision of a target function to a communication device, then a target operation is used to instruct the provision of the target function to the communication device. The target operation may, for example, include sending a channel establishment request message to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication device and the function-providing network element. This transmission channel is used to transmit software function resources, through which the target function can be provided to the communication device.

[0164] If a function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of a communication device, then a target operation is used to instruct the communication device to delete the target function. For example, the target operation may send a delete function request message to the communication device to instruct it to delete the target function.

[0165] The communication method provided in this application embodiment involves a function management network element receiving a function management request message. This message requests either the provision of a target function to a communication device or the deletion of a target function from the communication device. The function management network element then executes a target operation based on the request message. This target operation instructs either the provision of the target function to the communication device or the deletion of the target function from the communication device. Through this operation, the target function is provided to the communication device when needed and deleted when it is no longer required, thereby improving the flexibility of target function management for the communication device.

[0166] Based on any of the above embodiments, the solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0167] First, combine Figure 3 This section describes how to implement the target functions of communication devices.

[0168] Figure 3 A flowchart for providing a target function for a communication device, as provided in the embodiments of this application, is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, it includes:

[0169] S301, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0170] Function management request messages are used to request that a target function be provided to a communication device.

[0171] Optionally, the feature management request message may include at least one of the following: 1.1 to 1.2

[0172] 1.1 Communication equipment indication information.

[0173] The communication device indication information is used to indicate the communication device, which is the communication device that needs to add or update the target function.

[0174] Optionally, the communication device indication information includes a communication device identifier and / or a region identifier. The communication device identifier indicates the communication device. If the communication device for which the target function needs to be added or updated is a terminal device, the communication device identifier may include the identifier of the terminal device; if the communication device for which the target function needs to be added or updated is a network device, the communication device identifier may include the identifier of the network device.

[0175] A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device that needs to have its target function added or updated is a device located in that target region. For example, if a target function needs to be provided to terminal equipment and network equipment in a certain factory area, the communication device indication can include the region identifier of that factory area. Based on the region identifier, it can be determined that the communication device that needs to have its target function added or updated is a communication device located in that factory area.

[0176] After receiving a function management request message, if the function management request message includes communication device indication information, the function management network element can determine the communication device that needs to have its target function added or updated based on the communication device indication information.

[0177] 1.2 Functional indication information.

[0178] Function indication information is used to indicate the target function, which is the function that needs to be added or updated to the communication device.

[0179] Optionally, the function indication information includes a target application identifier and / or target application type information. The target application identifier indicates the application corresponding to the target function. If it is necessary to add or update a target function to the communication device, and the application corresponding to the target function is APP1, then the function indication information may include the identifier of APP1, where APP1 is the application using the target function.

[0180] The target application type information is used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function. The application type may include, for example, a voice application type, an audio / video application type, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. If it is necessary to add or update the target function for the communication device, and the application corresponding to the target function is APP1, and the application type of APP1 is type 1, then the function indication information may include the target application type information to indicate type 1.

[0181] After receiving a function management request message, if the function management request message includes function indication information, the function management network element can determine the target function that the communication device needs to add or update based on the function indication information.

[0182] S302, the functional management network element determines that the communication equipment meets the first condition.

[0183] Before providing target functions to communication equipment, the function management network element needs to determine whether the communication equipment meets the first condition.

[0184] Optionally, the communication device sends its capability information to the function management network element, which in turn receives the capability information. The function management network element can then determine whether the communication device meets the first condition based on the capability information and the capability requirements of the target function.

[0185] Optionally, the capability information of the communication device may include, for example, the types of software functions supported by the communication device, the types of applications supported by the communication device (the application types can be indicated by application type information), the application identifiers supported by the communication device, the capabilities supported by the communication device and their corresponding key performance indicators (KPIs), and so on.

[0186] Optionally, the capability information of the communication device may include, for example, the hardware resources of the communication device, the supported algorithm information, etc. The hardware resources may include, for example, microprocessor information such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a digital signal processing (DSP).

[0187] The types of software functions supported by the communication device can include, for example, high reliability and low latency, high data volume and low latency, A-IoT, etc. The types of applications supported by the communication device can be indicated by application type information. The application identifier supported by the communication device is used to indicate the applications supported by the terminal device.

[0188] The capabilities supported by communication devices may include, for example, AI-related capabilities, sustainability capabilities, sensing-related capabilities, interoperability capabilities, coverage capabilities, positioning capabilities, security and resilience capabilities, peak data rate-related capabilities, reliability capabilities, user-experienced data rate-related capabilities, latency-related capabilities, spectrum efficiency-related capabilities, mobility-related capabilities, connection density-related capabilities, area traffic capacity-related capabilities, and so on.

[0189] Each capability supported by a communication device can have a corresponding KPI. For example, the KPI for reliability is the reliability value, and the KPI for latency is the communication latency, and so on.

[0190] The capability requirement information for the target function is determined based on a first correspondence between the function and the capability information required to perform the function, wherein the first correspondence includes at least one of the following (a) to (f):

[0191] (a) The correspondence between application identifiers and function types.

[0192] Application identifiers are used to indicate the corresponding application; different applications correspond to different function types. Based on the correspondence between application identifiers and function types, and the application identifier of the application corresponding to the target function, the function type corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0193] (b) The correspondence between application identifiers and radio access technologies (RAT).

[0194] Application identifiers are used to indicate the corresponding application; different applications correspond to different function types. Based on the correspondence between application identifiers and RATs, and the application identifier of the application corresponding to the target function, the RAT corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0195] (c) The correspondence between application identifiers and KPIs.

[0196] Based on the correspondence between application identifiers and KPIs, and the application identifier of the application corresponding to the target function, the KPIs corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0197] (d) The correspondence between application type and function type.

[0198] Application type indicates the corresponding application; different applications correspond to different function types. Based on the correspondence between application type and function type, and the application type corresponding to the target function, the function type corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0199] (e) The correspondence between application types and RATs.

[0200] Based on the correspondence between application types and RATs, and the application type corresponding to the target function, the RAT corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0201] (f) Correspondence between application type and KPI.

[0202] Based on the correspondence between application types and KPIs, and the application type corresponding to the target function, the KPIs corresponding to the target function can be determined.

[0203] The capability requirements information for the target function includes at least one of the following: the function type corresponding to the target function, the function type corresponding to the target function, and the KPI corresponding to the target function.

[0204] After determining the capability requirements of the target function, and combining this with the capability information of the communication equipment, it can be determined whether the communication equipment meets the first condition.

[0205] Optionally, the first condition includes at least one of the following 2.1 to 2.4:

[0206] 2.1 The communication equipment does not have the target function.

[0207] Since the Function Management Request message is used to request the provision of a target function to a communication device, if the communication device already possesses the target function, there is no need to provide it. Therefore, before providing a target function to a communication device, it is necessary to determine whether the communication device currently possesses the target function. This can be determined based on the communication device's capability information.

[0208] 2.2 The communication equipment has the conditions to perform the target function.

[0209] The conditions for a communication device to perform a target function refer to the ability of the communication device to perform the target function, such as corresponding hardware capabilities, computing capabilities, etc.

[0210] Since the capability requirements information for the target function has been determined, indicating the capabilities required to perform the target function, and the capability information of the communication equipment indicates the capabilities of the communication equipment, it can be determined whether the communication equipment has the conditions to perform the target function.

[0211] For example, if the target function corresponds to 5G technology, but the communication device's capability information indicates that the communication device does not have 5G-related capabilities, then it can be determined that the communication device does not meet the conditions for executing the target function. Similarly, if the target function corresponds to the A-IoT type, but the communication device's capability information indicates that the communication device has A-IoT-related capabilities, then it can be determined that the communication device meets the conditions for executing the target function, and so on.

[0212] 2.3 The communication equipment is authorized to perform the target function.

[0213] The authorization of a communication device to perform a target function means that the communication device is permitted to provide the target function.

[0214] 2.4 The service network element provides the software function resources corresponding to the target function to the communication equipment.

[0215] Software function resources refer to the resources required to add or update target functions. Software function resources may include, for example, the application installation package corresponding to the target function, or related upgrade packages, etc.

[0216] S303, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element based on the function management request message.

[0217] After the function management network element determines that the communication device meets the first condition, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element. The channel establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service network element. This transmission channel is used to transmit the software function resources corresponding to the target function.

[0218] S304, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between communication equipment and function service network elements.

[0219] After receiving a channel establishment request message, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the function service network element, which may include user plane channels, data plane channels, etc.

[0220] S305, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element.

[0221] After the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the function service network element, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element, and the function management network element receives the corresponding channel establishment response message. The channel establishment response message indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0222] S306, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service provider network element.

[0223] After receiving the channel establishment response message, the function management network element can determine that the transmission channel between the communication device and the function service provider network element has been successfully established. Therefore, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service provider network element. The resource request message is used to request software function resources through the transmission channel. In this embodiment, the software function resources are used to provide target functions for the communication device. The software function resources may include, for example, the application installation package corresponding to the target function, or related upgrade packages, etc.

[0224] S307, the function service network element sends software function resources and auxiliary information for performing the target function to the communication equipment through the transmission channel between the communication equipment and the function service network element.

[0225] Ancillary information is used to indicate how to execute the target function, such as which functional modules the target function may include, how these functional modules cooperate, and so on. Function service network elements can provide software function resources and ancillary information to communication equipment through this transmission channel.

[0226] S308, the function provides the service network element to send resource response messages to the function management network element.

[0227] After the function service network element provides software function resources and auxiliary information to the communication equipment through the transmission channel between the network element and the communication equipment, the function service network element can send a resource response message to the function management network element, which in turn receives the resource response message. The resource response message indicates that the function service network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0228] S309, Communication equipment adds or updates target functions based on software function resources and auxiliary information.

[0229] After receiving software function resources and auxiliary information, communication equipment can add or update target functions. For example, if the software function resource is an application installation package corresponding to the target function, the communication equipment can install the application corresponding to the target function based on the application installation package, launch the application, and run the application with the help of auxiliary information to execute the target function. Alternatively, if the software function resource is an application upgrade package corresponding to the target function, the communication equipment can upgrade the application corresponding to the target function based on the application upgrade package, launch the application, and run the application with the help of auxiliary information to execute the target function.

[0230] S310, the communication equipment sends instruction information to the function management network element.

[0231] Correspondingly, the function management network element receives this indication information, which indicates that the communication device has the target function. After receiving this indication information, the function management network element can know that it has successfully provided the target function to the communication device.

[0232] S311, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0233] Once the function management network element learns that it has successfully provided the target function to the communication device, it sends a function management response message to the AF network element. The AF network element receives the corresponding function management response message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0234] The solution in this application embodiment provides the target function to the communication device through signaling interaction between the function management network element, the function service network element, the channel management function network element, the communication device, and the AF network element when the communication device needs the target function, thereby improving the flexibility of managing the target function of the communication device.

[0235] The following is combined with Figure 4 This section describes how to implement the target functions for access network devices.

[0236] Figure 4 A flowchart for providing target functions for access network devices, as provided in the embodiments of this application, is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, it includes:

[0237] S401, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0238] The Function Management Request message is used to request that a target function be provided to the access network device. The contents of the Function Management Request message can be found in the relevant description of S301 in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0239] S402, the functional management network element determines that the access network device meets at least one of the following conditions:

[0240] a. The access network equipment does not have the target function;

[0241] b. The access network equipment has the conditions to perform the target function;

[0242] c. Access network devices are authorized to perform the target function;

[0243] d. The service network element provides the software function resources corresponding to the target function to the access network equipment.

[0244] S403, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element based on the function management request message.

[0245] After the function management network element determines that the access network device meets at least one of the conditions a to d in example S402, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element. The channel establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the access network device and the function service network element. This transmission channel is used to transmit the software function resources corresponding to the target function.

[0246] S404, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between access network equipment and function service network elements.

[0247] After receiving a channel establishment request message, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the access network device and the function service network element, which may include user plane channel, data plane channel, etc.

[0248] S405, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element.

[0249] After the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the access network device and the function service network element, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element, and the function management network element receives the corresponding channel establishment response message. The channel establishment response message indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0250] S406, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service provider network element.

[0251] After receiving the channel establishment response message, the function management network element can determine that the transmission channel between the access network device and the function service provider network element has been successfully established. Therefore, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service provider network element. The resource request message is used to request software function resources through the transmission channel. In this embodiment, the software function resources are used to provide target functions for the access network device. The software function resources may include, for example, the application installation package corresponding to the target function, or related upgrade packages, etc.

[0252] S407, the function service network element sends software function resources and auxiliary information for performing the target function to the access network device through the transmission channel between the access network device and the function service network element.

[0253] Ancillary information is used to indicate how to perform the target function, such as which functional modules the target function may include, how these functional modules cooperate, and so on. Function service network elements can use this transmission channel to provide software function resources and ancillary information to access network devices.

[0254] S408, the function provides the service network element to send resource response messages to the function management network element.

[0255] After the function-providing network element provides software function resources and auxiliary information to the access network device through the transmission channel between the two devices, the function-providing network element can send a resource response message to the function management network element, which in turn receives the resource response message. The resource response message indicates that the function-providing network element has provided software function resources to the access network device through the transmission channel.

[0256] S409, Access network equipment adds or updates target functions based on software function resources and auxiliary information.

[0257] After receiving software function resources and auxiliary information, access network devices can add or update target functions. For example, if the software function resource is an application installation package corresponding to the target function, the access network device can install the application corresponding to the target function based on the application installation package, launch the application, and run the application with the auxiliary information to execute the target function. Alternatively, if the software function resource is an application upgrade package corresponding to the target function, the access network device can upgrade the application corresponding to the target function based on the application upgrade package, launch the application, and run the application with the auxiliary information to execute the target function.

[0258] S410, the access network device sends instruction information to the function management network element.

[0259] Correspondingly, the function management network element receives this indication information, which indicates that the access network device has the target function. After receiving this indication information, the function management network element can know that it has successfully provided the target function to the access network device.

[0260] S411, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0261] Once the function management network element learns that it has successfully provided the target function to the access network device, it sends a function management response message to the AF network element. The AF network element receives the corresponding function management response message, which is used to indicate that the access network device has the target function.

[0262] The solution in this application embodiment can provide target functions to access network devices through the interaction between various network elements and access network devices, thereby improving the flexibility of managing target functions of access network devices.

[0263] The following is combined with Figure 5 This section describes how to implement the target functions for terminal devices.

[0264] Figure 5 A flowchart for providing target functions to a terminal device, as provided in the embodiments of this application, is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, it includes:

[0265] S501, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0266] The function management request message is used to request that a target function be provided to the terminal device. The content included in the function management request message can be found in the relevant description of S301 in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0267] S502, the functional management network element is determined to meet at least one of the following conditions:

[0268] e. The terminal device does not have the target function;

[0269] f. The access network equipment has the target function;

[0270] g. The terminal device has the conditions to perform the target function;

[0271] h. The terminal device is authorized to execute the target function;

[0272] i. The service network element provides the software function resources corresponding to the target function to the terminal device.

[0273] Optionally, when providing the target function to the terminal device, the terminal device may not possess the target function, but the access network device may. If the access network device does not possess the target function, the target function can be provided to the access network device first.

[0274] S503, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element based on the function management request message.

[0275] After the function management network element determines that at least one of the conditions e to i in the S502 example is met, the function management network element sends a channel establishment request message to the channel management function network element. The channel establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service network element. This transmission channel is used to transmit the software function resources corresponding to the target function.

[0276] S504, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between terminal equipment and function service network elements.

[0277] After receiving a channel establishment request message, the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service network element, which may include user plane channel, data plane channel, etc.

[0278] S505, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element.

[0279] After the channel management function network element establishes a transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service network element, the channel management function network element sends a channel establishment response message to the function management network element, and the function management network element receives the corresponding channel establishment response message. The channel establishment response message indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0280] S506, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service provider network element.

[0281] After receiving the channel establishment response message, the function management network element can determine that the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service provider network element has been successfully established. Therefore, the function management network element sends a resource request message to the function service provider network element. The resource request message is used to request software function resources through the transmission channel. In this embodiment, the software function resources are used to provide target functions for the terminal device. The software function resources may include, for example, the application installation package corresponding to the target function, or related upgrade packages, etc.

[0282] S507, the function service network element sends software function resources to the terminal device through the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service network element.

[0283] Optionally, the function service network element can also send auxiliary information for performing the target function to the terminal device through the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service network element.

[0284] Optionally, the function-providing network element can send software function resources to the access network device. The access network device determines auxiliary information for performing the target function based on the software function resources and sends this auxiliary information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the software function resources and the auxiliary information.

[0285] Ancillary information is used to indicate how to perform the target function, such as which functional modules the target function may include, how these functional modules cooperate, and so on. Function service network elements can provide software function resources and ancillary information to terminal devices through this transmission channel.

[0286] S508, the function provides the service network element to send resource response messages to the function management network element.

[0287] After the function service network element provides software function resources and auxiliary information to the terminal device through the transmission channel between the terminal device and the function service network element, the function service network element can send a resource response message to the function management network element, which in turn receives the resource response message. The resource response message indicates that the function service network element has provided software function resources to the terminal device through the transmission channel.

[0288] S509, the terminal device adds or updates the target function based on software function resources and auxiliary information.

[0289] After receiving software function resources and auxiliary information, the terminal device can add or update the target function. For example, if the software function resource is an application installation package corresponding to the target function, the terminal device can install the application corresponding to the target function based on the application installation package, launch the application, and run the application with the help of auxiliary information to execute the target function. Alternatively, if the software function resource is an application upgrade package corresponding to the target function, the terminal device can upgrade the application corresponding to the target function based on the application upgrade package, launch the application, and run the application with the help of auxiliary information to execute the target function.

[0290] S510, the terminal device sends instruction information to the function management network element.

[0291] Correspondingly, the function management network element receives this indication information, which indicates that the terminal device has the target function. After receiving this indication information, the function management network element can know that it has successfully provided the target function to the terminal device.

[0292] S511, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0293] Once the function management network element learns that it has successfully provided the target function to the terminal device, it sends a function management response message to the AF network element. The AF network element receives the corresponding function management response message, which indicates that the terminal device has the target function.

[0294] The solution in this application embodiment can provide target functions to terminal devices through the interaction between various network elements and terminal devices, thereby improving the flexibility of managing target functions of terminal devices.

[0295] In the above embodiments, the implementation method of providing target functions for communication devices has been described. In some embodiments, the target functions of communication devices can also be deleted. The following describes the solution with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0296] When a function management request message is used to request the removal of a target function from a communication device, the function management network element sends a delete function request message based on the function management request message. The delete function request message is used to request the removal of the target function from the communication device.

[0297] Optionally, the function management request message includes: communication device indication information and / or function indication information. For a description of the communication device indication information and function indication information, please refer to the relevant content in 1.1 to 1.2 of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0298] Using communication equipment indication information, the function management network element can identify the communication equipment and the target function. Then, the function management network element sends a delete function request message to the communication equipment, requesting the removal of the target function from the communication equipment. Correspondingly, the communication equipment receives the delete function request message and deletes the target function accordingly.

[0299] Deleting a target function can involve actions such as uninstalling the application corresponding to the target function, deleting information related to the target function, etc. After the communication device deletes the target function, it sends a delete function response message to the function management network element. The function management network element receives this message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function. Then, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element, which also indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function. The AF network element receives this message.

[0300] Optionally, the communication device sends its capability information to the function management network element. The function management network element determines whether the communication device possesses the target function based on the communication device's capability information and the capability requirement information of the target function. If the communication device possesses the target function, the function management network element sends a delete function request message based on the function management request. The process by which the function management network element determines whether the communication device possesses the target function based on the communication device's capability information and the capability requirement information of the target function can be found in the relevant description of S302 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0301] Since the function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of a communication device, if the communication device does not have the target function, there is no need to delete the target function. Therefore, before deleting the target function of a communication device, it is necessary to determine whether the communication device currently has the target function.

[0302] The following is combined with Figure 6 and Figure 7 The implementation schemes for deleting targets are introduced separately for access network equipment and terminal equipment.

[0303] Figure 6 The flowchart for the target deletion function of the access network device provided in the embodiments of this application is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it includes:

[0304] S601, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0305] The Function Management Request message is used to request the removal of a target function from an access network device. The content included in the Function Management Request message can be found in the relevant description of S301 in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0306] S602, the function management network element determines that the access network device has the target function.

[0307] Optionally, the access network device sends its capability information to the function management network element, which in turn receives the capability information. The function management network element then determines whether the access network device possesses the target function based on the access network device's capability information and the capability requirements of the target function.

[0308] S603, the function management network element sends a delete function request message to the access network device according to the function management request message.

[0309] The delete function request message is used to request the deletion of a target function in an access network device.

[0310] S604, the access network device deletes the target function according to the delete function request message.

[0311] S605, the access network device sends a delete function response message to the function management network element.

[0312] The delete function response message is used to indicate that the access network device has deleted the target function.

[0313] S606, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0314] Function management response messages are used to indicate that the access network device has removed the target function.

[0315] The solution in this application embodiment can delete the target function of the access network device through the interaction between various network elements and access network devices, thereby improving the flexibility of target function management of access network devices and saving memory resources of access network devices.

[0316] Figure 7 The flowchart for the function of deleting the target device provided in the embodiments of this application is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, it includes:

[0317] S701, the AF network element sends a function management request message to the function management network element.

[0318] The function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of the terminal device. The content included in the function management request message can be found in the relevant description of S301 in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0319] S702, the function management network element determines that the terminal equipment has the target function.

[0320] Optionally, the terminal device sends its capability information to the function management network element, which in turn receives the capability information. The function management network element then determines that the terminal device possesses the target function based on the terminal device's capability information and the capability requirements of the target function.

[0321] S703: The function management network element sends a delete function request message to the terminal device based on the function management request message.

[0322] The delete function request message is used to request the deletion of a target function from a terminal device.

[0323] S704, the terminal device deletes the target function based on the delete function request message.

[0324] S705, the terminal device sends a delete function response message to the function management network element.

[0325] The delete function response message is used to indicate that the terminal device has deleted the target function.

[0326] S706, the function management network element sends a function management response message to the AF network element.

[0327] Function management response messages are used to indicate that the target function has been removed from the terminal device.

[0328] The solution in this application embodiment can delete the target function of the terminal device through the interaction between various network elements and terminal devices, thereby improving the flexibility of managing the target function of the terminal device and saving the memory resources of the terminal device.

[0329] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ,like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 80 includes:

[0330] The first transceiver module 81 is used to receive function management request messages, which are used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device.

[0331] The first processing module 82 is used to execute a target operation according to the function management request message. The target operation is used to instruct the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of a target function of the communication device.

[0332] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes:

[0333] Communication equipment indication information, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0334] And / or,

[0335] Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

[0336] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes:

[0337] Communication equipment identifier, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0338] And / or,

[0339] A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0340] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes:

[0341] Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function;

[0342] And / or,

[0343] Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0344] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the provision of a target function for the communication device, the first processing module 82 is further configured to:

[0345] Based on the capability information of the communication equipment and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication equipment meets the first condition; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0346] The communication equipment does not have target functionality;

[0347] The communication equipment possesses the conditions corresponding to perform the target function;

[0348] The communication equipment is authorized to perform the target function;

[0349] The functional service network element provides the software function resources corresponding to the target function to the communication equipment.

[0350] In one possible implementation, the first processing module 82 is specifically used for:

[0351] According to the function management request message, a channel establishment request message is sent. The channel establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the function service network element.

[0352] Receive a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0353] Send a resource request message. The resource request message is used to request the provision of software function resources through the transmission channel. The software function resources are used to provide the target functions for the communication equipment.

[0354] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module 81 is further configured to:

[0355] Receive resource response messages, which indicate that the service-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0356] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module 81 is further configured to:

[0357] Receive instruction information, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0358] In one possible implementation, when the function management request message is used to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device, the first processing module 82 is further configured to:

[0359] Based on the capability information of the communication equipment and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication equipment possesses the target function.

[0360] In one possible implementation, the first processing module 82 is specifically used for:

[0361] A delete function request message is sent according to the function management request message. The delete function request message is used to request the deletion of the target function in the communication device.

[0362] Receive a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0363] In one possible implementation, the capability requirement information is determined based on a first correspondence between a function and the capability information required to perform the function, wherein the first correspondence includes at least one of the following:

[0364] The correspondence between application identifiers and function types;

[0365] The mapping between application identifiers and RATs;

[0366] The correspondence between application identifiers and KPIs;

[0367] The correspondence between application types and function types;

[0368] The correspondence between application types and RATs;

[0369] The correspondence between application type and KPI.

[0370] In one possible implementation, the first transceiver module 81 is further configured to:

[0371] Send a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0372] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0373] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0374] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ,like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 90 includes:

[0375] The second transceiver module 91 is used to send a function management request message, which is used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of a target function of the communication device.

[0376] In one possible implementation, the function management request message includes:

[0377] Communication equipment indication information, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0378] And / or,

[0379] Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

[0380] In one possible implementation, the communication device indication information includes:

[0381] Communication equipment identifier, used to indicate communication equipment;

[0382] And / or,

[0383] A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

[0384] In one possible implementation, the function indication information includes:

[0385] Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function;

[0386] And / or,

[0387] Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

[0388] In one possible implementation, the second transceiver module 91 is further configured to:

[0389] Receive a function management response message. The function management response message is used to indicate that the communication device has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0390] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0391] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0392] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ,like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 100 includes:

[0393] The third transceiver module 101 is used to receive resource request messages. The resource request messages are used to request a transmission channel between the communication equipment and the service network element that provides the function, and to provide software function resources corresponding to the target function. The software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication equipment.

[0394] The fourth transceiver module 102 is used to send software function resources through the transmission channel.

[0395] In one possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module 102 is further configured to:

[0396] Send auxiliary information to perform the target function.

[0397] In one possible implementation, the fourth transceiver module 102 is further configured to:

[0398] Send a resource response message, which indicates that the service-providing network element has provided software function resources to the communication equipment through the transmission channel.

[0399] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0400] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0401] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 4 ,like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 110 includes:

[0402] Processing module 111 is used to add or update target functions; or to delete target functions.

[0403] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is specifically used for:

[0404] Receive software function resources;

[0405] Receive auxiliary information for performing the target function;

[0406] Based on software functional resources and auxiliary information, add or update the target functions.

[0407] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is further configured to:

[0408] Send an instruction message, which indicates that the communication device has the target function.

[0409] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is specifically used for:

[0410] Receive a delete function request message, which is used to request the deletion of a target function in the communication device;

[0411] Delete the target function based on the delete function request message.

[0412] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is further configured to:

[0413] Send a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

[0414] In one possible implementation, the processing module 111 is further configured to:

[0415] Send communication device capability information.

[0416] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0417] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0418] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 5 ,like Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 120 includes:

[0419] The fifth transceiver module 121 is used to receive channel establishment request messages, which are used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between communication equipment and functional service network elements.

[0420] Module 122 is established to create a transmission channel;

[0421] The sixth transceiver module 123 is used to send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

[0422] The communication device provided in this application embodiment is used to execute the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0423] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can be a chip, chip module, hardware module, processor, etc. Of course, the communication device can be in other forms, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it.

[0424] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 6 .like Figure 13 As shown, the communication device includes: a memory 1301, a processor 1302, and a transceiver 1303.

[0425] Memory 1301 is used to store program instructions.

[0426] The processor 1302 is used to execute the program instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method steps performed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device.

[0427] Transceiver 1303 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transmitter may also be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, transmitting port, or transmitting interface, and the receiver may also be referred to as a receiver, receiving port, or receiving interface, etc. Exemplarily, the memory 1301, processor 1302, and transceiver 1303 are interconnected via bus 1304.

[0428] All or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a readable memory. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments; and the aforementioned memory (storage medium) includes: read-only memory (ROM), RAM, flash memory, hard disk, solid-state drive, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical disk, and any combination thereof.

[0429] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When executed by a processor, these instructions are used to implement the method steps performed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0430] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, can implement the method steps executed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0431] This application also provides a chip with a computer program stored on it. When the computer program is executed by the chip, it implements the method steps executed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0432] This application also provides a chip module, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by the chip module, it implements the method steps executed by the function management network element / function service network element / AF network element / channel management function network element / communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0433] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0434] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0435] Regarding the modules / units included in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or a combination of both. For example, for devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip, all modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs running on a processor integrated within the chip, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. For devices and products applied to or integrated into a chip module, all modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components of the chip module, or at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs running on a processor integrated within the chip module, while the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. The unit can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated into functional management network elements / functional service network elements / AF network elements / channel management functional network elements / communication equipment, each of its modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits. Different modules / units can be located in the same component (e.g., chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the functional management network element / functional service network element / AF network element / channel management functional network element / communication equipment. Alternatively, at least some modules / units can be implemented using software programs, which run on the processor integrated inside the functional management network element / functional service network element / AF network element / channel management functional network element / communication equipment. The remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented using hardware methods such as circuits.

[0436] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0437] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0438] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0439] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0440] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a function management request message, the function management request message being used to request to provide a target function for the communication device, or to request to delete the target function of the communication device; Perform a target operation according to the function management request message, the target operation being used to instruct the provision of the target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of the target function of the communication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The function management request message includes: Communication device indication information, used to indicate the communication device; And / or, Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication device indication information includes: A communication device identifier is used to indicate the communication device; And / or, A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The function indication information includes: Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function; And / or, Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, When the function management request message is used to request that the target function be provided to the communication device, the method further includes: Based on the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication device meets a first condition; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: The communication device does not possess the target function; The communication device has the conditions to perform the target function; The communication device is authorized to perform the target function; The function service network element provides the communication device with the software function resources corresponding to the target function.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of performing the target operation according to the function management request message includes: According to the function management request message, a channel establishment request message is sent, which is used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service network element; Receive a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established; A resource request message is sent, which requests the provision of the software function resources through the transmission channel, and the software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, When the function management request message is used to request the deletion of the target function of the communication device, the method further includes: Based on the capability information of the communication device and the capability requirement information of the target function, it is determined that the communication device possesses the target function.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of performing the target operation according to the function management request message includes: A delete function request message is sent according to the function management request message, and the delete function request message is used to request the deletion of the target function in the communication device; Receive a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, The capability requirement information is determined based on a first correspondence between a function and the capability information required to perform the function, wherein the first correspondence includes at least one of the following: The correspondence between application identifiers and function types; The correspondence between application identifiers and Radio Access Technologies (RATs); The correspondence between application identifiers and key performance indicators (KPIs); The correspondence between application types and function types; The correspondence between application types and RATs; The correspondence between application type and KPI.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device already has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a function management request message, which is used to request that a target function be provided to the communication device, or to request that the target function be deleted from the communication device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The function management request message includes: Communication device indication information, used to indicate the communication device; And / or, Functional indication information, used to indicate the target function.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The communication device indication information includes: A communication device identifier is used to indicate the communication device; And / or, A region identifier is used to indicate a target region, and the communication device is a device located in the target region.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The function indication information includes: Target application identifier, used to indicate the application corresponding to the target function; And / or, Target application type information, used to indicate the application type corresponding to the target function.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: The device receives a function management response message, which indicates that the communication device already has the target function, or that the communication device has deleted the target function.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a resource request message, the resource request message being used to request a transmission channel between a communication device and a function-providing network element, and to provide software function resources corresponding to the target function, the software function resources being used to provide the target function for the communication device; The software function resources are sent through the transmission channel.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send auxiliary information for performing the target function.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Add or update target functionality; or, Delete the target function.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The added or updated target functionality includes: Receive software function resources; Receive auxiliary information for performing the target function; The target function is added or updated based on the software functional resources and the auxiliary information.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Deleting the target function includes: Receive a delete function request message, the delete function request message being used to request the deletion of the target function in the communication device; Delete the target function according to the deletion request message.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a delete function response message, which indicates that the communication device has deleted the target function.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18-21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the capability information of the communication device.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a channel establishment request message, the channel establishment request message being used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between the communication device and the network element providing the functional service; Establish the aforementioned transmission channel; Send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The first transceiver module is used to receive a function management request message, which is used to request to provide a target function for the communication device, or to request to delete the target function of the communication device; The first processing module is configured to perform a target operation based on the function management request message, wherein the target operation is configured to instruct the provision of the target function to the communication device, or to instruct the deletion of the target function of the communication device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The second transceiver module is used to send a function management request message, which is used to request the provision of a target function to the communication device, or to request the deletion of the target function of the communication device.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The third transceiver module is used to receive resource request messages. The resource request messages are used to request a transmission channel between the communication device and the function service network element to provide software function resources corresponding to the target function. The software function resources are used to provide the target function for the communication device. The fourth transceiver module is used to send the software function resources through the transmission channel.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processing module for adding or updating the target function; or for deleting the target function.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The fifth transceiver module is used to receive channel establishment request messages, which are used to request the establishment of a transmission channel between communication devices and functional service network elements; Establishment module, used to establish the transmission channel; The sixth transceiver module is used to send a channel establishment response message, which indicates that the transmission channel has been successfully established.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory and processor; The memory stores computer-executed instructions; The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-23.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-23.

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