Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and device, and the method comprises the steps: transmitting a first message which is used for obtaining the connection state information of terminal equipment, and comprises the identification of the terminal equipment; and receiving a second message, wherein the second message comprises the connection state information of the terminal equipment. According to the embodiment of the invention, the connection between the terminal equipment and the first NF can be realized, so that the first NF can send the downlink signaling to the terminal equipment, and the communication efficiency is improved.

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] The network architecture of 5G uses the access and mobility management function (AMF) as the anchor point of the core network (CN). This means that communication between terminal devices and network functions (NF) (or between terminal devices and NF via radio access network (RAN)) requires AMF relay. Therefore, terminal devices need to maintain the connection status with AMF.

[0003] In a RAN-based distributed network architecture, the AMF (Application Function) is no longer the anchor point of the CN (Network Component). This means that communication between the terminal device and the NF (Network Function) (or between the terminal device and the NF via the RAN) no longer goes through the AMF. Therefore, the terminal device may need to maintain the connection state of each NF through the RAN. In a service-based architecture, the NF can also be called a Network Service. When there is no signaling interaction requirement between the NF and the terminal device, there is no connection between the NF and the RAN, or the connection is released after establishment. If the NF needs to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, and the connection between the NF and the RAN is missing, how to restore the connection between the terminal device and the NF so that the NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can connect a terminal device to an NF (Network Functions), enabling the NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be executed by a first functional node (NF), by a module applied to the first NF (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first NF. The method may include: the first NF sending a first message, the first message being used to obtain connection status information of a terminal device, the first message including an identifier of the terminal device; and receiving a second message, the second message including connection status information of the terminal device.

[0006] In this embodiment, if the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF can obtain the connection status of the terminal device to find the second NF or RAN that is connected to the terminal device. The connection between the terminal device and the first NF is realized through the second NF or RAN that is connected to the terminal device, thereby enabling the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the connection state information includes an idle state and / or a connected state.

[0008] In one possible implementation, where the connection state information includes a connection state, the connection state information includes the identifiers of one or more NFs or RANs, which are connected to the terminal device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: sending a third message, the third message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, the third message including the identifier of the terminal device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the third message includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, for example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the third message includes the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0012] In one possible implementation, sending the third message includes sending a third message to the RAN, requesting the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF. Through this implementation, the first NF can request the RAN connected to the terminal device to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. Through the RAN, which is in an RRC connection state with the terminal device, the RAN establishes a connection between the RAN and the first NF, thereby realizing the connection between the terminal device and the first NF. This allows the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0013] In one possible implementation, sending the third message includes sending a third message to a second NF, the third message requesting the second NF to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, wherein one or more NFs include the second NF. Through this implementation, the first NF can request the second NF, which is connected to the terminal device, to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. The connection between the terminal device and the first NF can be established through the second NF, enabling the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: receiving a first request from a terminal device, the first request being used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and a first NF; and sending a first response to the terminal device, the first response being in response to the first request. Through this implementation, a connection request can be initiated by the terminal device to the first NF to request a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, enabling the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first request is a service request or a registration request.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the terminal device identifier includes one or more of the following: subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), 5G globally unique temporary identifier (5G GUTI), temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), 5G system temporary mobile subscriber identity (5GSTMSI), and generic public subscription identifier (GPSI).

[0017] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include sending downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device.

[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be executed by the RAN (Radio Access Network), by a module applied to the RAN (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN functions. The method may include: sending connection status information to the terminal device when a connection has been established.

[0019] In this embodiment, the RAN can send connection status information with the terminal device. When the RAN and the terminal device have established a connection, the connection status information includes connection state or connection mode. If the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF can obtain the connection status of the terminal device to find the RAN that is connected to the terminal device. The connection between the terminal device and the first NF is realized through the RAN that is connected to the terminal device, thereby enabling the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0020] It should be understood that the implementing entity of the second aspect can be RAN, the specific content of the second aspect corresponds to the content of the first aspect, and the corresponding features of the second aspect and the beneficial effects achieved can be referred to the description of the first aspect. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the connection status information includes the RAN identifier, indicating a connection between the RAN and the terminal device.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: updating the connection status information when the connection status with the terminal device changes, for example, when the status information between the RAN and the terminal device changes from connected state or connected mode to idle state or idle mode, and the connection status information is reported as idle state.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: receiving a third message, the third message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, the third message including the identifier of the terminal device.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: establishing a connection between the RAN and the first NF. Through this embodiment, the RAN connected to the terminal device can establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. Specifically, since the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the RAN can establish a connection with the first NF, enabling the terminal device to establish a connection with the first NF, thereby allowing the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, improving communication efficiency.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the third message includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, for example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

[0026] In one possible implementation, establishing a connection between the RAN and the first NF includes: receiving a third message and sending a fourth message in response to the third message, the fourth message indicating that the RAN has established a connection with the first NF.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the fourth message includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF and a second identifier assigned to the terminal device by the RAN, for example, the second identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the RAN.

[0028] In one possible implementation, establishing a connection between the RAN and the first NF includes: sending a fifth message to the first NF, the fifth message requesting the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the fifth message including an identifier of the terminal device; and receiving a sixth message in response to the fifth message, the sixth message including an identifier of the terminal device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the identifier of the terminal device includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0030] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be executed by a second network node (NF), by a module applied to the second NF (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second NF. The method may include: sending connection status information to the terminal device when a connection has been established.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second NF can send connection status information with the terminal device. When the second NF establishes a connection with the terminal device, the connection status information includes connection state or connection mode. If the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF can obtain the connection status of the terminal device to find the second NF that is connected to the terminal device. The connection between the terminal device and the first NF is realized through the second NF that is connected to the terminal device, thereby enabling the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0032] It should be understood that the implementing entity of the third aspect can be the second NF, the specific content of the third aspect corresponds to the content of the first aspect, and the corresponding features of the third aspect and the beneficial effects achieved can be referred to the description of the first aspect. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the connection state information includes the identifier of the second NF, which has a connection with the terminal device.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: updating the connection status information when the connection status with the terminal device changes, for example, when the status information of the second NF with the terminal device changes from a connected state or connected mode to an idle state or idle mode, and reporting the connection status information as idle state.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: receiving a third message, the third message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, the third message including the identifier of the terminal device.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: notifying or instructing a terminal device to establish a connection with a first NF, the notification or instruction including the identifier or type of the first NF. Through this embodiment, a second NF connected to the terminal device can establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. Specifically, the second NF can notify the terminal device to establish a connection with the first NF, so that the terminal device (e.g., via the RAN) requests the first NF to establish a connection with the first NF, thereby enabling the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, improving communication efficiency.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the identifier of the terminal device includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0038] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be executed by a terminal device, by a module applied to the terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. The method may include: receiving a notification or indication for notifying or instructing the terminal device to establish a connection with a first NF, the notification or indication including the identifier or type of the first NF; and sending a first request for requesting the establishment of a connection with the first NF.

[0039] In this embodiment, a terminal device can initiate a connection request to a first NF to request a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. Specifically, the terminal device can initiate a connection request to the first NF in response to receiving a notification or instruction, so that the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, thereby further improving communication efficiency.

[0040] It should be understood that the implementing entity of the fourth aspect can be a terminal device, the specific content of the fourth aspect corresponds to the content of the first aspect, and the corresponding features of the fourth aspect and the beneficial effects achieved can be referred to the description of the first aspect. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0041] In one possible implementation, sending the first request includes sending the first request to the first NF via the RAN.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: receiving a first response, the first response being in response to the first request.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first request is a service request or a registration request.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include receiving downlink signaling or downlink data from the first NF.

[0045] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be executed by the RAN, by a module applied to the RAN (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN functions. The method may include: receiving a paging message, the paging message being used to page a terminal device, the paging message including an identifier of the terminal device; determining, based on the identifier of the terminal device, that the terminal device is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state; and sending a fifth message to a first NF, the fifth message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, or the fifth message being used to indicate that the terminal device is in an RRC connected state, the fifth message including an identifier of the terminal device.

[0046] In this embodiment of the application, if the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF sends a paging message to the RAN so that the RAN can establish a connection between the RAN and the first NF, thereby realizing the connection between the terminal device and the first NF, so that the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the fifth message includes a second identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device, for example, the second identifier is a unique identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include:

[0049] Receive a sixth message, which includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, for example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

[0050] When the fifth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the sixth message is a response message to the fifth message; or when the fifth message is used to indicate that the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the sixth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: notifying or instructing the terminal device that a connection has been established with the first NF, wherein the notification or instruction message includes the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the identifier of the terminal device includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G GUTI, TMSI, 5GS TMSI, and GPSI.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include: maintaining connection information between the terminal device and the first NF, the connection information including the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0054] In one possible implementation, receiving a paging message includes receiving a paging message from the first NF.

[0055] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method. This method can be executed by a first NF, or by a module applied to the first NF (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the first NF. The first NF can be in an idle state or an inactive state. The method can include: the first NF sending a paging message, the paging message being used to page a terminal device, the paging message including an identifier of the terminal device; receiving a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, or the fifth message being used to indicate that the terminal device is in an RRC connection state, the fifth message including an identifier of the terminal device.

[0056] In this embodiment of the application, if the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF sends a paging message to the RAN so that the RAN can establish a connection between the RAN and the first NF, thereby realizing the connection between the terminal device and the first NF, so that the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0057] It should be understood that the implementing entity of the sixth aspect can be the first NF, the specific content of the sixth aspect corresponds to the content of the fifth aspect, and the corresponding features of the sixth aspect and the beneficial effects achieved can be referred to the description of the fifth aspect. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the fifth message includes a second identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device, for example, the second identifier is a unique identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the communication method may further include:

[0060] Send a sixth message, which includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, for example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF;

[0061] When the fifth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the sixth message is a response message to the fifth message; or when the fifth message is used to indicate that the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the sixth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the identifier of the terminal device includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0063] In one possible implementation, the method may further include: sending downlink data or downlink signaling to the terminal device.

[0064] In one possible implementation, sending a paging message includes sending a paging message to the RAN.

[0065] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device comprising a module / unit for performing any of the methods described in the first aspect and its possible implementations, and the sixth aspect and its possible implementations. The device may be a first functional unit (NF), a module applied to the first NF (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first NF.

[0066] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device comprising a module / unit for performing any of the methods described in the second aspect and its possible implementations, and the fifth aspect and its possible implementations. The device may be a RAN, a module applied to the RAN (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN.

[0067] Ninthly, this application provides a communication device comprising a module / unit for performing any of the methods described in the third aspect and its possible implementations. The device may be a second functional unit (NF), a module applied to the second NF (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second NF.

[0068] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication device comprising a module / unit for performing any of the methods described in the fourth aspect and its possible implementations. The device may be a terminal device, a module (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor) applied to a terminal device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0069] Eleventhly, this application provides a communication device, which can be a first functional unit (NF), a chip, chip system, or processor supporting the first NF in implementing the above-described methods, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first NF. The communication device can also be a chip system. The communication device can execute the methods described in the first or sixth aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described functions. These units can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects can be found in the methods described in the first or sixth aspect and their beneficial effects; repetitions will not be repeated.

[0070] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a communication device, which can be a RAN (Radio Range Array), a chip, chip system, or processor supporting the RAN in implementing the above-described methods, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the RAN. The communication device can also be a chip system. The communication device can execute the methods described in the second or fifth aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described functions. These units can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects can be found in the methods described in the second or fifth aspect and their beneficial effects described above; repetitions will not be repeated.

[0071] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a communication device. This device can be a second NF (Network Function), a chip, chip system, or processor supporting the second NF in implementing the above-described methods, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the second NF. The communication device can also be a chip system. This communication device can execute the methods described in the third aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described functions. These units can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects are described in the third aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0072] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a communication device, which can be a terminal device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above-described methods, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device. The communication device can also be a chip system. The communication device can execute the methods described in the fourth aspect. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described functions. These units can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the communication device and its beneficial effects are described in the methods and beneficial effects described in the fourth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the method executed by a first NF as described in the first or sixth aspect to be implemented; or cause the method executed by a RAN as described in the second or fifth aspect to be implemented; or cause the method executed by a second NF as described in the third aspect to be implemented; or cause the method executed by a terminal device as described in the fourth aspect to be implemented.

[0074] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when executed, causes the method executed by the first NF in the method described in the first or sixth aspect to be implemented; or causes the method executed by the RAN in the method described in the second or fifth aspect to be implemented; or causes the method executed by the second NF in the method described in the third aspect to be implemented; or causes the method executed by the terminal device in the method described in the fourth aspect to be implemented.

[0075] In a seventeenth aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising a communication device (e.g., a first NF) for performing the methods described in the first or sixth aspect, a communication device (e.g., a RAN) for performing the methods described in the second or fifth aspect, a communication device (e.g., a second NF) for performing the methods described in the third aspect, and a communication device (e.g., a terminal device) for performing the methods described in the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a distributed network architecture based on RAN service provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figures 5-8 A schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0080] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided for embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0083] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0084] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0085] In this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, "access network device sending information" can be understood as the access network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the access network device sending information to logical module 2 in the access network device.

[0086] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "access network device receiving information" can be understood as the access network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the access network device receiving information from logical module 2 in the access network device.

[0087] In this application, "sending information to... (e.g., a terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. This can include sending information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., a terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and can include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0088] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture involved in the embodiments of this application will be described first below:

[0089] The embodiments 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 Telecommunications System (UMTS), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to other communication systems, such as public land mobile network (PLMN) systems, LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), 5G (5th generation), NR systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) systems, or other future evolution communication systems, satellite communication, and short-range wireless communication systems, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit them. The wireless communication systems mentioned in this application embodiment include, but are not limited to: the three major application scenarios of 5G / 6G mobile communication systems: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), long-range (LoRa) systems, or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems.The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to other communication systems, as long as there are entities in the communication system that can send control information and send (and / or receive) transport blocks, and other entities in the communication system that can receive control information and receive (and / or send) transport blocks. The wireless communication system may include one or more access network devices and one or more terminal devices.

[0090] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1000 includes a radio access network (RAN), a core network (CN) 200, and an Internet 300. RAN 100 includes at least one access network device (such as...). Figure 1 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to access network device 110 wirelessly. Access network device 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network device in core network 200 and access network device 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0091] It should be noted that RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or evolutionary systems beyond 5G (e.g., 6G mobile communication systems). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), etc. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems. It should be stated that... Figure 1 The number of access network devices and terminal devices shown is merely illustrative and should not be considered a specific limitation of this application. The terminal devices and network devices involved in the system architecture will be described in detail below.

[0092] Terminal devices can include various handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem that have wireless communication capabilities. Terminal devices can also be referred to as terminals. Terminal equipment can also refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user agent, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), machine-type communication (MTC) terminal, communication equipment carried on high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, device-to-device (D2D) terminal, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) terminal, virtual reality (VR) terminal equipment, augmented reality (AR) terminal equipment, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, and smart grid. This application does not limit the scope of wireless terminals, such as those in grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, or future communication networks.

[0093] Access network devices are nodes in the RAN (Radio Access Network), also known as network devices or RAN nodes (or devices). Access network devices assist terminals in achieving wireless access. Multiple access network devices 110 in the communication system 1000 can be nodes of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of access network devices 110 and terminals 120 are relative, for example... Figure 1Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 via network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. Access network equipment 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0094] In one possible scenario, access network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, or access network equipment in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system. This means it can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. Access network equipment can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 Access network equipment can be 110b), relay nodes or donor nodes, or wireless controllers in CRAN scenarios. It can also function as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, drone communication, or machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Optionally, access network equipment can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the access network equipment can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0095] All or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The access network device in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0096] In another possible scenario, multiple access network devices collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with each device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, access network devices can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that access network devices can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or devices comprising both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as access network devices within the RAN (RAN) or the CN (CN), without limitation.

[0097] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0098] In this embodiment, the form of the access network device is not limited. The device used to implement the function of the access network device can be the access network device itself; or it can be a device that supports the access network device in implementing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device.

[0099] The RAN is a network composed of multiple 5G-RAN nodes, which implements radio physical layer functions, resource scheduling and radio resource management, radio access control, and mobility management functions. The 5G-RAN is connected to the UPF through the user plane interface N3 for transmitting data from terminal equipment; the 5G-RAN establishes a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through the control plane interface N2 for implementing functions such as radio access bearer control.

[0100] The core network 200 may include network function entities such as access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), unified data management function (UDM), unified data repository (UDR), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), and data network (DN). Terminal devices can access the wireless network to obtain services from the external network (e.g., the data network (DN)) or communicate with other devices, such as other terminal devices, through the wireless network.

[0101] The AMF network element is mainly responsible for terminal device authentication, terminal device mobility management, network slice selection, and session management function (SMF) selection. The AMF network element serves as the anchor point for N1 and N2 signaling connections and provides routing for N1 / N2 SM messages to the SMF network element. The AMF network element maintains and manages the status information of the terminal devices.

[0102] The SMF network element is primarily responsible for all control plane functions of terminal device session management, including UPF selection, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, session quality of service (QoS) management, and obtaining policies and charging control (PCC) policies from the policy control function (PCF).

[0103] UPF network elements serve as the anchor point for protocol data unit (PDU) session connections, and are responsible for filtering data packets from user equipment, transmitting / forwarding data, controlling rates, and generating billing information.

[0104] UDM network elements primarily manage user data, such as subscription information management. This includes obtaining subscription information from unified data repository (UDR) network elements and providing it to other network elements (such as AMF network elements); generating 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) authentication credentials for terminal devices; and registering and maintaining the network elements currently serving the terminal devices (for example, the AMF represented by AMF ID1 is the current serving AMF of the terminal device).

[0105] UDR network elements are mainly used to store user data, including subscription data called by UDM network elements, policy information called by PCF network elements, structured data for capability openness, and application data called by network element function (NEF) network elements.

[0106] NEF (Network Capability Open) network elements are used to connect other internal network elements of the core network with external application servers of the core network, so as to provide network capability information to external application servers, or to provide information from external application servers to core network elements.

[0107] AF network elements interact with core network elements to provide services. For example, they interact with PCF network elements to control service policies, interact with NEF network elements to obtain network capability information or provide application information to the network, and provide data network access point information to PCF network elements to generate routing information for corresponding data services.

[0108] The PCF network element is mainly responsible for policy control functions such as billing at the session and service flow levels, QoS bandwidth guarantee and mobility management, and terminal device policy decision-making. In this architecture, the PCFs connected to the AMF and SMF correspond to AM PCF (PCF for Access and Mobility Control) and SM PCF (PCF for Session Management) respectively, and may not be the same PCF entity in actual deployment scenarios.

[0109] The functions of each interface are described below:

[0110] 1. N7: The interface between PCF and SMF, used to issue PDU session granularity and business data flow granularity control policies.

[0111] 2. N15: The interface between PCF and AMF, used to issue terminal device policies and access control related policies.

[0112] 3. N5: The interface between AF and PCF, used for issuing application service requests and reporting network events.

[0113] 4. N4: The interface between SMF and UPF, used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the distribution of forwarding rules, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. from the control plane to the user plane, as well as the reporting of information from the user plane.

[0114] 5. N11: The interface between SMF and AMF, used to transmit PDU session tunnel information between RAN and UPF, transmit control messages sent to terminal devices, and transmit radio resource control information sent to RAN, etc.

[0115] 6. N2: The interface between AMF and RAN, used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the RAN.

[0116] 7. N1: The interface between AMF and terminal devices. It is not related to access and is used to transmit QoS control rules to terminal devices.

[0117] 8. N8: The interface between AMF and UDM, used by AMF to obtain access and mobility management related subscription data and authentication data from UDM, as well as AMF to register terminal device current mobility management related information with UDM.

[0118] 9. N10: The interface between SMF and UDM, used by SMF to obtain session management-related subscription data from UDM, and by SMF to register terminal device current session-related information with UDM.

[0119] 10. N35: The interface between UDM and UDR, used by UDM to obtain user subscription data information from UDR.

[0120] 11. N36: The interface between PCF and UDR, used by PCF to obtain policy-related contract data and application data related information from UDR.

[0121] 12. N52: The interface between UDM and NEF, used by NEF to open network capabilities to third-party application functions, such as third-party application functions subscribing to reachability events of all users in a specific group through NEF to UDM.

[0122] In addition, NEF has direct interfaces with AMF and SMF, corresponding to the N29 interface and N51 interface respectively (not shown in the diagram above for simplification). These interfaces are used to open up operator network capabilities to third-party application function entities. The former can be used by NEF to directly subscribe to corresponding network events and update user configuration information from AMF, while the latter can be used to update application configuration data on SMF / UPF, such as the PFD (Packet Flow Description) information corresponding to the Application ID.

[0123] It is understood that when the solutions of this application are applied to 6G or future communication systems, the names of the corresponding network function entities may change, and this application does not limit this.

[0124] As mentioned above Figure 2 A typical network architecture, for example, might involve a user registration process where the terminal device sends a registration request to the AMF via the RAN. The AMF retrieves subscription data from a specific UDM based on the user identifier. Upon receiving the request, the UDM retrieves the actual subscription data from the UDR. Additionally, the AMF can initiate a User Policy Control Establishment Request (UEPolicyControl_Create) and an Access Management Policy Control Establishment Request (AMPolicyControl_Create) to the PCF to obtain UE policies and access control policies, respectively. During this process, the PCF returns the access control policy to the AMF, which then provides the terminal device's policy to the terminal device. Another example is a typical session establishment process where the terminal device sends a session establishment request to the AMF via the RAN. The AMF selects an SMF to provide services for the session, maintains the mapping between SMF and PDU sessions, and sends the session establishment request to the SMF. The SMF selects the appropriate UPF for the UE, establishes a user plane transmission path, and assigns an IP address. During this process, the SMF will also initiate a policy control session establishment request to the PCF to establish a policy control session between the SMF and the PCF. During the policy control session establishment process, the SMF will save the mapping relationship between the policy control session and the PDU session. In addition, the AF can also establish an AF session with the PCF, and the PCF will bind the AF session to the policy control session.

[0125] It can be seen that, Figure 2 The network architecture uses AMF as the anchor point of CN, meaning that communication between terminal devices and NF (or between terminal devices and NF via RAN) requires AMF relay. Therefore, terminal devices need to maintain the connection status with AMF.

[0126] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a distributed network architecture based on RAN service-oriented architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the AMF is no longer the anchor point of the CN. Communication between the terminal device (such as UE) and the NF (such as UPF, SMF, AMF, PCF, UDM) no longer goes through the AMF. Therefore, the terminal device may need to maintain the connection status of each NF through the RAN.

[0127] However, as Figure 4 As shown, when there is no need for signaling or data interaction between the NF and the terminal device, the connection between the NF and the RAN is not established or is released after establishment (e.g.) Figure 4 (In the diagram, "X" indicates no connection). If the terminal device and the RAN are in an RRC connection state, and the NF needs to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, how to restore or establish this connection when the connection between the NF and the RAN is missing, so that the NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0128] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Wherein, Figure 5 The method embodiments shown can be applied to the above. Figure 3 The network structure is shown. The communication methods specifically include:

[0129] S501: The first device sends connection status information with the terminal device to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the connection status information with the terminal device from the first device.

[0130] The first device can send connection status information with the terminal device to the first network element. For example, if the first device and the terminal device are in a disconnected state (or can be called an idle state), the connection status information may include the identifier of the first device, the identifier of the terminal device, and information that the first device and the terminal device are in a disconnected state. If the first device and the terminal device are in a connected state, the connection status information may include the identifier of the first device, the identifier of the terminal device, and information that the first device and the terminal device are in a connected state.

[0131] Optionally, the first device may send connection status information with the terminal device after establishing a connection. The connection status information may include the identifier of the first device, the identifier of the terminal device, and information about the connection state between the first device and the terminal device (e.g., connection state or connection mode). Alternatively, the connection status information may include both the identifier of the first device and the identifier of the terminal device. In other words, the act of the first device sending connection status information to the first network element when a connection is established with the terminal device is sufficient to indicate that the first device and the terminal device are in a connected state. Therefore, it is unnecessary to include information about the connection state between the first device and the terminal device in the connection status information, thus saving signaling overhead.

[0132] Optionally, if the connection status between the first device and the terminal device changes, the first device can update the connection status information to the first network element. For example, if the first device and the terminal device are in a disconnected state, the connection status information may include the identifier of the first device, the identifier of the terminal device, and information indicating that the first device and the terminal device are in a disconnected state. If the first device and the terminal device establish a connection, the first device can update the connection status information to the first network element; that is, the connection status information sent by the first device to the first network element at this time may include the identifier of the first device, the identifier of the terminal device, and information indicating that the first device and the terminal device are in a connected state. The first network element receives the updated connection status information from the first device and can update the locally stored connection status information between the first device and the terminal device.

[0133] The first device can be either a RAN or a second NF. It is understood that the first device can also be other devices or network elements, as described below. Figure 6 The following is an illustrative example using RAN as the first device. Figure 7 Taking the first device as the second NF as an example for illustration, the first network element can be AMF, UDM or UDR, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0134] The terminal device identifier includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0135] S502: The first NF sends the first message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the first NF.

[0136] When the first NF has signaling or data transmission with the terminal device, for example, when the first NF needs to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, but the first NF determines that it is not connected to the terminal device (the first NF can determine whether it is connected to the terminal device based on the terminal device's GUTI), the first NF can send a first message to the first network element to obtain the connection status information of the terminal device. The first message may include the identifier of the terminal device.

[0137] Obtaining the connection status information of a terminal device can be understood as obtaining / querying whether the terminal device is connected to a first device, or obtaining / querying the first device that is connected to the terminal device. The first device may include one or more devices, and the connection status information may include idle state and / or connected state. That is, the first network element (NF) can obtain from the first network element all first devices that are in idle or connected states with the terminal device, or the first NF can obtain from the first network element one or more first devices that are in connected state with the terminal device.

[0138] The first NF can be an SMF or other network element; this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0139] S503: The first network element sends a second message to the first NF. Correspondingly, the first NF receives the second message from the first network element.

[0140] After receiving a first message from a first NF, a first network element can send a second message to the first NF. This second message may include connection status information of the terminal device. One possible implementation is that the connection status information of the terminal device may include an idle state and / or a connected state; that is, the connection status information may include the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of a first device that is in an idle state and / or a connected state with the terminal device. Another possible implementation is that the connection status of the terminal device may include a connected state; that is, the connection status information may include the identifier of the terminal device and the identifiers of one or more first devices that are connected to the terminal device.

[0141] S504: The first NF sends a third message to the first device, the third message including the identifier of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the third message from the first NF.

[0142] The third message can be used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. The third message includes the identifier of the terminal device. For example, the third information may include at least one of the first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF and the identifier or type of the first NF. The first identifier can be a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, such as the first NF UENGAP ID, RAN UE NGAP ID, GUTI, or 5G-S-TMSI. Optionally, if a service-based interface is used, the identifier of the terminal device can be GUTI, 5G-S-TMSI, RAN UE ID, or the first NF UE ID. It is understood that the first device in step S504 is a device connected to the terminal device. Therefore, it is possible to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF.

[0143] S505: The first device establishes a connection between the terminal device and the first NF.

[0144] After receiving the third message from the first NF, the first device can establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. Specifically, this can be implemented in the following ways:

[0145] In one possible implementation, the first device and the terminal device are in an RRC connection state. After receiving the third message, the first device can establish a connection between itself and the first NF. For example, upon receiving the third message, it sends a fourth message in response to the third message to the first NF. The fourth message indicates that the RAN has established a connection with the first NF. Alternatively, upon receiving the third message, it sends a fifth message to the first NF. The fifth message requests the establishment of a connection between the first device and the first NF and includes the identifier of the terminal device. A sixth message in response to the fifth message is then received. The sixth message also includes the identifier of the terminal device. In other words, the fifth and sixth messages can establish a connection between the first device and the first NF.

[0146] In a second possible implementation, after receiving the third message, the first device can send a notification or instruction to the terminal device. This notification or instruction notifies or instructs the terminal device to establish a connection with the first NF, and includes the identifier or type of the first NF. After receiving the notification or instruction, the terminal device sends a first request to the first NF. This first request requests the establishment of a connection with the first NF; for example, the first request can be a service request or a registration request. Optionally, the terminal device can send the first request to the first NF via RAN transparent transmission. If the terminal device receives a response from the first NF to the first request (a first response to the first request), it indicates that the connection between the terminal device and the first NF has been successfully established. For example, the first response can be a service response or a registration response.

[0147] With the above implementation, the terminal device is in a connected state with the first NF and can execute S506.

[0148] S506: The first NF sends downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives downlink signaling or downlink data from the first NF.

[0149] The terminal device has established a connection with the first NF, therefore, the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device.

[0150] based on Figure 5 In the method embodiment shown, if the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF can obtain the connection status of the terminal device to find the first device that is connected to the terminal device. The connection between the terminal device and the first NF is realized through the first device that is connected to the terminal device, thereby enabling the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0151] In the above Figure 5 Based on this, further combine the following Figures 6-7 This application describes the solutions of its embodiments. For Figure 5 The method embodiments shown below, along with their specific implementations and beneficial effects, can be found in the following text. Figures 6-7 The description, that is, Figures 6-7 The example shown is Figure 5 The specific implementation of the illustrated embodiment is omitted to avoid redundancy. Figure 5 The specific details are elaborated in the examples. Among them, Figure 6 In the method embodiment, the first device may be the RAN, and the terminal device is in an RRC connection state with the RAN, which corresponds to the first possible implementation of the first device establishing a connection between the terminal device and the first NF in step S505 above; Figure 7 In the method embodiment, the first device can be the second NF, and the terminal device and the second NF are in a connected state (for example, the terminal device and the RAN are in an RRC connected state, and the RAN and the second NF are in an N2 connected state). This corresponds to the second possible implementation of the first device establishing a connection between the terminal device and the first NF in step S505 above.

[0152] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Specifically, it includes:

[0153] S601: The RAN sends connection status information with the terminal device to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the connection status information with the terminal device from the RAN.

[0154] For details of the S601 process, please refer to the content of S501 above. The only difference is that the first device and the RAN need to be replaced.

[0155] S602: The first NF sends the first message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the first NF.

[0156] When the first NF has signaling or data transmission with the terminal device, for example, when the first NF needs to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, but the first NF determines that it is not connected to the terminal device (the first NF can determine whether it is connected to the terminal device based on the terminal device's GUTI), the first NF can send a first message to the first network element to obtain the connection status of the terminal device. This first message may include the identifier of the terminal device. The identifier of the terminal device can be referred to in the description in S501.

[0157] Obtaining the connection status of a terminal device can be understood as obtaining / querying whether the terminal device is connected to the RAN, or obtaining / querying the RAN that is connected to the terminal device. The connection status information can include idle state and / or connected state. That is, the first NF can obtain from the first network element all RANs that are in idle or connected state with the terminal device, or the first NF can obtain from the first network element one or more RANs that are connected to the terminal device.

[0158] S603: The first network element sends a second message to the first NF. Correspondingly, the first NF receives the second message from the first network element.

[0159] After receiving a first message from a first NF, a first network element can send a second message to the first NF. This second message may include connection status information of the terminal device. One possible implementation is that the connection status information of the terminal device may include an idle state and / or a connected state; that is, the connection status information may include the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the RAN that is in an idle state and / or a connected state with the terminal device. Another possible implementation is that the connection status of the terminal device may include a connected state; that is, the connection status information may include the identifier of the terminal device and the identifiers of one or more RANs that are connected to the terminal device.

[0160] S604: The first NF sends a third message to the RAN, which includes the identifier of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the third message from the first NF.

[0161] The third message can request the RAN to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. The third message includes the identifier of the terminal device. It is understood that the RAN in step S604 is a RAN that is in an RRC connection state with the terminal device, that is, it can be any of the RANs connected to the terminal device in S603. Therefore, the RAN can establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF.

[0162] The RAN establishes a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, as shown in S605a or S605b-S605c.

[0163] S605a: The RAN sends a fourth message to the first NF, indicating that the RAN has established a connection with the first NF.

[0164] After receiving a third message from the first NF requesting the RAN to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, the RAN can send a fourth message in response to the third message to the first NF, indicating that the RAN has established a connection with the first NF. Since the terminal device and the RAN are in RRC connected state, the RAN has established a connection with the first NF, which means that the terminal device has established a connection with the first NF. The implementations of S604 and S605a can be understood as the first NF initiating the connection establishment between the RAN and the first NF.

[0165] The above S605a can also be replaced by the following S605b-S605c:

[0166] S605b: The RAN sends a fifth message to the first NF, requesting the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0167] After receiving the third message from the first NF requesting the RAN to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, the RAN can initiate a connection between the RAN and the first NF. That is, the RAN sends a fifth message to the first NF requesting the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0168] S605c: The first NF sends a sixth message to the RAN in response to the fifth message.

[0169] After receiving the fifth message, the first NF can send a sixth message in response to the fifth message to the RAN. In other words, the fifth and sixth messages establish a connection between the RAN and the first NF. Since the terminal device and the RAN are in RRC connection state, the RAN has established a connection with the first NF, meaning the terminal device has established a connection with the first NF. The implementations of S604, S605b-S605c can be understood as the first NF notifying the RAN to establish a connection between the RAN and the first NF, with the RAN initiating the connection establishment process.

[0170] With the above implementation of S604, S605a or S604, S605b-S605c, the terminal device is in a connected state with the first NF and can execute S606.

[0171] S606: The first NF sends downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives downlink signaling or downlink data from the first NF.

[0172] The terminal device has established a connection with the first NF, therefore, the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device.

[0173] based on Figure 6In the illustrated method embodiment, the RAN can send connection status information with the terminal device. When the RAN and the terminal device have established a connection, the connection status information includes connection state or connection mode. If the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF can obtain the connection status of the terminal device to find the RAN that is connected to the terminal device. Through the RAN that is in the RRC connection state with the terminal device, the RAN establishes a connection between the RAN and the first NF, thereby realizing the connection between the terminal device and the first NF. This allows the first NF to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0174] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Specifically, it includes:

[0175] S701: The second NF sends connection status information with the terminal device to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the connection status information with the terminal device from the second NF.

[0176] The process of S701 can be referred to the content of S501 above, only requiring the first device and the second NF to be replaced with each other.

[0177] S702: The first NF sends the first message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the first NF.

[0178] When the first NF has signaling or data transmission with the terminal device, for example, when the first NF needs to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, but the first NF determines that it is not connected to the terminal device (the first NF can determine whether it is connected to the terminal device based on the terminal device's GUTI), the first NF can send a first message to the first network element to obtain the connection status of the terminal device. This first message may include the identifier of the terminal device. The identifier of the terminal device can be referred to in the description in S501.

[0179] Obtaining the connection status of a terminal device can be understood as obtaining / querying whether the terminal device is connected to a second NF, or obtaining / querying a second NF that is connected to the terminal device. The connection status information can include idle state and / or connected state. That is, the first NF can obtain from the first network element all second NFs that are in idle or connected states with the terminal device, or the first NF can obtain from the first network element one or more second NFs that are connected to the terminal device.

[0180] S703: The first network element sends a second message to the first NF. Correspondingly, the first NF receives the second message from the first network element.

[0181] After receiving a first message from a first NF, the first network element can send a second message to the first NF. This second message may include connection status information of the terminal device. One possible implementation is that the connection status information of the terminal device may include an idle state and / or a connected state; that is, the connection status information may include the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of a second NF that is in an idle state and / or a connected state with the terminal device. Another possible implementation is that the connection status of the terminal device may include a connected state; that is, the connection status information may include the identifier of the terminal device and the identifiers of one or more second NFs that are connected to the terminal device.

[0182] S704: The first NF sends a third message to the second NF, the third message including the identifier of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the second NF receives the third message from the first NF.

[0183] The first message can request the second NF to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. The first message includes the identifier of the terminal device. It can be understood that the second NF in step S704 is a second NF that has a connection with the terminal device, that is, it can be any one of the one or more second NFs connected to the terminal device in S703. Therefore, the second NF can establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF.

[0184] S705: The second NF sends a notification or instruction to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the notification or instruction from the second NF.

[0185] The notification or instruction is used to notify or instruct the terminal device to establish a connection with the first NF, and the notification or instruction may include the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0186] S706: The terminal device sends a first request to the first NF. Correspondingly, the first NF receives the first request from the terminal device.

[0187] The first request is used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. For example, the first request can be a service request or a registration request.

[0188] S707: The first NF sends a first response to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first response from the first NF.

[0189] The first response is used to respond to the first request mentioned above. For example, the first response can be a service response or a registration response. That is, the first request and first response between the terminal device and the first NF can establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. Optionally, the sending and receiving of the first request and first response between the terminal device and the first NF can be implemented through RAN transparent transmission.

[0190] With the above implementation of S704-S707, the terminal device is in a connected state with the first NF and can execute S708.

[0191] S708: The first NF sends downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives downlink signaling or downlink data from the first NF.

[0192] The terminal device has established a connection with the first NF, therefore, the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device.

[0193] based on Figure 7 In the illustrated method embodiment, the second NF can send connection status information with the terminal device. When the second NF establishes a connection with the terminal device, the connection status information includes connection state or connection mode. If the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, the first NF can obtain the connection status of the terminal device to find the second NF that is connected to the terminal device. Through the second NF that is connected to the terminal device, the connection between the terminal device and the first NF can be realized, so that the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0194] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The terminal device and the RAN are in an RRC connection state. The method specifically includes:

[0195] S801: The first NF sends a paging message to the RAN, which includes the identifier of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the paging message from the first NF.

[0196] When the first NF has signaling or data transmission with the terminal device, for example, if the first NF needs to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, but the first NF determines that it has no connection with the terminal device (the first NF can determine whether it has a connection with the terminal device based on the terminal device's GUTI), then the first NF can send a paging message to the RAN. This paging message is used to page the terminal device. For example, the first NF can send an N2 paging message to the RAN. The identifier of the terminal device included in the paging message can be, for example, 5G-S-TMSI.

[0197] Optionally, before sending a paging message to the RAN, the first NF can first obtain the paging area (i.e., the registration area) from the AMF and then send the paging message to the RAN based on the paging area.

[0198] The identification of the terminal device can be found in the description in S501.

[0199] S802: The RAN determines that the terminal device is in RRC connected state based on the terminal device's identifier and sends the fifth message to the first NF. Correspondingly, the first NF receives the fifth message from the RAN.

[0200] The fifth message may include the identifier of the terminal device. For example, the fifth message may include a second identifier assigned to the terminal device by the RAN, such as a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the RAN, like the RAN UENGAP ID, GUTI, or 5G-S-TMSI. Optionally, if a service-based interface is used, the identifier of the terminal device may be GUTI, 5G-S-TMSI, or RAN UE ID.

[0201] The fifth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, or to indicate that the terminal device is in RRC connected state.

[0202] S803: The first NF sends the sixth message to the RAN. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the sixth message from the first NF.

[0203] The sixth message may include the identifier of the terminal device. For example, the sixth message may include a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, such as a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, like the first NF UE NGAP ID, RAN UE NGAP ID, GUTI, or 5G-S-TMSI. Optionally, if a service-based interface is used, the identifier of the terminal device may be GUTI, 5G-S-TMSI, RAN UE ID, or the first NF UE ID.

[0204] When the fifth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the sixth message is a response message to the fifth message; or when the fifth message is used to indicate that the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the sixth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0205] S804: The RAN sends a notification or instruction to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the notification or instruction from the RAN.

[0206] A notification or indication is used to notify the terminal device that a connection has been established with the first NF. The notification or indication includes the identifier (such as the first NF ID) or type (such as the first NF type) of the first NF.

[0207] Optionally, S805: The RAN maintains the connection information between the terminal device and the first NF. This connection information includes the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier or type of the first NF. Furthermore, if the connection status between the terminal device and the first NF changes, the RAN can update the connection information between the terminal device and the first NF.

[0208] With the above implementation of S802-S804, the terminal device is in a connected state with the first NF and can execute S806.

[0209] S806: The first NF sends downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives downlink signaling or downlink data from the first NF.

[0210] The terminal device has established a connection with the first NF, therefore, the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device.

[0211] based on Figure 8 In the method embodiment shown, if the first NF needs to send signaling or data to the terminal device, but the connection between the first NF and the terminal device does not exist, since the terminal device and the RAN are in RRC connection state, the first NF sends a paging message to the RAN so that the RAN establishes a connection only between the RAN and the first NF, thereby realizing the connection between the terminal device and the first NF, so that the first NF can send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device, further improving communication efficiency.

[0212] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0213] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. The communication device can be the first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device. The communication device includes modules or units corresponding one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions performed by the first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device in the above method embodiments. These units can be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0214] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 may include a transceiver unit 901 and a processing unit 902. The communication device 900 is used to implement the above-described... Figures 5-7 The function of the first NF in the method embodiment shown.

[0215] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figures 5-7 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first NF is as follows:

[0216] The transceiver unit 901 is used to send a first message, which is used to obtain connection status information of the terminal device. The first message includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0217] The transceiver unit 901 is also used to receive a second message, which includes connection status information of the terminal device.

[0218] One possible implementation is that the connection state information includes an idle state and / or a connected state.

[0219] One possible implementation is that, in the case where the connection state information includes a connection state, the connection state information includes the identifiers of one or more NFs or RANs, and the one or more NFs or RANs are connected to the terminal device.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to send a third message, which is used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. The first message includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0221] One possible implementation is that the third message includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, for example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

[0222] One possible implementation is that the third message includes the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0223] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 901 sends a third message, specifically for sending a third message to the RAN, which requests the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 sends a third message, specifically for sending a third message to a second NF, the third message requesting the second NF to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, wherein one or more NFs include the second NF.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is further configured to receive a first request from a terminal device, the first request being for requesting the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF; and to send a first response to the terminal device, the first response being in response to the first request.

[0226] One possible implementation is that the terminal device identifier includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to send downlink signaling or downlink data to the terminal device.

[0228] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figures 5-7 The RAN function in the method embodiment shown is as follows:

[0229] The transceiver unit 901 is used to send connection status information with the terminal device when a connection has been established with the terminal device.

[0230] One possible implementation is that the connection status information includes the RAN identifier, indicating a connection between the RAN and the terminal device.

[0231] One possible implementation is that the processing unit 902 is used to update the connection status information when the connection status with the terminal device changes. For example, when the status information between the RAN and the terminal device changes from connected state or connected mode to idle state or idle mode, the connection status information is reported as idle state.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to receive a third message, which is used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. The third message includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to establish a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0234] One possible implementation is that the third message includes the first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

[0235] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 901 establishes a connection between the RAN and the first NF, specifically for: receiving a first message and sending a second message in response to the first message, the second message being used to indicate that the RA has established a connection with the first NF.

[0236] One possible implementation is that the fourth message includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF and a second identifier assigned to the terminal device by the RAN. For example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, and the second identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the RAN.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 establishes a connection between the RAN and the first NF, specifically by: sending a fifth message to the first NF, the fifth message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the fifth message including the identifier of the terminal device; and receiving a sixth message in response to the fifth message, the sixth message including the identifier of the terminal device.

[0238] One possible implementation is that the terminal device identifier includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0239] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figures 5-7 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the second NF is as follows:

[0240] The transceiver unit 901 is used to send connection status information with the terminal device when a connection is established with the terminal device. The connection status information includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0241] One possible implementation is that the connection state information includes the identifier of the second NF, and the second NF has a connection with the terminal device.

[0242] One possible implementation is that the processing unit 902 is used to update the connection status information when the connection status with the terminal device changes. For example, if the status information of the second NF with the terminal device changes from a connected state or connected mode to an idle state or idle mode, the connection status information is reported as idle.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to receive a third message, which is used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF. The third message includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to notify or instruct the terminal device to establish a connection with the first NF, the notification or instruction including the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0245] One possible implementation is that the terminal device identifier includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0246] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figures 5-7 The terminal device functions as shown in the method embodiment:

[0247] The transceiver unit 901 is used to receive a notification or instruction, which is used to notify the terminal device to establish a connection with the first NF, and the notification or instruction includes the identifier or type of the first NF;

[0248] The transceiver unit 901 is also used to send a first request, which is used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF.

[0249] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 901 sends a first request, specifically for sending the first request to the first NF via the RAN.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is further configured to receive a first response, which is in response to the first request.

[0251] One possible implementation is that the first request is a service request or a registration request.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to receive downlink signaling or downlink data from the first NF.

[0253] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figure 8 The RAN function in the method embodiment shown is as follows:

[0254] The transceiver unit 901 is used to receive paging messages, which are used to paging terminal equipment and include the identifier of the terminal equipment.

[0255] Processing unit 902 is used to determine that the terminal device is in RRC connection state based on the identifier of the terminal device;

[0256] The transceiver unit 901 is also used to send a fifth message to the first NF. The fifth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, or to indicate that the terminal device is in the RRC connection state. The fifth message includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0257] One possible implementation is that the fifth message includes a second identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device, for example, the second identifier is a unique identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device.

[0258] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to receive a sixth message, which includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, for example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

[0259] When the fifth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the sixth message is a response message to the fifth message; or when the fifth message is used to indicate that the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the sixth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to notify or indicate that the terminal device has established a connection with the first NF, and the notification or indication includes the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0261] One possible implementation is that the terminal device identifier includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G GUTI, TMSI, 5GS TMSI, and GPSI.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is further configured to maintain connection information between the terminal device and the first NF, the connection information including the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier or type of the first NF.

[0263] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 901 receives the paging message, specifically for: receiving the paging message from the first NF.

[0264] When the communication device 900 is used to achieve Figure 8 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first NF is as follows:

[0265] The transceiver unit 901 is used to send paging messages, which are used to page terminal equipment and include the identifier of the terminal equipment.

[0266] The transceiver unit 901 is also used to receive a fifth message, which is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, or to indicate that the terminal device is in the RRC connection state. The fifth message includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0267] One possible implementation is that the fifth message includes a second identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device, for example, the second identifier is a unique identifier assigned by the RAN to the terminal device.

[0268] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to send a sixth message, which includes a first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF, for example, the first identifier is a unique identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

[0269] When the fifth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the sixth message is a response message to the fifth message; or when the fifth message is used to indicate that the terminal device is in RRC connected state, the sixth message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

[0270] One possible implementation is that the terminal device identifier includes one or more of the following information: SUCI, SUPI, 5G-GUTI, TMSI, 5G-S-TMSI, GPSI.

[0271] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 901 is also used to send downlink data or downlink signaling to the terminal device.

[0272] One possible implementation is that the transceiver unit 901 sends a paging message, specifically for sending a paging message to the RAN.

[0273] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned transceiver unit 901 and processing unit 902, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 5-8 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0274] like Figure 10 The provided communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the aforementioned first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device. This device can be a communication device or a device used within a communication device. The communication device can be a first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device. The device used within the communication device can be a chip system or a chip within the communication device. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete components.

[0275] The communication device 1000 includes at least one processor 1010 for implementing the processing functions of the device (e.g., a first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device) in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication device 1000 may also include a communication interface 1020 for implementing the transmit and receive operations of the device (e.g., a first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device) in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application. In the embodiments of this application, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 1020 enables the device in the communication device 1000 to communicate with other devices. The processor 1010 uses the communication interface 1020 to transmit and receive data and is used to implement the methods described in the above-described method embodiments.

[0276] The communication device 1000 may further include at least one memory 1030 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1030 is coupled to the processor 1010. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1010 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1030. The processor 1010 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1030. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0277] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1020, processor 1010, and memory 1030. This application embodiment... Figure 10The memory 1030, processor 1010, and communication interface 1020 are connected via a bus, and the bus is in... Figure 10 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 10 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0278] When the communication device 1000 is specifically a device used for equipment (e.g., a first NF, RAN, a second NF, or a terminal device), for example, when the communication device 1000 is specifically a chip or chip system, the communication interface 1020 may output or receive baseband signals. When the communication device 1000 is specifically a device (e.g., a first NF, RAN, a second NF, or a terminal device), the communication interface 1020 may output or receive radio frequency signals. In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0279] It should be noted that the aforementioned communication interface 1020 can be used to perform the functions of the aforementioned transceiver unit 901, and the aforementioned processor 1010 can be used to perform the functions of the aforementioned processing unit 902, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0280] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0281] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Furthermore, the ASIC can reside in a first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can exist as discrete components in the first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device.

[0282] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted through the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a DVD; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state disk (SSD).

[0283] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0284] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0285] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed, the method executed by the first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device in the above method embodiments is implemented.

[0286] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed, causes the method executed by the first NF, RAN, second NF, or terminal device in the above method embodiments to be implemented.

[0287] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first NF, a RAN, a second NF, and a terminal device. The first NF is used to execute the method executed by the first NF in the above method embodiments, the RAN is used to execute the method executed by the RAN in the above method embodiments, the second NF is used to execute the method executed by the second NF in the above method embodiments, and the terminal device is used to execute the method executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0288] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0289] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can be referenced mutually. Each embodiment has its own emphasis, and parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the sake of convenience and brevity, for example, the functions and execution steps of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can be referred to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The method embodiments and the device embodiments can also be referenced, combined or cited from each other.

[0290] 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, The method includes: Send a first message, the first message being used to obtain connection status information of the terminal device, the first message including the identifier of the terminal device; A second message is received, which includes the connection status information of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection status information includes idle state and / or connected state.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the connection status information includes a connection state, the connection status information includes the identifier of one or more Network Functions (NFs) or Radio Access Networks (RANs), and there is a connection between the one or more NFs or the RAN and the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is sent, which requests the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first network function NF, and the third message includes the identifier of the terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third message includes the first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third message includes the identifier or type of the first NF.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The sending of the third message includes: The third message is sent to the Radio Access Network (RAN), requesting the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The sending of the third message includes: The third message is sent to the second NF, which requests the second NF to establish a connection between the terminal device and the first NF, and one or more NFs include the second NF.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first request from the terminal device, the first request being used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF; A first response is sent to the terminal device, the first response being in response to the first request.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The identifier of the terminal device includes one or more of the following information: User Hidden Identifier (SUCI), User Permanent Identifier (SUPI), 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (5G-GUTI), Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), 5G System Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (5G-S-TMSI), and General Public Subscriber Identity (GPSI).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send downlink data or downlink signaling to the terminal device.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Once a connection is established with the terminal device, connection status information with the terminal device is sent.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The connection status information includes the identifier of the second network function (NF) or the identifier of the radio access network (RAN), and there is a connection between the second NF or the RAN and the terminal device.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the connection status with the terminal device changes, the connection status information is updated.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third message is received, the third message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first network function NF, the third message including the identifier of the terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method is applied to a radio access network (RAN), and the method further includes: Establish a connection between the RAN and the first NF.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The third message includes the first identifier assigned to the terminal device by the first NF.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, Establishing the connection between the RAN and the first NF includes: Upon receiving the third message, a fourth message in response to the third message is sent, the fourth message indicating that the RAN has established a connection with the first NF.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, Establishing the connection between the RAN and the first NF includes: Send a fifth message to the first NF, the fifth message being used to request the establishment of a connection between the RAN and the first NF, the fifth message including the identifier of the terminal device; A sixth message is received in response to the fifth message, the sixth message including the identifier of the terminal device.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second network function (NF), and the method further includes: Send a notification or instruction to the terminal device, the notification or instruction being used to notify or instruct the terminal device to establish a connection with the first NF, the notification or instruction including the identifier or type of the first NF.

21. The method according to any one of claims 12-20, characterized in that, The identifier of the terminal device includes one or more of the following information: User Hidden Identifier (SUCI), User Permanent Identifier (SUPI), 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (5G-GUTI), Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), 5G System Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (5G-S-TMSI), and General Public Subscriber Identity (GPSI).

22. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a notification or instruction, the notification or instruction being used to notify or instruct the terminal device to establish a connection with a first network function (NF), the notification or instruction including the identifier or type of the first NF; Send a first request, which is used to request the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the first NF.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, Sending the first request includes: The first request is sent to the first NF via the radio access network RAN.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a first response, which is a response to the first request.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22-24, characterized in that, The first request is a service request or a registration request.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22-25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive downlink signaling or downlink data from the first NF.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12-21, or a unit for performing the method as described in any one of claims 22-26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor, a memory, an input interface, and an output interface. The input interface is used to receive information from other communication devices besides the communication device, and the output interface is used to output information to other communication devices besides the communication device. When the stored computer program stored in the memory is invoked by the processor, the method described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-21, or 22-26 is implemented.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-21, or 22-26 to be implemented.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-21, or 22-26 to be implemented.

31. A chip system, characterized in that, The method includes at least one processor, a memory, and an interface circuit, wherein the memory, the interface circuit, and the at least one processor are interconnected by a circuit, and the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, 12-21, or 22-26 to be implemented.

32. A communication system, characterized in that, The device includes a first network function (NF), a radio access network (RAN) or a second NF, and a terminal device. The first network function (NF) is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11. The RAN is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12-19 and 21. The second NF is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12-15 and 20-21. The terminal device is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 22-26.

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