Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication device. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first message from a first core network element; analyzing the first message through the first protocol layer to obtain a second message; analyzing the second message through a second protocol layer to obtain first information, the first information being related to a first environment Internet of Things AIoT service; and sending a third message to the first AIoT device, wherein the third message comprises the first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defined the Ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) technology. AIoT technology is mainly used to realize the following services: inventory, positioning, sensing, and command. Typical application scenarios of AIoT technology include logistics, warehousing, industrial manufacturing, identification, and environmental monitoring. In AIoT technology and other related technologies, the communication system can include readers and tags. Readers can be implemented by network devices (such as base stations) or terminals, and tags can be IoT terminals, such as passive / semi-passive / active tags.

[0003] As mentioned above, if the reader can be implemented by either network devices or terminal devices, then to enable tag access to the core network, it is necessary to redesign the interfaces between the terminal devices and the core network, as well as the interfaces between the network devices and the core network. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a communication method and a communication device. By introducing a proprietary AIoT protocol layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information, and carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layers between terminal devices and the core network and / or between network devices and the core network, AIoT devices can access the core network through terminal devices and / or network devices. Furthermore, since the proprietary AIoT protocol layer can be carried within both the existing protocol layers between terminal devices and the core network, and the existing protocol layers between network devices and the core network, there is no need to redesign the interfaces between the terminal devices and the core network, nor between the network devices and the core network, thereby reducing the complexity of interface design and implementation.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device. The first device includes an access network device or a component (e.g., a chip, circuit, chip system, or communication module) within the access network device, wherein the access network device has a reader / writer function. Alternatively, the first device includes a terminal device or a component (e.g., a chip, circuit, chip system, or communication module) within the terminal device, wherein the terminal device has a reader / writer function. For ease of understanding, the following description uses execution by a first device as an example. The method includes:

[0006] Receive the first message from the first core network element;

[0007] The second message is obtained by parsing the first message through the first protocol layer;

[0008] The second message is parsed through the second protocol layer to obtain the first information, which is related to the first AIoT service.

[0009] Send a third message to the first AIoT device, the third message including the first information.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, by introducing a proprietary AIoT protocol layer, namely the second protocol layer, for transmitting AIoT service-related information, and carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer (i.e., the first protocol layer), signaling and / or data transmission between the reader (i.e., the first device) and the first core network element can be realized. Furthermore, by carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer, it can be applied to different communication systems without increasing interface design and implementation complexity.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0012] Receive the fourth message from the first AIoT device;

[0013] According to the fourth message, the second information is obtained, and the second information is related to the first AIoT business.

[0014] The fifth message is generated through the second protocol layer, and the fifth message includes the second information;

[0015] The sixth message is generated through the first protocol layer, and the sixth message includes the fifth message.

[0016] Send the sixth message to the first core network element.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first message further includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the first device.

[0018] Based on the above technical solution, when the first message includes a first identifier, the first device can determine whether the first message is a message sent to the first device.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, if the first device includes an access network device, a third message is sent to the first AIoT device, including:

[0020] The first device includes the first unit, which sends a third message to the first AIoT device.

[0021] For example, the first unit includes any of the following: a reader / writer, a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a distributed unit (DU).

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first message also includes a second identifier, which is used to identify the first unit.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, if the first device includes multiple units, and each unit is a first unit or includes a first unit, then the first device can identify the first unit according to the second identifier.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, if the first device includes an access network device, then receiving a fourth message from the first AIoT device includes:

[0025] The first device includes the first unit, which receives the fourth message from the first AIoT device.

[0026] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first core network element includes an AIoT core network element. For example, the first core network element may include one or more of the following elements: tag management function (TMF) network element, ambient IoT management function (AIoTMF) network element, ambient IoT aware core network (AIoT aware CN), access and mobility management function (AMF) supporting ambient IoT, or ambient IoT function (AIoTF), etc.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first device includes an access network device or a chip in the access network device, then the first protocol layer is the next generation application protocol (NGAP) layer.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, if the first device includes a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device, then the first protocol layer is a non-access stratum (NAS).

[0029] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second device, which includes a terminal device or a component within the terminal device (e.g., a chip, circuit, chip system, or communication module), the terminal device being able to communicate with AIoT devices. For ease of understanding, the following description uses execution by a second device as an example. The method includes:

[0030] Receive the seventh message from the first device;

[0031] The seventh message is parsed through the third protocol layer to obtain the eighth message;

[0032] The third information is obtained by parsing the eighth message through the second protocol layer. The third information is related to the first AIoT business.

[0033] Send a ninth message to the first AIoT device. The ninth message includes the third information.

[0034] Based on the above technical solution, by introducing a proprietary AIoT protocol layer, namely the second protocol layer, for transmitting AIoT service-related information, and carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer (i.e., the third protocol layer), signaling and / or data transmission between the reader (i.e., the second device) and the first core network element can be realized. Furthermore, by carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer, it can be applied to different communication systems without increasing interface design and implementation complexity.

[0035] It should be noted that the first device in the second aspect may or may not have the function of a reader / writer.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0037] Receive the tenth message from the first AIoT device;

[0038] According to the tenth message, the fourth piece of information was obtained, and the fourth piece of information is related to the first AIoT business.

[0039] The eleventh message is generated through the second protocol layer, and the eleventh message includes the fourth information.

[0040] The twelfth message is generated through the third protocol layer, and the twelfth message includes the eleventh message;

[0041] Send the twelfth message to the first device.

[0042] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third protocol layer is the radio resource control (RRC) layer.

[0043] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second device includes a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.

[0044] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first device includes an access network device or a chip in the access network device.

[0045] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first core network element. The method includes:

[0046] A second message is generated through the second protocol layer. The second message includes the first information, which is related to the first AIoT service.

[0047] A first message is generated through the first protocol layer, and the first message includes the second message;

[0048] Send the first message to the first device.

[0049] Based on the above technical solution, by introducing a proprietary AIoT protocol layer, namely the second protocol layer, for transmitting AIoT service-related information, and carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer (i.e., the first protocol layer), signaling and / or data transmission between the reader (i.e., the first device) and the first core network element can be realized. Furthermore, by carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer, it can be applied to different communication systems without increasing interface design and implementation complexity.

[0050] It should be noted that the first device in the third aspect may or may not have the function of a reader / writer.

[0051] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes:

[0052] Receive the sixth message from the first device;

[0053] The fifth message is obtained by parsing the sixth message through the first protocol layer;

[0054] The second message is parsed by the second protocol layer to obtain the second information, which is related to the first AIoT business.

[0055] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first message also includes a first identifier, which is used to identify the first device.

[0056] Based on the above technical solution, when the first message includes a first identifier, the first device can determine whether the first message is a message sent to the first device.

[0057] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first message further includes a second identifier, the second identifier being used to identify the first unit, the first device including the first unit, and the first unit communicating with an AIoT device.

[0058] For example, the first unit includes any one of the following: a reader / writer, a transmission point, a radio frequency remote unit, an active antenna unit, or a distributed unit.

[0059] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first core network element includes the AIoT core network element.

[0060] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first device includes an access network device or a chip in the access network device, and the first protocol layer is the NGAP layer.

[0061] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first device includes a terminal device or a chip in the terminal device, and the first protocol layer is a NAS.

[0062] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device, which includes an access network device or a component within the access network device (e.g., a chip, circuit, chip system, or communication module). The aforementioned access network device is an AIoT-enabled access network device. An AIoT-enabled access network device may include the following functions: allocating time-frequency resources for communication between terminal devices and AIoT devices, and transmitting information related to AIoT services. For ease of understanding, the following description uses the execution by the first device as an example. The method includes:

[0063] Receive the first message from the first core network element;

[0064] The first message is parsed by the first protocol layer to obtain the second message, which includes the first information and is related to the first AIoT business.

[0065] The first information is obtained by parsing the second message through the second protocol layer;

[0066] The eighth message is generated through the second protocol layer. The eighth message includes third information, which is related to the first information.

[0067] The seventh message is generated through the third protocol layer, and the seventh message includes the eighth message;

[0068] Send the seventh message to the second device.

[0069] Based on the above technical solution, by introducing a proprietary AIoT protocol layer, namely the second protocol layer, for transmitting AIoT service-related information, and carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer (i.e., the first protocol layer or the third protocol layer), signaling and / or data transmission between the reader (i.e., the second device) and the first core network element can be realized. Furthermore, by carrying this proprietary AIoT protocol layer within the existing protocol layer, it can be applied to different communication systems without increasing interface design and implementation complexity.

[0070] It should be noted that the first device in the fourth aspect may or may not have the function of a reader / writer.

[0071] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first message also includes a fifth identifier, which is used to identify the second device.

[0072] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes:

[0073] Receive the twelfth message from the second device;

[0074] The eleventh message is obtained by parsing the twelfth message through the third protocol layer;

[0075] The eleventh message is parsed through the second protocol layer to obtain the fourth information, which is related to the first AIoT business.

[0076] The thirteenth message is generated through the second protocol layer. The thirteenth message includes the fifth information, which is related to the fourth information.

[0077] The fourteenth message is generated through the first protocol layer, and the fourteenth message includes the thirteenth message;

[0078] Send the thirteenth message to the first core network element.

[0079] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first protocol layer is the NGAP layer and the third protocol layer is the RRC layer.

[0080] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second device includes a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.

[0081] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first device includes an access network device or a chip within the access network device.

[0082] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first core network element includes the AIoT core network element.

[0083] Fifthly, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method provided in the first aspect, or for performing the method provided in the fourth aspect. Specifically, the communication apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in any of the above implementations of the first or fourth aspect, such as a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0084] In one implementation, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0085] In another implementation, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0086] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method provided in the second aspect. Specifically, the communication apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in the second aspect, such as a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0087] In one implementation, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0088] In another implementation, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0089] In a seventh aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for performing the method provided in the third aspect. Specifically, the communication apparatus may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in the third aspect, such as a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

[0090] In one implementation, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0091] In another implementation, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0092] Eighthly, this application provides a processor for executing the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0093] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0094] A ninth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program code for execution by a device, the program code including a method for performing any of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0095] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0096] Eleventhly, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reads instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any one of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects.

[0097] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by any of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0098] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the communication devices described in the fifth aspect, the sixth aspect, or the seventh aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0099] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0100] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0101] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0102] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0103] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an open radio access network (O-RAN) system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0104] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another O-RAN system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0105] Figure 7 It is a kind of with Figure 1 The protocol stack architecture related to the communication system is shown.

[0106] Figure 8 It is a kind of with Figure 2 The protocol stack structure related to the communication system is shown.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0108] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol stack architecture provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0109] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol stack architecture provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0110] Figure 12 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0111] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the protocol stack architecture provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0112] Figure 14 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 1400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0113] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1500 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0114] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1600 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0115] Figure 17 This is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 1700 provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0116] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0117] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: 5th generation (5G) or new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, satellite communication systems, future communication systems, or integrated systems of multiple systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0118] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as inter-satellite communication and satellite communication. As an example, a satellite communication system includes a satellite base station and terminal equipment. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal equipment. The satellite base station can also communicate with other base stations. A satellite can act as a base station or as a terminal device. Here, "satellite" can refer to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, high-Earth orbit (HEO) satellites, etc. "Satellite" can also refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment, etc.

[0119] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The device can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication device, mobile device, network element, communication module, node, communication node, communication apparatus, etc. This disclosure uses a device as an example. For instance, a communication system can include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the network device. It is understood that the terminal device in this disclosure can be replaced by a first communication device, and the network device can be replaced by a second communication device, both performing the corresponding communication methods described in this disclosure. Alternatively, the corresponding communication methods in this disclosure can be applied between network devices or between terminal devices, without limitation herein.

[0120] The terminal device in this application embodiment can be a device or module that accesses the aforementioned communication system and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device can include various devices with wireless communication capabilities, which can be used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. The terminal device can be widely applied in various scenarios, such as: cellular communication, D2D, V2X, peer-to-peer (P2P), M2M, MTC, IoT, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery, etc. The terminal device can be a terminal in any of the above scenarios, such as an MTC terminal, an IoT terminal, etc. Terminal equipment can be user equipment (UE), terminal, fixed equipment, mobile station equipment or mobile equipment, subscriber unit, handheld device, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, cellular phone, smartphone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA), computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, wireless modem, handset, laptop computer, computer with wireless transceiver capability, smart book, vehicle, satellite, global positioning system (GPS) device, target tracking device, aircraft (e.g., drone, helicopter, multiple helicopters, four helicopters, or airplanes), ship, remote control device, smart home device, industrial equipment, transportation vehicle with wireless communication capability, communication module, or roadside unit with terminal function, all conforming to the 3GPP standard. The terminal device (RSU) can be a unit or a device built into the aforementioned equipment (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip in the aforementioned equipment), or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. For ease of description, the terminal device will be described below as a terminal or UE.

[0121] It should be understood that in certain scenarios, a UE can also be used as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signaling between UEs in scenarios such as V2X, D2D, or P2P.

[0122] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device can be the terminal device itself, or it can be any device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. This embodiment only uses the terminal device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device, and does not constitute a limitation on the solution of this embodiment.

[0123] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device or module with corresponding communication functions. The network device can be a device used to communicate with terminal devices; it can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitter, master station, auxiliary station, motor slide retainer (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or a combination thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, a device that performs base station functions in D2D, V2X, and M2M communications, or a device that performs base station functions in future communication systems. A base station can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0124] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0125] In some deployments, the network devices mentioned in the embodiments of this application may be devices including CU, DU, or CU and DU, or devices with control plane CU nodes (central unit-control plane (CU-CP)) and user plane CU nodes (central unit-user plane (CU-UP)) and DU nodes. For example, the network devices may include gNB-CU-CP, gNB-CU-UP, and gNB-DU.

[0126] In some deployments, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CU-CPs, CU-UPs, or RUs. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as RRUs, AAUs, or RRHs.

[0127] In some deployments, the CU (Core Unit) is a logical node that carries the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and other control functions of the access network equipment. The CU connects to network nodes such as the core network through interfaces, which may be E2 interfaces, etc. Optionally, the CU possesses some core network functions. The CU (e.g., the PDCP layer and higher layers) connects to the DU (e.g., the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer and lower layers) through interfaces, which may be F1 interfaces, etc. In some examples, these interfaces (e.g., the F1 interface) can provide control plane (C-Plane) and user plane (U-Plane) functions (e.g., interface management, system information management, UE context management, RRC message transmission, etc.). The F1 application protocol (F1AP) is the application protocol for the F1 interface, and in some examples, it defines the F1 signaling procedures. The F1 interface supports both the control plane (F1-C) and the user plane (F1-U).

[0128] In some deployments, the CU can be split into CU-CP and CU-UP. CU-CP is a logical node carrying the RRC layer and the control plane part of PDCP (PDCP-C) layer, used to implement the CU's control plane functions. CU-CP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement control plane functions. These network elements in the core network can be access and mobility function network elements. CU-UP is a logical node carrying the SDAP layer and the user plane part of PDCP (PDCP-U) layer, used to implement the CU's user plane functions. CU-UP can interact with network elements in the core network used to implement user plane functions. The above CU and DU configurations are merely examples; the functions of CU and DU can be configured as needed. For example, CU or DU can be configured to have more protocol layer functions, or CU or DU can be configured to have only partial protocol layer processing functions. For example, some functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer can be placed in the CU, while the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer can be placed in the DU. Another example is that the functions of the CU or DU can be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For instance, based on latency, functions that need to meet low latency requirements can be placed in the DU, while functions that do not need to meet such latency requirements can be placed in the CU.

[0129] In some deployments, the DU (Distributed Unit) is a logical node that carries the RLC (Real-Time Control) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, the higher physical layer (Higher PHY) layer, and other functions. In some examples, the DU can control at least one RU (Remote Root). The DU connects to the RU through interfaces, which can be fronthaul interfaces. In some examples, the Higher PHY layer includes the PHY layer processing, such as forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation, and demodulation.

[0130] In some deployments, the RU is a logical node that carries both lower physical layer (PHY) and radio frequency (RF) processing. In some examples, the RU can be a TRP, RRH, or other similar entity. In some examples, the Low-PHY includes portions of the PHY processing, such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), digital beamforming, and filtering. The RU communicates with one or more UEs via a radio link.

[0131] The DU and RU can be co-located or not. The DU and RU exchange control plane and user plane information via a fronthaul link through a lower-layer split-control, user, and synchronization (LLS-CUS) interface. LLS-CUS may include interfaces providing control and user planes respectively. In some examples, the control plane refers to real-time control between the DU and RU. The DU and RU exchange management information via a fronthaul link interface (such as an LLS-M interface), and the management plane (M-Plane) refers to non-real-time management operations between the DU and RU.

[0132] DU and RU can cooperate to implement the functions of the PHY layer. A DU can be connected to one or more RUs. The functions of DU and RU can be configured in various ways depending on the design. For example, a DU can be configured to implement baseband functions, and an RU can be configured to implement mid-RF functions. Another example is that a DU can be configured to implement higher-level functions in the PHY layer, and an RU can be configured to implement lower-level functions in the PHY layer, or to implement both lower-level and RF functions. Higher-level functions in the physical layer can include a portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the MAC layer, while lower-level functions in the physical layer can include another portion of the physical layer's functions that are closer to the mid-RF side.

[0133] In one possible design, the processing unit in the BBU used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband high (BBH) unit, and the processing unit in the RRU / AAU / RRH used to implement baseband functions is called the baseband low (BBL) unit.

[0134] 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, a radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture. In an O-RAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (open RU, O-RU). 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 modules and hardware modules.

[0135] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing those functions, such as a chip system, chip, circuit, or communication module (i.e., a communication module that performs communication functions). This device can be installed within the network device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices. Furthermore, the device can be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions. This embodiment only uses a network device as an example to illustrate the device for implementing the functions of a network device, and does not limit the solution of this embodiment.

[0136] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located. Furthermore, terminal devices and network devices can be hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or software functions running on general-purpose hardware, such as virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform), or entities that include dedicated or general-purpose hardware devices and software functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the terminal devices and network devices.

[0137] First, a brief introduction to the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be given.

[0138] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1As shown, the communication system includes a network device 110 and an ambient Internet of Things (AIoT) terminal 120. The network device 110 and the AIoT terminal 120 communicate bidirectionally. This communication includes ambient Internet of Things data and / or signaling. Specifically, the network device 110 sends data and / or signaling to the AIoT terminal 120, and the AIoT terminal 120 sends data and / or signaling to the network device 110. Alternatively, it can be understood as the network device 110 and the AIoT terminal 120 transmitting data and / or signaling.

[0139] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 200 applicable to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication system includes a network device 210, an intermediate node 220, and an AIoT terminal 230. The network device 210 and the AIoT terminal 230 each communicate bidirectionally with the intermediate node 220. For example, the network device 210 communicates bidirectionally with the intermediate node 220, and then the intermediate node 220 communicates bidirectionally with the AIoT terminal 120. That is, the network device 210 transmits data and / or signaling with the intermediate node 220, and the intermediate node 220 transmits data and / or signaling with the AIoT terminal 120. In this embodiment, the intermediate node 220 can be a repeater, an integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, a UE, etc.

[0140] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 300 applicable to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown in (a) and (b), the communication system includes a network device 310, an auxiliary node 320, and an AIoT terminal 330. Figure 3 In (a), the AIoT terminal 330 sends data and / or signaling to the network device 310, the network device 310 sends data and / or signaling to the auxiliary node 320 via Uu, and then the AIoT terminal 330 receives data and / or signaling from the auxiliary node 320. Figure 3 In (b), the AIoT terminal 330 receives data and / or signaling sent by the network device 310 and sends data and / or signaling to the auxiliary node 320. Then, the network device 310 receives data and / or signaling from the auxiliary node 320 through the Uu interface. In this embodiment, the intermediate node of the auxiliary node 320 may be a repeater, an IAB node, a UE, etc.

[0141] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system 400 applicable to an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the communication system includes a terminal device 410 and an AIoT terminal 420. The terminal device 410 and the AIoT terminal 420 communicate bidirectionally. This communication includes environmental IoT data and / or signaling. Specifically, the terminal device 410 sends data and / or signaling to the AIoT terminal 420, and the AIoT terminal 420 sends data and / or signaling to the terminal device 410. Alternatively, it can be understood as the terminal device 410 and the AIoT terminal 420 transmitting data and / or signaling.

[0142] Figures 1 to 4 This is merely an illustration; the communication system to which this application's embodiments apply may also include other devices, such as core network equipment, wireless relay equipment, and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figures 1 to 4 It is not shown in the middle.

[0143] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to open RAN (O-RAN) system architecture.

[0144] like Figure 5 As shown, an O-RAN system can include core network (CN) equipment, access network (RAN) equipment, and user equipment (UE). Access network equipment communicates with core network equipment via a backhaul link and with UE via an air interface. For example, a BBU in the access network equipment communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link, and an RU in the access network equipment communicates with the UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one CU and at least one DU, and the CU and DU can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0145] Figure 5 This is just an illustration; the wireless communication system may also include other devices. Figure 5 It is not shown in the middle.

[0146] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the application framework involving RIC modules under the O-RAN architecture. For example... Figure 6As shown, the communication system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC includes near-real-time RICs (near-RT RICs) and non-real-time RICs (non-RT RICs). Non-real-time RICs primarily process non-real-time information, such as data that is not sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of seconds. Real-time RICs primarily process near-real-time information, such as data that is relatively sensitive to latency, with latency in the order of tens of milliseconds.

[0147] The near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC can also be configured as separate network elements. Optionally, the near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC can also be part of other devices. For example, the near real-time RIC is set in the RAN node (e.g., in CU, DU), while the non-real-time RIC is set in the OAM, cloud server, core network device, or other network device.

[0148] Figure 7 A protocol stack architecture related to the communication system 100 described above is shown.

[0149] like Figure 7 As shown, the AIoT device includes one or more of the following protocol layers: an upper layer, used to transmit AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the AIoT CN; and AIoT radio protocol layers, used to transmit AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the AIoT-enabled gNB.

[0150] Among them, the gNB that supports AIoT can include the following functions: allocating time and frequency resources for communication between the UE reader (or AIoT enabled UE) and AIoT devices, and transmitting data and / or signaling related to AIoT services.

[0151] AIoT-enabled gNBs include one or more of the following protocol layers: AIoT radio protocol layer; XX application protocol (XXAP) layer, used for signaling services between the AIoT-enabled gNB and the AIoT CN, for example, for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT-enabled gNB and the AIoT CN; stream control transmission protocol (SCTP); Internet protocol (IP); layer 2 (L2); layer 1 (L1).

[0152] AIoT CN includes one or more of the following protocol layers: upper layer, XXAP, SCTP, IP, L2, or L1.

[0153] AIoT CN is a core network element / node / device that supports or enables AIoT. AIoT CN may include one or more of the following network elements: tag management function (TMF) network element, ambient IoT management function (AIoTMF) network element, ambient IoT sensing core network (AIoT awareCN), ambient IoT support AMF or ambient IoT function (AIoTF), etc.

[0154] Figure 8 A protocol stack architecture related to the communication system 200 described above is shown.

[0155] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), information related to AIoT services can be forwarded via NR Uu RRC between the UE Reader and the gNB that supports AIoT.

[0156] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the AIoT device includes one or more of the following protocol layers: an upper layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the AIoT CN; and an AIoT wireless protocol layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the UEreader.

[0157] The UEreader includes one or more of the following protocol layers: AIoT radio protocol layer, used to transmit AIoT service-related information between AIoT devices and the UEreader; RRC, which can be used to transmit AIoT service-related information between the UEreader and a gNB that supports AIoT; PDCP; RLC; MAC; PHY.

[0158] AIoT-enabled gNBs include one or more of the following protocol layers: XXAP, SCTP, IP, L2, L1, RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, or PHY.

[0159] AIoT CN includes one or more of the following protocol layers: upper layer, XXAP, SCTP, IP, L2, or L1.

[0160] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), a NAS layer exists between the UE Reader and the AIoT CN for transmitting AIoT service-related information. When the AIoT CN knows about the UE Reader and the AIoT-enabled gNB, AIoT service-related information (e.g., service requests or upper layer data) can be directly transmitted through the NAS between the UE Reader and the AIoT CN. The upper layer data includes AIoT data and / or signaling.

[0161] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the AIoT device includes one or more of the following protocol layers: an upper layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the AIoT CN; and an AIoT wireless protocol layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the UEreader.

[0162] The UEreader includes one or more of the following protocol layers: AIoT radio protocol layer, NAS, or 5G access network (AN) protocol layer. The 5G access network protocol layer may include one or more of the following: RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, or PHY.

[0163] AIoT-enabled gNBs include one or more of the following protocol layers: 5G access network protocol layer, NGAP, SCTP, IP, L2, or L1.

[0164] AIoT CN includes one or more of the following protocol layers: upper layer, NAS, NGAP, SCTP, IP, L2, or L1.

[0165] As mentioned above, to achieve data transmission based on communication system 100, the relevant AIoT processes need to be defined in XXAP. In other words, the interface between network devices and the core network used for transmitting AIoT service-related information needs to be redesigned. Similarly, to achieve data transmission based on communication system 200, the relevant AIoT processes need to be defined in NAS, or in XXAP and RRC. In other words, the interface between terminal devices and the core network used for transmitting AIoT service-related information, and / or the interface between network devices and the core network used for transmitting AIoT service-related information, needs to be redesigned.

[0166] In view of this, this application provides a communication method that introduces an AIoT proprietary protocol layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information and carries the AIoT proprietary protocol layer within the existing protocol layer, thereby enabling the AIoT proprietary protocol layer to be applied to different communication systems without increasing the complexity of interface design and implementation.

[0167] Before introducing the solution provided in this application, we will first describe the AIoT business and related information.

[0168] For example, AIoT services include inventory, location, sensing, or command.

[0169] Inventory management involves using readers (e.g., base stations or terminal devices) to access AIoT terminals (or AIoT terminal devices) within the coverage area. Successfully connected devices need to send their unique identifier (identifiable by the network, such as the EPC in RFID) to the reader. Inventory management, also known as a tag counting operation, retrieves tag identification information. For example, readers can use query and acknowledge (ACK) commands to obtain tag identification information. To facilitate tag inventory, tags include four session identifiers, each corresponding to two inventory states: A and B. The inventory state is indicated by a sessionInventoried flag. When a reader selects a tag, the selection command sent to it includes a session identifier, which the tag then stores. When the reader performs inventory management on the tag, the query command sent to it includes the session identifier, at which point the tag can flip its inventory state from A to B. If the reader sends a query command to perform inventory operations again, the tag will not respond to the reader because the inventory status of the tag is B, thus avoiding the same tag being inventoried multiple times in the same inventory cycle.

[0170] Positioning is the process of using positioning signals to determine the location of an AIoT terminal.

[0171] Sensing involves AIoT terminals reporting sensor data to the base station, such as temperature data.

[0172] Commands can be operational instructions, such as read, write, kill, disable, or lock. Read operations can read the electronic product code (EPC), tag identifier (TID), content stored in the tag's reserved area, or content stored in the user's storage area from the tag's memory. Write operations can perform write operations on the tag's storage area; for example, a network device (e.g., a base station) can send a downlink command and data to instruct the AIoT terminal to write data to its own storage area. Kill operations can permanently disable the tag. Lock operations can lock the tag's information, preventing read or write operations on that tag. Alternatively, lock operations can also lock a storage area, preventing or disallowing read or write operations on that storage area; for example, a network device can send a downlink command to instruct the AIoT terminal to lock the location at a specified address in the storage area, making the contents of that storage area immutable and / or unreadable. Disabling services can temporarily or permanently disable tags, making it impossible to read the tag's memory content or write data to the tag's memory.

[0173] AIoT-related information may include AIoT data and / or signaling. For example, for inventory services, AIoT data and / or signaling may include a device ID or an encrypted device ID; for read command services, AIoT data and / or signaling may include read commands and / or read response data; for write command services, AIoT data and / or signaling may include write commands and / or write feedback; for other AIoT services, AIoT data and / or signaling may include the corresponding uplink (UL) data (UL Data) reported by the AIoT device to the UE Reader.

[0174] Before introducing the scheme of this application, the following points should be noted.

[0175] (1) In this application, “instruction” may include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of instructing A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0176] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0177] (2) In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0178] (3) In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0179] (4) In this application, "first" and "second" are used for descriptive convenience only to distinguish objects and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. They are not used to describe the order or sequence of features. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate so as to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application.

[0180] (5) In this application, “predefined” may mean a standard protocol predefined, or it may mean that the devices have agreed or negotiated in advance.

[0181] (6) In this application, the words “exemplary,” “for example,” etc., are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an “example” in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word “example” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, “of,” “corresponding, relevant,” and “corresponding” may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0182] (7) In this document, "at least one" means one or more. "More than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship; in the formula of this application, the character " / " indicates that the related objects before and after are in a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B and C.

[0183] The methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided by this application can be applied to the above-described embodiments. Figures 1 to 4 The communication system shown is not limited.

[0184] For ease of description, the following embodiments use the interaction between devices as an example for illustrative purposes.

[0185] In this context, the first device mentioned below can refer to a terminal device or a component within a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or communication module). A terminal device refers to a terminal device with reader / writer functionality. Alternatively, the first device mentioned below can refer to an access network device or a component within an access network device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or communication module). In some possible implementations, the access network device refers to an access network device with reader / writer functionality. In some possible implementations, the access network device refers to an AIoT-enabled access network device or an AIoT-supporting access network device. An AIoT-enabled access network device may include the function of providing resource allocation; that is, an AIoT-enabled access network device can allocate resources to terminal devices to support communication between terminal devices and AIoT devices.

[0186] The second device mentioned below may refer to a terminal device or a component in a terminal device (e.g., a processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or communication module). A terminal device refers to a terminal device with reader / writer functionality.

[0187] The first core network element described below is used to transmit AIoT data and / or signaling; in other words, the first core network element is the core network element that provides services to AIoT devices. The first core network element can be AIoTF, TMF, AIoTMF, AIoTaware CN, or other core network elements that support or enable AIoT. Optionally, the first core network element is used to transmit non-AIoT data and / or signaling. The first core network element described below can be replaced by components within the first core network element (e.g., processor, chip, chip system, circuit, or communication module, etc.).

[0188] Furthermore, the steps described below as being performed by a single execution entity can also be divided into being performed by multiple execution entities, which may be logically and / or physically separate.

[0189] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The method 900 shown may include the following steps. It should be noted that the first device referred to below may refer to an access network device or a component within an access network device, wherein the access network device refers to an access network device with reader / writer functionality. Alternatively, the first device referred to below may refer to a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, wherein the terminal device refers to a terminal device with reader / writer functionality, or in other words, a terminal device enabling AIoT.

[0190] S901, the first core network element generates the second message through the second protocol layer.

[0191] The second message includes the first information, which is related to the first AIoT service. For example, if the first AIoT service is a write command service, then the first information may include a write command. As another example, if the first AIoT service is an inventory service, then the first information may include a service request.

[0192] The second protocol layer is used to transmit information related to AIoT services, including the aforementioned first AIoT service. The second protocol layer is not used to transmit information unrelated to AIoT services; in other words, the second protocol layer is dedicated to transmitting information related to AIoT services. For example, the second protocol layer can be called the XXAP layer. The second protocol layer can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit its application to such names.

[0193] For example, if the second protocol layer is called the XXAP layer, the second message can be called the XXAP message. The second message can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0194] S902, the first core network element generates the first message through the first protocol layer.

[0195] The first message includes the second message.

[0196] The first protocol layer is used to transmit signaling between the first core network element and the first device. It is understood that the first protocol layer may differ for different first devices.

[0197] For example, if the first device includes a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, then the first protocol layer may be NAS. In the case of a NAS as the first protocol layer, the first message may be a NAS protocol data unit (NAS PDU) or a NAS message.

[0198] For example, if the first device includes an access network device or a component within the access network device, then the first protocol layer can be the NGAP layer. When the first protocol layer is NGAP, the first message can be an NGAP message. For instance, the first message can be named NGAP: AIoT Downlink (DL) Transport Message, and the first message can also be named by other names; this application does not limit this.

[0199] Optionally, the first message may also include a first identifier, which is used to identify the first device. For example, if the first device includes a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, the first identifier may be called a UE reader identifier (ID) or a UE identifier. As another example, if the first device includes an access network device or a component within an access network device, the first identifier may be called a reader ID, RAN reader ID, or RAN TRP ID, etc.

[0200] Optionally, the first message includes multiple identifiers used to identify different devices. For example, the first message includes a first identifier and a third identifier, where the third identifier identifies a third device that is different from the first device. For instance, if the third device includes a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, the third identifier could be called a UE reader ID or a UE identifier. As another example, if the third device includes an access network device or a component within an access network device, the third identifier could be called a reader ID, a RAN reader ID, or a RAN TRP ID, etc.

[0201] Optionally, the first message further includes a second identifier for identifying the first unit. If the first device includes an access network device, then the first device includes the first unit; if the first device includes components in the access network device, then the access network device includes both the first device and the first unit.

[0202] For example, the first unit includes any one of the following: TRP, AAU, RRU, reader, or DU.

[0203] Optionally, the first message includes multiple identifiers for identifying different units. For example, the first message includes a second identifier and a fourth identifier, where the fourth identifier identifies the second unit, which is different from the first unit. The first unit and the second unit belong to the same access network device.

[0204] For example, the second unit includes any one of the following: TRP, AAU, RRU, reader, or DU.

[0205] Optionally, if the first message does not include a first identifier or a second identifier, then the first message may be referred to as non-reader-specific signaling. If the first message includes a first identifier or a second identifier, then the first message may be referred to as reader-specific signaling.

[0206] S903, the first core network element sends the first message.

[0207] Accordingly, the first device receives the first message.

[0208] In one possible implementation, if the first device includes a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, then the first core network element can send a first message to the first device via an access network device. The access network device refers to an access network device that supports AIoT.

[0209] The method by which the first core network element sends the first message to the first device through the access network equipment includes the following steps.

[0210] (1) The first core network element first generates message #1 through the NGAP layer. Message #1 includes the first message.

[0211] Optionally, message #1 includes a first identifier.

[0212] Optionally, message packet #1 may include multiple identifiers for identifying different devices; for example, message #1 may include a first identifier and a third identifier.

[0213] (2) The first core network element sends message #1 to the access network equipment.

[0214] Message #1 can be an NGAP message. For example, message #1 can be named NGAP: AIoT DL Transport message, or it can be named by other names. This application does not limit the name of message #1.

[0215] (3) The access network device obtains the first message by parsing message #1 through the NGAP layer.

[0216] Optionally, if message #1 includes a first identifier, the access network device can obtain the first identifier by parsing message #1.

[0217] Optionally, if message #1 also includes a third identifier, the access network device can obtain the third identifier by parsing message #1.

[0218] (4) The access network device generates message #2 through the RRC layer. Message #2 includes the first message.

[0219] (5) The access network device sends message #2 to the first device.

[0220] Optionally, if message #1 includes a first identifier, the access network device identifies the first device through the first identifier and sends message #2 to the first device.

[0221] Optionally, if message #1 includes multiple identifiers for identifying different devices, the access network device identifies multiple different devices through these identifiers and sends message #2 to these multiple different devices. For example, if message #1 includes a first identifier and a third identifier, the access network device sends message #2 to the first device and also sends message #2 to the third device.

[0222] (6) The first device obtains the first message by parsing message #2 through the RRC layer.

[0223] Message #2 can be an RRC message. For example, message #2 can be named a downlink information transport (DL Information Transport) message or a downlink AIoT transfer (DL AIoT Transfer) message. Message #2 can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0224] S904, the first device parses the first message through the first protocol layer.

[0225] The first device can parse the first message through the first protocol layer to obtain the second message included in the first message.

[0226] Optionally, if the first message includes a first identifier, the first device can obtain the first identifier by parsing the first message. Furthermore, if the first identifier matches the identifier of the first device, the first device continues to execute the subsequent steps of method 900.

[0227] Optionally, if the first message includes multiple identifiers for identifying different devices, the first device can obtain the multiple identifiers for identifying different devices by parsing the first message. Furthermore, if the multiple identifiers for identifying different devices include the identifier of the first device, the first device continues to execute the subsequent steps of method 900.

[0228] S905, the first device parses the second message through the second protocol layer.

[0229] The first device can obtain the first information by parsing the second message through the second protocol layer.

[0230] S906, the first device sends the third message.

[0231] Correspondingly, the first AIoT device receives the third message.

[0232] For example, the first device sends a third message to the first AIoT device via the AIoT air interface, the third message including the first information.

[0233] Optionally, if the first message includes the second identifier, then in S906, the sending of the third message by the first device is replaced by the sending of the third message by the first unit.

[0234] Optionally, if the first message includes multiple identifiers for identifying different units, then in S906, the sending of the third message by the first device is replaced by the sending of the third message by the multiple different units identified by the multiple identifiers. For example, if the first message includes a second identifier and a fourth identifier, then in S906, the sending of the third message by the first device is replaced by the sending of the third message by the first unit and the second unit.

[0235] Optionally, method 900 also includes S907 to S913.

[0236] S907, the first AIoT device sends the fourth message.

[0237] Correspondingly, the first device receives the fourth message.

[0238] The fourth message includes second information, which is related to the first AIoT service. For example, if the first AIoT service is a write command service, the second information may include write feedback. As another example, if the first AIoT service is an inventory service, the first information may include the device ID or an encrypted device ID.

[0239] For example, the first AIoT device sends a fourth message to the first device via the AIoT air interface.

[0240] Optionally, if the first device receives a third message from the first unit in S906, then in S907, the first AIoT device sends a fourth message to the first unit, and correspondingly, the first unit receives the fourth message from the first AIoT device.

[0241] S908, the first device obtains the second information based on the fourth message.

[0242] S909, the first device generates the fifth message through the second protocol layer.

[0243] The fifth message includes the second message.

[0244] For example, if the second protocol layer is referred to as the XXAP layer, the fifth message can be called the XXAP message. The fifth message can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0245] S910 generates the sixth message through the first protocol layer.

[0246] The sixth message includes the fifth message.

[0247] For example, if the first device includes an access network device or a component within the access network device, and the first protocol layer is NGAP, then the sixth message can be an NGAP message. For instance, the sixth message can be named NGAP: AIoT Uplink (UL) Transport Message, or it can be named by other names; this application does not limit this. The name of the sixth message can be the same as the name of the first message; this application does not limit this.

[0248] Optionally, if the first message includes the first identifier, then the sixth message may include the first identifier.

[0249] Optionally, if the first message includes the second identifier, then the sixth message may include the second identifier.

[0250] S911, the first device sends the sixth message.

[0251] Correspondingly, the first core network element receives the sixth message.

[0252] In one possible implementation, if the first device includes a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, the first device can send a sixth message to a first core network element via an access network device. The access network device refers to an access network device that supports AIoT.

[0253] The method by which the first device sends the sixth message to the first core network element through the access network equipment includes the following steps.

[0254] (1) The first device generates message #3 through the RRC layer. Message #3 includes the sixth message.

[0255] (2) The first device sends message #3 to the access network equipment.

[0256] Message #3 can be an RRC message. For example, message #3 can be named an uplink information transmission (UL InformationTransport) message or an uplink AIoT transmission (UL AIoT Transfer) message. Message #3 can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0257] (3) The access network device obtains the sixth message by parsing message #3 through the RRC layer.

[0258] (4) The access network device generates message #4 through the NGAP layer. Message #4 includes the sixth message.

[0259] Message #4 can be an NGAP message. For example, message #4 can be named NGAP: AIoT UL Transport message, or it can be named by other names; this application does not limit this. The name of message #4 can be the same as the name of message #1; this application does not limit this.

[0260] (5) The access network device sends message #4 to the first core network element.

[0261] (6) The first core network element obtains the sixth message by parsing message #4 through the NGAP layer.

[0262] In S912, the first core network element parses the sixth message through the first protocol layer.

[0263] The first core network element parses the sixth message through the first protocol layer, and can obtain the fifth message included in the sixth message.

[0264] In S913, the first core network element parses the fifth message through the second protocol layer.

[0265] The first core network element can obtain the second information by parsing the fifth message through the second protocol layer.

[0266] In this embodiment, an AIoT proprietary protocol layer is introduced to transmit AIoT service-related information. This AIoT proprietary protocol layer is carried within the existing protocol layer, thereby enabling signaling and / or data transmission between the reader / writer and core network elements. Furthermore, by carrying the AIoT proprietary protocol layer within the existing protocol layer, it can be applied to different communication systems without increasing interface design and implementation complexity.

[0267] The following is combined with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The protocol stack architecture involved in Method 900 is described.

[0268] If the first device includes an access network device or a component within an access network device, then the protocol stack architecture involved in method 900 is as follows: Figure 10 As shown.

[0269] like Figure 10 As shown, the AIoT device includes one or more of the following protocol layers: an upper layer for transmitting information between the AIoT device and a server (such as an application function, AF); and an AIoT radio protocol layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the gNB. The gNB is an example of the first device, and refers to a gNB with reader / writer functionality.

[0270] The gNB includes one or more of the following protocol layers: NGAP, used to provide signaling services between the gNB and the AIoT CN; XXAP, used to transmit information related to AIoT services; Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP); Internet Protocol (IP); Layer 1 (L1); Layer 2 (L2), etc. The functions of one or more of the SCTP, IP, L1, or L2 protocol layers can refer to existing protocols or standards. The AIoT CN is an example of a first core network element.

[0271] AIoT CN includes one or more of the following protocol layers: upper layer, XXAP, NGAP, SCTP, IP, L1 or L2.

[0272] If the first device includes a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, then the protocol stack architecture involved in method 900 is as follows: Figure 11 As shown.

[0273] like Figure 11 As shown, the AIoT device includes one or more of the following protocol layers: an upper layer for transmitting information between the AIoT device and a server (such as an AF); and an AIoT wireless protocol layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the UEreader. The UEreader is an example of the first device.

[0274] The UEreader includes one or more of the following protocol layers: AIoT radio protocol layer; XXAP, used to transmit information related to AIoT services; NAS, used to transmit signaling between the UEreader and the AIoT CN; RRC, used to transmit signaling between the UEreader and the gNB; PDCP; RLC; MAC; and PHY. The functions of one or more of the PDCP, RLC, MAC, or PHY protocol layers can refer to existing protocols or standards. The AIoT CN is an example of a first core network element.

[0275] gNB includes one or more of the following protocol layers: NGAP, used to provide signaling services between gNB and AIoT CN; SCTP; IP; L1; L2; PDCP; RRC; RLC; MAC; PHY. gNB refers to a gNB that supports AIoT.

[0276] AIoT CN includes one or more of the following protocol layers: upper layer, XXAP, NAS, NGAP, SCTP, IP, L1 or L2.

[0277] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 The method 1200 shown may include the following steps. It should be noted that the first device referred to below may refer to an access network device or a component within an access network device, where the access network device refers to an access network device supporting AIoT. The second device referred to below may refer to a terminal device or a component within a terminal device, where the terminal device refers to a terminal device with reader / writer functionality.

[0278] S1201, the first core network element generates the second message through the second protocol layer.

[0279] For a more detailed description of S1201, please refer to S901 in Method 900 above.

[0280] S1202, the first core network element generates the first message through the first protocol layer.

[0281] For a more detailed description of S1202, please refer to S902 in Method 900 above.

[0282] Optionally, the first message may also include a fifth identifier, which is used to identify the second device.

[0283] S1203, the first core network element sends the first message.

[0284] Accordingly, the first device receives the first message.

[0285] For example, the first message can be an NGAP message. For instance, the first message can be named NGAP: AIoT DLTransport message, or it can be named by other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0286] S1204, the first device parses the first message through the first protocol layer.

[0287] The first device can parse the first message through the first protocol layer to obtain the second message included in the first message.

[0288] Optionally, if the first message includes a fifth identifier, the first device can obtain the fifth identifier by parsing the first message.

[0289] Optionally, if the protocol stack of the first device includes a second protocol layer, then method 1200 may further include S1205 and S1206.

[0290] S1205, the first device parses the second message through the second protocol layer.

[0291] The first device can obtain the first information by parsing the second message through the second protocol layer.

[0292] S1206, the first device generates the eighth message through the second protocol layer.

[0293] The eighth message includes third information, which is related to the first information, or in other words, the third information is determined by the first device based on the first information. The first device can perform one or more of the following processes on the first information to obtain the third information: deletion, filtering, mapping, modification, or addition of auxiliary information, etc.

[0294] It should be understood that the first information is related to the first AIoT business, and the third information is related to the first information. Therefore, the third information is related to the first AIoT business.

[0295] For example, if the second protocol layer is called the XXAP layer, the eighth message can be called the XXAP message. The eighth message can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0296] S1207, the first device generates the seventh message through the third protocol layer.

[0297] For example, if method 1200 does not execute S1205 and S1206, then the seventh message includes the second message.

[0298] For example, if method 1200 executes S1205 and S1206, then the seventh message includes the eighth message.

[0299] The third protocol layer is used to transmit signaling between the first device and the second device. For example, the third protocol layer is the RRC layer. The seventh message can be an RRC message; for example, the seventh message can be named a downlink information transmission message or an AIoT downlink transmission message, or it can be named by other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0300] S1208, the first device sends the seventh message.

[0301] Correspondingly, the second device receives the seventh message.

[0302] Optionally, if the first device obtains the fifth identifier from the first message, the first device identifies the second device based on the fifth identifier.

[0303] S1209, the second device parses the seventh message through the third protocol layer.

[0304] For example, if method 1200 does not execute S1205 and S1206, the second device parses the seventh message to obtain the second message.

[0305] For example, if method 1200 executes S1205 and S1206, the second device parses the seventh message to obtain the eighth message.

[0306] S1210, the second device parses the second message or the eighth message through the second protocol layer.

[0307] If the second device receives the second message in S1209, then in S1210, the second device parses the second message through the second protocol layer to obtain the first information included in the second message.

[0308] If the second device receives the eighth message in S1209, then in S1210, the second device parses the eighth message through the second protocol layer to obtain the third information included in the eighth message.

[0309] S1211, the second device sends the ninth message.

[0310] Correspondingly, the first AIoT device receives the ninth message.

[0311] For example, the first device sends a ninth message to the first AIoT device via the AIoT air interface.

[0312] If, in S1210, the second device receives the first information included in the second message, then the ninth message includes the first information.

[0313] If, in S1210, the second device receives the third information included in the eighth message, then the ninth message includes the third information.

[0314] Optionally, method 1200 may also include steps S1212 to S1223.

[0315] S1212, the first AIoT device sends the tenth message.

[0316] Correspondingly, the second device receives the tenth message.

[0317] The tenth message includes a fourth piece of information, which is related to the first AIoT service. For example, if the first AIoT service is a write command service, the fourth piece of information may include write feedback. As another example, if the first AIoT service is an inventory service, the fourth piece of information may include the device ID or an encrypted device ID.

[0318] For example, the first AIoT device sends the tenth message to the second device via the AIoT air interface.

[0319] S1213, the second device obtains the fourth information based on the tenth message.

[0320] S1214, the second device generates the eleventh message through the second protocol layer.

[0321] The eleventh message includes the fourth message.

[0322] For example, if the second protocol layer is called the XXAP layer, the eleventh message can be called the XXAP message. The eleventh message can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0323] S1215, the twelfth message is generated through the third protocol layer.

[0324] The twelfth message includes the eleventh message.

[0325] The twelfth message can be an RRC message. For example, the twelfth message can be named an uplink information transmission message or an AIoT uplink transmission message, or it can be named by other names. This application does not limit the name of the twelfth message.

[0326] S1216, the second device sends the twelfth message.

[0327] Correspondingly, the first device receives the twelfth message.

[0328] S1217, the first device parses the twelfth message through the third protocol layer.

[0329] The first device can parse the twelfth message through the third protocol layer to obtain the eleventh message included in the twelfth message.

[0330] Optionally, if the protocol stack of the first device includes a second protocol layer, then method 1200 may further include S1218 and S1219.

[0331] S1218, the first device parses the eleventh message through the second protocol layer.

[0332] The first device can obtain the fourth information by parsing the eleventh message through the second protocol layer.

[0333] S1219, the first device generates the thirteenth message through the second protocol layer.

[0334] The thirteenth message includes the fifth information, which is related to the fourth information; in other words, the fifth information is determined by the first device based on the fourth information. Specifically, the first device can perform one or more of the following processes on the fourth information to obtain the fifth information: deletion, filtering, mapping, modification, or addition of auxiliary information, etc.

[0335] It should be understood that the fourth piece of information is related to the first AIoT business, and the fifth piece of information is related to the fourth piece of information. Therefore, the fifth piece of information is related to the first AIoT business.

[0336] For example, if the second protocol layer is called the XXAP layer, the thirteenth message can be called the XXAP message. The thirteenth message can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0337] S1220, the first device generates the fourteenth message through the first protocol layer.

[0338] For example, if method 1200 does not execute S1218 and S1219, then the fourteenth message includes the eleventh message.

[0339] For example, if method 1200 executes S1218 and S1219, then the fourteenth message includes the thirteenth message.

[0340] Optionally, if the first message includes the fifth identifier, then the fourteenth message also includes the fifth identifier.

[0341] The fourteenth message can be an NGAP message. For example, the fourteenth message can be named NGAP: AIoT ULTransport message. The fourteenth message can also be named by other names, and this application does not limit this. The name of the fourteenth message can be the same as the name of the first message, and this application does not limit this.

[0342] S1221, the first device sends the fourteenth message.

[0343] Correspondingly, the first core network element receives the fourteenth message.

[0344] S1222, the first core network element parses the fourteenth message through the first protocol layer.

[0345] For example, if method 1200 does not execute S1218 and S1219, the second device parses the fourteenth message to obtain the eleventh message.

[0346] For example, if method 1200 executes S1218 and S1219, the second device parses the fourteenth message to obtain the thirteenth message.

[0347] S1223, the first core network element parses the eleventh or thirteenth message through the second protocol layer.

[0348] If the first core network element receives the eleventh message in S1222, then in S1223, the first core network element parses the eleventh message through the second protocol layer to obtain the fourth information included in the eleventh message.

[0349] If the first core network element receives the thirteenth message in S1222, then in S1223, the first core network element parses the thirteenth message through the second protocol layer to obtain the fifth information included in the thirteenth message.

[0350] In this embodiment, an AIoT proprietary protocol layer is introduced to transmit AIoT service-related information. This AIoT proprietary protocol layer is carried within the existing protocol layer, thereby enabling signaling and / or data transmission between the reader / writer and core network elements. Furthermore, by carrying the AIoT proprietary protocol layer within the existing protocol layer, it can be applied to different communication systems without increasing interface design and implementation complexity.

[0351] The following is combined with Figure 13 The protocol stack architecture involved in Method 1200 is described.

[0352] like Figure 13 As shown in (a), the AIoT device includes one or more protocol layers: an upper layer for transmitting information between the AIoT device and a server (such as an AF); and an AIoT wireless protocol layer for transmitting AIoT service-related information between the AIoT device and the UEreader. The UEreader is an example of a second device.

[0353] The UEreader includes one or more of the following protocol layers: AIoT radio protocol layer; XXAP, used to transmit information related to AIoT services; RRC, used to transmit signaling between the UEreader and gNB; PDCP; RLC; MAC; and PHY. The functions of one or more of the protocol layers PDCP, RLC, MAC, or PHY can refer to existing protocols or standards.

[0354] The gNB includes one or more of the following protocol layers: NGAP, used to provide signaling services between the gNB and the AIoT CN; SCTP; IP; L1; L2; PDCP; RRC; RLC; MAC; PHY. gNB refers to a gNB that supports AIoT. The gNB is an example of a first device.

[0355] AIoT CN includes one or more of the following protocol layers: upper layer, XXAP, NGAP, SCTP, IP, L1, or L2. AIoT CN is an example of a first core network element.

[0356] Optional, such as Figure 13 As shown in (b), gNB can also include the XXAP layer.

[0357] As mentioned above, the first device involved in this embodiment can be an ORAN architecture. The following will combine... Figure 14 Taking the first device as an example, the above will be briefly introduced. Figure 9 The communication method shown is applied in the ORAN architecture. In the ORAN architecture, the gNB can be extended into CU and DU.

[0358] For example, Figure 14 The method shown includes the following steps.

[0359] S1401, the first core network element sends the first message.

[0360] Accordingly, DU receives the first message.

[0361] The first message is generated by the first core network element through the first protocol layer. For a more detailed description of the first protocol layer and the first message, please refer to S902 in Method 900 above.

[0362] The first message includes the second message, which is generated by the first core network element through the second protocol layer. Further description of the second protocol layer and the second message can be found in S901 of method 900 above.

[0363] The second message includes the first information. For more details on the first information, please refer to S901 in Method 900 above.

[0364] S1402, CU sends message #5.

[0365] Correspondingly, DU receives message #5.

[0366] Message #5 includes either the second message or the first message.

[0367] For example, if the CU does not include a second protocol layer, after the CU receives the first message, it can parse the first message through the first protocol layer to obtain the second message, and then send message #5 to the DU. Message #5 includes the second message.

[0368] If the CU includes a second protocol layer, after receiving the first message, the CU first parses the first message through the first protocol layer to obtain the second message, then parses the second message through the second protocol layer to obtain the first information, and then sends message #5 to the DU. Message #5 includes the first information.

[0369] Optionally, if the first message includes a second identifier, the CU identifies the DU based on the second identifier.

[0370] Message #5 can be an F1 application protocol (F1AP) message. For example, message #5 can be named F1AP: AIoT DL Transport message, and message #5 can also be named by other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0371] S1403, DU sends the third message.

[0372] Correspondingly, the first AIoT device receives the third message.

[0373] The third message includes the first message.

[0374] It should be noted that if message #5 includes a second message, then DU first parses the second message through the second protocol layer to obtain the first information, and then sends the third message to the first AIoT device.

[0375] Optionally, method 1400 also includes S1404 to S1406.

[0376] S1404, the first AIoT device sends the fourth message.

[0377] Correspondingly, DU receives the fourth message.

[0378] The fourth message includes the second information. For a more detailed description of the second information, please refer to S907 in Method 900 above.

[0379] S1405, DU sends message #6.

[0380] Correspondingly, the CU receives message #6.

[0381] After receiving the fourth message, DU can obtain the second information based on the fourth message.

[0382] If the DU includes a second protocol layer, the DU can generate a fifth message through the second protocol layer, and then send message #6 to the CU. Message #6 includes the fifth message. The fifth message includes the second information. Further description of the fifth message can be found in S909 of method 900 above.

[0383] If the DU does not include a second protocol layer, then message #6 sent by the DU to the CU includes the second information.

[0384] Message #6 can be an F1AP message. For example, message #6 can be named F1AP: AIoT UL Transport message, and message #6 can also be named by other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0385] S1406, CU sends the sixth message.

[0386] Correspondingly, the first core network element receives the sixth message.

[0387] If message #6 includes message #5, then CU generates message #6 through the first protocol layer, and message #6 includes message #5.

[0388] If message #6 includes the second information, then the CU first generates the fifth message through the second protocol layer, and then generates the sixth message through the first protocol layer. The sixth message includes the fifth message.

[0389] For a more detailed description of the sixth message, please refer to S910 in Method 900 above.

[0390] Correspondingly, after the first core network element receives the sixth message, it first parses the sixth message through the first protocol layer to obtain the fifth message, and then parses the fifth message through the second protocol layer to obtain the second information.

[0391] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0392] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0393] It should also be understood that in some of the above embodiments, exemplary examples are mainly provided using devices in existing network architectures (such as AIoT devices or core network elements). It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0394] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0395] The following combination Figures 15 to 17 The communication device provided in this application is described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the above method embodiments, and some content will not be repeated here.

[0396] This application embodiment can divide the transmitting or receiving device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0397] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1500 includes a transceiver module 1510 and a processing module 1520. The transceiver module 1510 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 1520 is used for data processing. In other words, the transceiver module 1510 is used to perform operations related to receiving and sending, and the processing module 1520 is used to perform other operations besides receiving and sending. The transceiver module 1510 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0398] Optionally, the device 1500 may further include a storage module 1530, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 1520 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device can perform the actions in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0399] In one design, the device 1500 may correspond to the first device in the above method embodiment.

[0400] The device 1500 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1510 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1520 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments.

[0401] In one possible implementation, transceiver module 1510 is used to receive a first message from a first core network element. Processing module 1520 is used to parse the first message through a first protocol layer to obtain a second message. Processing module 1520 is also used to parse the second message through a second protocol layer to obtain first information, which is related to a first AIoT service. Transceiver module 1510 is also used to send a third message to a first AIoT device, the third message including the first information.

[0402] Among them, when the device 1500 is used to perform Figure 9When the method is in use, the transceiver module 1510 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S903, S906, S907 or S911. The processing module 1520 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S904, S905, S908, S909 or S910.

[0403] When the device 1500 is used to perform Figure 12 When the method is in use, the transceiver module 1510 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1203, S1208, S1216 or S1221. The processing module 1520 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1204 to S1207, or S1217 to S1220.

[0404] When the device 1500 is used to perform Figure 14 When the method is executed, the transceiver module 1510 can be used to perform the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1401 to S1406. The processing module 1520 can be used to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0405] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0406] In another design, the device 1500 may correspond to the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0407] The device 1500 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second device in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1510 can be used to perform transceiver-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1520 can be used to perform processing-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0408] In one possible implementation, transceiver module 1510 is used to receive a seventh message from the first device. Processing module 1520 is used to parse the seventh message through a third protocol layer to obtain an eighth message. Processing module 1520 is also used to parse the eighth message through a second protocol layer to obtain third information, which is related to the first AIoT service. Transceiver module 1510 is also used to send a ninth message to the first AIoT device, which includes the third information.

[0409] Among them, when the device 1500 is used to perform Figure 12 When the method is in use, the transceiver module 1510 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1208, S1211, S1212, or S1216. The processing module 1520 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1209, S1210, S1213, S1214, or S1215.

[0410] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0411] In another design, the device 1500 may correspond to the first core network element in the above method embodiment.

[0412] The device 1500 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first core network element in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 1510 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first core network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 1520 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first core network element in the above method embodiment.

[0413] In one possible implementation, processing module 1520 is configured to generate a second message via a second protocol layer, the second message including first information related to a first AIoT service. Processing module 1520 is also configured to generate a first message via a first protocol layer, the first message including the second message. Transceiver module 1510 is configured to send the first message to a first device.

[0414] Among them, when the device 1500 is used to perform Figure 9 When the method is in use, the transceiver module 1510 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S903 or S911. The processing module 1520 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S901, S902, S912 or S913.

[0415] When the device 1500 is used to perform Figure 12 When the method is in use, the transceiver module 1510 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1203 or S1221. The processing module 1520 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as S1201, S1202, S1222 or S1223.

[0416] When the device 1500 is used to perform Figure 14 When the method is executed, the transceiver module 1510 can be used to perform the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as S1401 or S1406. The processing module 1520 can be used to perform the processing steps in the method.

[0417] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0418] It should also be understood that the device 1500 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1500 may be specifically a mobility management network element in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management network element in the above method embodiments; or, the device 1500 may be specifically a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0419] The apparatus 1500 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the apparatus (such as the first apparatus, the second apparatus, or the first core network element) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, respectively executing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0420] In addition, the transceiver module 1510 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module 1520 can be a processing circuit.

[0421] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1600 includes a processor 1610, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 1620, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 1620, to perform the methods in the above-described method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 1610.

[0422] Optionally, such as Figure 16 As shown, the device 1600 also includes a memory 1620 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 1620 may be integrated with the processor 1610 or may be disposed separately. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 1620.

[0423] Optionally, such as Figure 16As shown, the device 1600 also includes a transceiver 1630 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 1610 is used to control the transceiver 1630 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0424] As one option, the device 1600 is used to implement the operations performed by the first device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0425] As an alternative, the device 1600 is used to perform the operations performed by the second device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0426] As an alternative, the device 1600 is used to implement the operations performed by the first core network element in the various method embodiments described above.

[0427] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can 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, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0428] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0429] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0430] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0431] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1700 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 1700 (or may also be referred to as a processing system) includes logic circuitry 1710 and an input / output interface 1720.

[0432] The logic circuit 1710 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1700. The logic circuit 1710 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1700 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 1720 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1700, outputting processed information from the chip system 1700, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1700 for processing.

[0433] As one option, the chip system 1700 is used to implement the operations performed by the first device, the second device, or the first core network element in the various method embodiments described above.

[0434] For example, logic circuit 1710 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first device, the second device, or the first core network element in the above method embodiments; input / output interface 1720 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first device, the second device, or the first core network element in the above method embodiments.

[0435] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first device, the second device, or the first core network element in the above-described method embodiments.

[0436] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the first device, the second device, or the first core network element in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0437] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first device, the second device, or the first core network element in the above-described method embodiments.

[0438] This application also provides a communication system, including one or more of the aforementioned first device, second device, or first core network element.

[0439] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0440] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0441] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application.

[0442] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0443] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0444] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0445] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0446] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0447] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, the method being applied to a first apparatus, characterized in that, The method comprises: receiving a first message from a first core network element; parsing the first message through a first protocol layer to obtain a second message; parsing the second message through a second protocol layer to obtain first information, the first information being related to a first environment Internet of Things (AIoT) service; sending a third message to a first AIoT device, the third message comprising the first information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a fourth message from the first AIoT device; obtaining second information according to the fourth message, the second information being related to the first AIoT service; generating a fifth message through the second protocol layer, the fifth message comprising the second information; generating a sixth message through the first protocol layer, the sixth message comprising the fifth message; sending the sixth message to the first core network element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message further comprises a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the first device.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein sending a third message to a first AIoT device comprises: sending the third message to the first AIoT device through a first unit, the first device comprising the first unit.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The first message further comprises a second identifier, the second identifier being used to identify the first unit.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein receiving a fourth message from the first AIoT device comprises: receiving the fourth message from the first AIoT device through a first unit, the first device comprising the first unit.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The first unit comprises any one of a reader, a transmission point, a radio remote unit, an active antenna unit, or a distributed unit.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first core network element comprises an AIoT core network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first device comprises an access network device or a chip in an access network device, and the first protocol layer is a next generation application protocol (NGAP) layer.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first device comprises a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device, and the first protocol layer is a non-access stratum (NAS).

11. A communication method, the method being applied to a second device, characterized in that, The method comprises: receiving a seventh message from a first device; parsing the seventh message through a third protocol layer to obtain an eighth message; parsing the eighth message through a second protocol layer to obtain third information, the third information being related to a first environment Internet of Things (AIoT) service; sending a ninth message to a first AIoT device, the ninth message comprising the third information.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a tenth message from the first AIoT device; obtaining fourth information according to the tenth message, the fourth information being related to the first AIoT service; generating an eleventh message through the second protocol layer, the eleventh message comprising the fourth information; generating a twelfth message through the third protocol layer, the twelfth message comprising the eleventh message; sending the twelfth message to the first device.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The third protocol layer is a radio resource control (RRC) layer.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The second device comprises a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The first device comprises an access network device or a chip in an access network device.

16. A communication method, the method being applied to a first core network element, characterized in that, The method comprises: generating, by a second protocol layer, a second message, the second message comprising first information, the first information being related to a first AIoT service; generating, by a first protocol layer, a first message, the first message comprising the second message; sending the first message to a first device.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a sixth message from the first device; parsing, by the first protocol layer, the sixth message to obtain a fifth message; parsing, by the second protocol layer, the fifth message to obtain second information, the second information being related to the first AIoT service.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The first message further comprises a first identifier, the first identifier being used to identify the first device.

19. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein, The first message further comprises a second identifier, the second identifier being used to identify a first unit, the first device comprising the first unit, the first unit being in communication with an AIoT device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The first unit comprises any one of a reader / writer, a transmission point, a radio remote unit, an active antenna unit, or a distributed unit.

21. The method of any one of claims 16-20, wherein, The first core network element comprises an AIoT core network element.

22. The method of any one of claims 16-21, wherein, The first device comprises an access network device or a chip in an access network device, the first protocol layer being a next generation application protocol (NGAP) layer.

23. The method of any one of claims 16-18, wherein, The first device comprises a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device, the first protocol layer being a non-access stratum (NAS) layer.

24. A communication device, the communication device being a first device, characterized by A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

25. The communication apparatus according to claim 24, wherein, The communication device comprises an access network device or a chip in an access network device, or the communication device comprises a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.

26. A communication apparatus, the communication apparatus being a second apparatus, characterized by: A method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15.

27. The communication apparatus according to claim 26, wherein The communication device comprises a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.

28. A communications device, characterized by A method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 23.

29. The communication apparatus according to claim 28, wherein The communication device comprises a core network element or a chip in a core network element.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium is included in a communication device, the computer readable storage medium storing computer instructions which, when executed, cause a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 to be implemented.

31. A computer program product, the computer program product being embodied in a communication device, characterized in that The computer program product, when executed, causes a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23 to be implemented.

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