Communication method, communication device and communication system for determining intermediate node

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method, a communication device and a communication system for determining an intermediate node, and provides a clear scheme for selection of the intermediate node. The method is applied to a first network element, the first network element has an Internet of Things service capability, and the method comprises: determining a first intermediate node based on a first mode, the first mode comprising determining the first intermediate node based on a pre-configured intermediate node and / or a service area, the first intermediate node being used for providing a service for an Internet of Things device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication, and in particular to a communication method for determining an intermediate node, a communication apparatus and a communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, the protocol defines two transmission topologies of Internet of Things data. The first is that the core network transmits data with the Internet of Things device through the access network device, and the second is that the core network transmits data with the Internet of Things device through the access network device and the intermediate node.

[0003] For the second transmission topology, there is no clear solution on how to select the intermediate node. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a communication method for determining an intermediate node, a communication apparatus and a communication system, which provides a clear solution for the selection of the intermediate node.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for determining an intermediate node is provided, which is applied to a first network element having Internet of Things service capability, and includes: determining a first intermediate node based on a first mode, the first mode including determining the first intermediate node based on a pre-configured intermediate node and / or a service area, the first intermediate node being used to provide service for an Internet of Things device.

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide the first network element with the mode of determining the first intermediate node based on the pre-configured intermediate node and / or determining the first intermediate node based on the service area, thereby providing a clear solution for determining the first intermediate node.

[0007] In some implementations, before the determining the first intermediate node based on the first mode, the method further includes: determining the first mode based on first information corresponding to an application function, the first information including one or more of the following information: a mode of pre-subscription of the application function, first indication information, configuration information of the pre-configured intermediate node, second indication information, and information of a first policy, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate whether there is a pre-configured intermediate node, the second indication information is used to indicate whether there is the first policy, and the first policy is a policy of determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

[0008] By setting the first information for the application function, when performing the service related to the application function, the first mode can be determined based on the first information corresponding to the application function, so that the determined first mode meets the requirements of the application function, and the selection of the first intermediate node is more reasonable.

[0009] In some implementations, if the first method includes at least determining the first intermediate node based on the pre-configured intermediate nodes, then the first intermediate node is one or more intermediate nodes among the pre-configured intermediate nodes.

[0010] Since the pre-configured intermediate nodes are set in advance, determining the first intermediate node based on the pre-configured intermediate nodes can reduce the complexity of determining the first intermediate node.

[0011] In some implementations, if the first method includes at least determining the first intermediate node based on the service area, then the first intermediate node is an intermediate node whose location information matches the service area.

[0012] In some implementations, determining the first intermediate node based on the first method includes: determining the first intermediate node based on the service area and a second strategy, wherein the second strategy includes one or more of the following: third indication information for indicating whether to determine the first intermediate node based on location information; first location information for determining the first intermediate node; and the validity of the first strategy.

[0013] The first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the service area. This method can dynamically select the first intermediate node according to actual needs, making the selected first intermediate node more accurate.

[0014] By setting a second strategy, the first network element can accurately select the strategy for the first intermediate node during the process of determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

[0015] In some implementations, the first location information includes one or more of the following: cell information corresponding to the service area, first geographical location corresponding to the service area, and tracking area corresponding to the service area.

[0016] In some implementations, if the first location information includes at least the cell information corresponding to the service area and / or the tracking area corresponding to the service area, then determining the first intermediate node based on the first method includes: determining a candidate intermediate node based on the registration area of ​​the intermediate node and the service area; determining the first intermediate node based on second information corresponding to the candidate intermediate node; wherein the second information includes one or more of the following: whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities; whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services; and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node.

[0017] By first performing coarse-grained screening of intermediate nodes to obtain candidate intermediate nodes, and then performing fine-grained screening of the candidate intermediate nodes to obtain the final first intermediate node, the speed of determining the first intermediate node can be improved, and the accuracy of the determined first intermediate node can also be improved.

[0018] In some implementations, if the first location information includes at least a first geographical location corresponding to the service area, then determining the first intermediate node based on the first method includes: determining a candidate intermediate node based on the registration area of ​​the intermediate node and the service area; and determining the first intermediate node based on the distance between the second geographical location of the candidate intermediate node and the first geographical location.

[0019] When determining the first intermediate node based on distance, the intermediate nodes can be coarsely filtered first. This can reduce the number of distances that need to be determined, which helps to reduce computational overhead and improve the speed of determining the first intermediate node.

[0020] In some implementations, determining the first intermediate node based on the distance between the second geographical location of the candidate intermediate node and the first geographical location includes: determining the first intermediate node based on the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location and third information; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities; whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services; and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node.

[0021] When determining the first intermediate node based on distance, information such as the intermediate node's service capabilities, services executed, and coverage area can also be considered to improve the accuracy of the determined first intermediate node.

[0022] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending a first request message to a location server, the first request message being used to request the second geographic location; receiving the second geographic location sent by the location server; and determining the distance between the second geographic location and the first geographic location based on the second geographic location and the first geographic location.

[0023] By calculating the distance between the first geographical location and the second geographical location using the first network element, the computational overhead of intermediate nodes can be reduced.

[0024] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending a second request message to a location server, the second request message being used to request the distance between the second geographic location and the first geographic location; and receiving the distance between the second geographic location and the first geographic location sent by the location server.

[0025] In some implementations, the method further includes: storing fourth information corresponding to the first intermediate node, the fourth information including one or more of the following: regional information where the first intermediate node has provided IoT services; the mobility of the first intermediate node; the connection status of the first intermediate node; and the IoT service capabilities of the first intermediate node.

[0026] By storing the relevant information of the first intermediate node, when there are subsequent similar IoT service needs (such as IoT services for the same area within the same time period), the first network element can prioritize judging the first intermediate node, thereby improving the speed of determining the first intermediate node and enhancing its ability to provide services to the AF.

[0027] In some implementations, if the transmission method between the device and the application function is control plane transmission, the method further includes: sending a first message to the access network device or the first intermediate node, the first message being used by the first intermediate node to provide services to the IoT device, the first message including one or more of the following: IoT service request; fourth indication information for indicating the service area; and cell information corresponding to the pre-configured intermediate node.

[0028] In some implementations, the first message is a paging message or an IoT service request message.

[0029] In some implementations, if the transmission method between the device and the application function is user plane transmission, the method further includes: sending a second message to the application function, the second message including information of the first intermediate node, the second message being used by the application function to send an Internet of Things service request to the first intermediate node.

[0030] Secondly, another communication method for determining intermediate nodes is provided. The method is applied to a user data management network element and includes: sending first information corresponding to an application function to a first network element. The first information is used to determine a first mode. The first mode is used to determine a first intermediate node. The first mode includes determining the first intermediate node based on a pre-configured intermediate node and / or service area. The first intermediate node is used to provide services for IoT devices. The first network element has IoT service capabilities.

[0031] In some implementations, the first information includes one or more of the following: the application function pre-subscription method, first indication information, configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes, and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate whether there are pre-configured intermediate nodes, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether there is a first strategy, the first strategy being a strategy for determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

[0032] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a third request message sent by a policy control network element, the third request message being used to request the first policy; and in response to the third request message, sending the first policy to the policy control network element.

[0033] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a fourth request message sent by a policy control network element, the fourth request message being used to request a second policy; responding to the fourth request message, sending the second policy to the policy control network element; wherein the second policy is used to determine the first intermediate node, and the second policy includes one or more of the following information: third indication information, used to indicate whether to determine the first intermediate node based on location information; first location information, the first location information being used to determine the first intermediate node; and the validity of the first policy.

[0034] In some implementations, the first location information includes one or more of the following: cell information corresponding to the service area, first geographical location corresponding to the service area, and tracking area corresponding to the service area.

[0035] Thirdly, another communication method for determining intermediate nodes is provided, the method being applied to a first intermediate node, comprising: receiving an Internet of Things (IoT) service request; and responding to the IoT service request to provide services to IoT devices, wherein the first intermediate node is determined based on a first method, the first method comprising determining the first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes and / or service areas.

[0036] In some implementations, the IoT service request is sent to the first intermediate node by an application function or by a first network element, wherein the first network element has IoT service capabilities.

[0037] In some implementations, the method further includes: determining location-related information of the first intermediate node, the location-related information including the geographical location of the first intermediate node, and / or the distance between the geographical location of the first intermediate node and the geographical location corresponding to the service area; sending the location-related information to a first network element, the location-related information being used by the first network element to determine the first intermediate node, the first network element having IoT service capabilities.

[0038] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit (or module) composed of software and / or hardware, the unit being used to perform any one of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0039] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit (or module) composed of software and / or hardware, the unit being used to perform any one of the methods described in the second aspect.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit (or module) composed of software and / or hardware, the unit being used to perform any one of the methods described in the third aspect.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, including a processor; the processor is configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform any of the methods described in the first aspect.

[0042] Optionally, the chip further includes a memory, which is connected to the processor via a circuit or wire.

[0043] Alternatively, the chip may further include a communication interface.

[0044] Eighthly, a chip is provided, including a processor; the processor is configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform any of the methods described in the second aspect.

[0045] Optionally, the chip further includes a memory, which is connected to the processor via a circuit or wire.

[0046] Alternatively, the chip may further include a communication interface.

[0047] In a ninth aspect, a chip is provided, including a processor; the processor is configured to read and execute a computer program stored in a memory to perform any of the methods described in the third aspect.

[0048] Optionally, the chip further includes a memory, which is connected to the processor via a circuit or wire.

[0049] Alternatively, the chip may further include a communication interface.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, a first network element is provided, the first network element comprising: a processor, a memory, and an interface; the processor, memory, and interface cooperate with each other to enable the first network element to execute any one of the technical solutions described in the first aspect; or to include any one of the chips described in the seventh aspect.

[0051] In the eleventh aspect, a user data management network element is provided, the user data management network element comprising: a processor, a memory, and an interface; the processor, memory, and interface cooperate with each other to enable the user data management network element to execute any one of the methods in the technical solution described in the second aspect; or to include any one of the chips described in the eighth aspect.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect, a first intermediate node is provided, the first intermediate node comprising: a processor, a memory, and an interface; the processor, memory, and interface cooperate with each other to enable the first intermediate node to execute any one of the technical solutions described in the third aspect; or to include any one of the chips described in the ninth aspect.

[0053] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the processor performs any one of the methods of the technical solutions described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0054] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any one of the technical solutions described in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0055] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first network element, a user data management network element, and a first intermediate node, wherein the first network element is configured to execute any of the methods described in the first aspect, the user data management network element is configured to execute any of the methods described in the second aspect, and the first intermediate node is configured to execute any of the methods described in the third aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is the architecture of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 2 The structure of an IoT communication system is shown;

[0058] Figure 3 This illustrates a network structure for an IoT communication system;

[0059] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process between a reader and a device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a topology diagram of IoT data transmission through the control plane provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a topology diagram of IoT data transmission through the user plane provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for determining intermediate nodes provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the process by which the core network determines the UE based on a static method for control plane transmission, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the process by which the core network determines the UE in a dynamic manner for control plane transmission, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the process by which the core network determines the UE based on a static method for user plane transmission, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the process by which the core network determines the UE based on a static method for user plane transmission, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system 10 used in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a radio access network (RAN) 100, wherein the RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110, may also include at least one terminal device (such as...). Figure 1 RAN100, denoted as RAN100, comprises RAN nodes 120a-120j, collectively referred to as RAN120. RAN100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. Terminal devices and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Communication system 10 may also include core network 200. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 via wireless or wired means. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be independent physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating the logical functions of core network equipment and RAN node. Communication system 10 may also include Internet 300.

[0072] RAN 100 can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). RAN 100 can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems.

[0073] RAN nodes, also known as radio access network equipment, RAN entities, or access nodes, are used to help terminal devices access communication systems wirelessly. In one application scenario, an RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G mobile communication systems, a next-generation base station in 6G mobile communication systems, or a base station in future mobile communication systems. RAN nodes can also be macro base stations (such as...) Figure 1110a in the text), can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as... Figure 1 110b in the middle can also be a relay node or a donor node.

[0074] In another application scenario, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to help terminal devices achieve wireless access, with different RAN nodes implementing different functions of the base station. For example, a RAN node can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), or a radio unit (RU). Here, the CU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Resource Control (RRC) and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and can also perform the functions of the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's Radio Link Control (RANC) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of these protocol layers, refer to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications. The RU can be used to implement radio frequency signal transmission and reception. The CU and DU can be two independent RAN nodes, or they can be integrated into the same RAN node, such as within a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment, such as remote radio units (RRUs) or active antenna units (AAUs). CUs can be further divided into two types of RAN nodes: CU-control plane and CU-user plane.

[0075] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, a CU can be called an open CU (O-CU), a DU can be called an open DU (O-DU), and an RU can be called an open RU (O-RU). The RAN nodes in the embodiments of this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. For example, a RAN node can be a server loaded with the corresponding software modules. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the RAN nodes. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of a RAN node in the following description.

[0076] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, capable of sending signals to or receiving signals from a base station. Terminal devices can also be referred to as terminals, user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminals, etc. They can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0077] Base stations and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminal equipment.

[0078] The roles of base stations and terminal devices can be relative, for example, Figure 1 The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0079] Communication between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, and between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for communication.

[0080] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal device can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal device functions.

[0081] The rise of IoT technology has presented new challenges to communication systems. Use cases for IoT terminal devices can include logistics, warehousing, factory automation, and animal husbandry. IoT terminal devices and network devices can engage in intermittent, simple communication or coarse location tracking. Even the simplest IoT terminal devices, such as NB-IoT devices used for electricity metering, require batteries for power. However, despite their low energy consumption, the batteries inside IoT terminal devices can only last for a few years before eventually running out of power. Therefore, the batteries of IoT terminal devices need to be replaced regularly, which consumes a significant amount of manpower. Furthermore, some industrial scenarios are inherently dangerous and unsuitable for manual operation. Therefore, battery-free IoT terminal devices have emerged.

[0082] Battery-free IoT devices are numerous and inexpensive, generally requiring no further manual maintenance after installation. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices can, to some extent, meet the demand for battery-free IoT devices. However, the operation of RFID systems still requires human intervention. For example, some RFID systems require manual handheld readers. Moreover, the wireless coverage of a single RFID reader is limited (within 10 meters), so large-scale RFID systems require more human intervention. For instance, using an RFID system to inventory goods in a large supermarket requires significant manpower, resources, and time.

[0083] Transplanting systems like RFID into cellular networks can effectively solve the problem of limited coverage. This is because cellular networks (such as 4G and 5G systems) have already achieved nationwide coverage or at least coverage of major cities in some countries or regions. Based on this wider network coverage, communication and positioning between IoT terminal devices and network devices can be achieved without human intervention. Therefore, IoT terminal devices can operate continuously and efficiently. Furthermore, IoT terminal devices can even operate efficiently in environments unsuitable for human intervention (such as open fields, mines, and factories). Therefore, when applying IoT terminal devices, aside from the initial association with a specific object, subsequent data reading, writing, and maintenance can be performed through applications (APPs) on smartphones, which is very convenient and efficient. Such a communication system can be called an IoT communication system (or AIoT communication system) or a zero-power communication system.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the IoT communication system may include a network device 210 and a terminal device 220. The terminal device 220 may also be a zero-power terminal device. The network device 210 can be referred to as a reader, and the terminal device 220 can be referred to as a tag or device. The IoT communication system employs energy harvesting and backscatter communication technologies. The network device 210 can send wireless power signals and downlink communication signals to the terminal device 220, and receive backscatter signals from the terminal device 220. A basic terminal device 220 may include an energy harvesting module 221, a backscatter communication module 222, and a low-power computing module 223. Furthermore, the terminal device 220 may also include a memory module (not shown) for storing basic information (such as item identification). Alternatively, the terminal device 220 may also include a sensor module 224 for acquiring sensor data such as ambient temperature and humidity.

[0085] Use cases for IoT communication systems can be categorized into four main types: inventory, sensors, tracking, and commands. Inventory refers to checking for missing or damaged goods when they enter or leave a warehouse. Common sensors include those for temperature, pressure, and humidity. Sensors can be used in industry, agriculture, and smart cities, and the information collected by them can be uploaded to a third-party app for monitoring and management via the IoT system. Tracking generally refers to periodically obtaining the approximate location of objects; for example, users can use their smartphones to track the real-time location of their packages. Commands refer to operating a servo mechanism through the IoT system, which can be connected to IoT terminal devices. For example, people can use a mobile app to water plants in their backyard while working or resting in the office; the watering servo mechanism can be connected to an IoT terminal device.

[0086] The network structure of an IoT communication system can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it includes four network topologies. Figure 3 As shown in Figure (a), AIoT devices can communicate directly with base stations for uplink and downlink communication. Figure 3 In Figure (b) shown, AIoT devices can communicate with the base station via uplink and downlink through intermediate nodes. AIoT devices can communicate bidirectionally with intermediate nodes, and intermediate nodes can communicate with the base station via Uu communication. Figure 3 In Figure (c) shown, AIoT devices can communicate uplink with the base station, and the base station can communicate downlink with IoT devices through auxiliary nodes. Figure 3 As shown in Figure (d), AIoT devices can communicate uplink and downlink with other terminal devices.

[0087] AIoT devices are powered by the surrounding environment, including radio waves (RF), solar energy, thermal energy, mechanical vibration, and wind power. IoT terminal devices can be categorized into three types: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Type A and Type B devices can only communicate by reflecting and modulating received radio waves, a communication method known as backscattering. This means that Type A and Type B devices cannot actively transmit radio signals, and their power ranges from 1 to 10 microwatts (μW). Type A devices have the lowest transmission power and the lowest hardware complexity, approaching the level of RFID devices. Type B devices have slightly more complex hardware, including signal amplification devices and some energy storage devices, resulting in a longer communication distance between Type B devices and network devices compared to Type A devices. Type C devices have the ability to actively transmit radio waves, with a transmission power of approximately 1 to 10 milliwatts (mW), and can store a certain amount of energy. All three types of terminal devices can obtain energy from the environment and can operate continuously for several years or even more than 10 years. Furthermore, to conserve energy, Type A and Type B terminal devices are essentially in a dormant state until a network device triggers a communication process with them. They only begin operating after being activated by the network device's wireless signal.

[0088] Figure 4 The interaction process between the reader and the device is illustrated. This process can be divided into three stages: the AIoT paging stage, the device-to-reader (D2R) data transmission stage, and the data transmission stage.

[0089] The AIoT paging phase includes step S410, where the reader sends an AIoT paging message to the device to page the device. The paging message can be understood as an (initial) trigger message.

[0090] The D2R data transmission phase includes steps S420 and S430. In step S420, the device initiates a random connection with the reader. The device can initiate a random connection with the reader after receiving an AIoT paging message sent by the reader.

[0091] The random access procedure in this application can be a four-step random access procedure or a two-step random access procedure; the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit it in this way.

[0092] In some implementations, if there is already a context between the reader and the device, step S420 can be skipped, i.e., the random access procedure is not performed.

[0093] In step S430, after random access is completed, the device sends D2R data to the reader. In some implementations, the D2R data may include the device's identifier, and the device can send its device identifier (device ID) to the reader. By sending the device's identifier to the reader, the reader can store the device's information.

[0094] The data transmission phase includes steps S440 and S450. In step S440, the reader sends reader-to-device (R2D) data to the device.

[0095] In step S450, the device sends D2R data to the reader.

[0096] pass Figure 4 The interactive flow shown can realize IoT services. IoT services can include inventory services, command services, registration services, sensor services, and tracking services, etc. IoT services can also be called IoT business. The following uses inventory services and command services as examples to introduce the execution process of IoT services.

[0097] For disk storage services, the reader can send a disk storage request to the device through step S410 (i.e., the paging message may include a disk storage request), and the device can send a disk storage response to the reader through step S430. The disk storage response may include the device's device identifier (i.e., the D2R data may include the device's device identifier).

[0098] There are two execution processes for command services, which will be described below.

[0099] For example, the reader can first page the device in step S410, and after receiving the device identifier in step S430, send a command request to the device in step S440, meaning the command request is included in the R2D data. After the device executes the command, it can send a response to the reader in step S450.

[0100] For example, the reader can send a command request to the device through step S410, and the device can send a response to the reader through step S430.

[0101] The reader in this embodiment can support communication with one or more IoT devices. The reader can be a UE (User Equipment), which can be called a UEreader. The reader can also be a RAN node, which can be called a RANreader.

[0102] AIoT devices can interact with external application functions (AFs) via a network. This network could be, for example, a 3GPP cellular network. Currently, 3GPP is in the early stages of defining the functions, interaction processes, and interaction content of AIoT devices.

[0103] From the RAN perspective, 3GPP defines two data transmission topologies for AIoT devices. Topology 1 is: Base station <--> AIoT device. Topology 2 is: Base station <--> intermediate node <--> AIoT device.

[0104] In some implementations, the intermediate node can be a UE (User Equipment), which can perform the reader function under the control of the network. The intermediate node will sometimes be referred to as a UE reader in the following text.

[0105] Currently, there is no clear solution regarding how to select intermediate nodes.

[0106] The following section uses UEreader as an example to introduce the application scenarios of this application embodiment.

[0107] When selecting Topology 2 as the data transmission topology, 3GPP is still developing a data transmission scheme for AIoT devices within the core network (from the core network's perspective). One scheme is the control plane (CP) transmission scheme, and the other is the user plane (UP) transmission scheme.

[0108] A schematic diagram of the control plane transmission scheme is shown below. Figure 5 As shown. See also Figure 5If the AF needs to send data to AIoT devices, it can do so through the network exposure function (NEF), access and mobility management function (AMF), AIoT network function (AIoT NF), RAN, or UE reader. AIoT NF can also be referred to as AIoT-F. Figure 5 The core network element shown is only one example. The AF can also send data to the UE reader through other core network elements. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0109] In the control plane transmission scheme, the core network needs to select a suitable UEreader as the control plane path for AIoT services.

[0110] A schematic diagram of the user plane transmission scheme is shown below. Figure 6 As shown. See also Figure 6 If the AF needs to send data to the AIoT device, the AF can send data to the AIoT device through the user plane function (UPF), RAN, or UEreader.

[0111] In the user plane transmission scheme, the core network needs to select a suitable UE reader as the user plane path for AIoT services. Additionally, assuming the destination address of the data packets to be transmitted by the AF is the UE, the AF needs to know the UE reader's information, such as the UE's identification information.

[0112] In AIoT scenarios, if topology 2 is chosen for AIoT data transmission and reception, regardless of whether a user plane or control plane transmission scheme is used, the core network needs to select a UE (User Equipment) as a reader on the transmission path to communicate with the AIoT devices. How to select an intermediate node (such as a UE reader) is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0113] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, communication device, and communication system for determining intermediate nodes. By determining a first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes and / or service areas, a clear solution is provided for determining the first intermediate node.

[0114] The first intermediate node is a node located between the access network device and the device (or IoT device). This first intermediate node can receive service requests from the access network device and provide IoT services to the device. The IoT device can be, for example, an AIoT device.

[0115] In this embodiment, the service provided by the first intermediate node to the IoT device can be any type of IoT service, such as inventory service, command service, registration service, tracking service, and sensor service. Commands can include one or more of the following: read, write, lock, disable / kill, enable, etc.

[0116] The first intermediate node can be a terminal device, such as a User Equipment (UE). This terminal device can be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal. For example, the terminal device can be a fixed terminal device in a warehouse. Or, the terminal device can be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone, watch, smart bracelet, laptop, tablet, etc.

[0117] In some implementations, the first intermediate node can also be called a reader, such as UEreader.

[0118] The intermediate node in the embodiments of this application can also be replaced with a relay node.

[0119] The following is combined Figure 7 This application provides a detailed description of the communication method for determining intermediate nodes provided in its embodiments. Figure 7 The method shown can be executed by the first network element.

[0120] The first network element is a core network element. The first network element can communicate with access network devices (such as base stations). The first network element can support AIoT services, or the first network element has IoT service capabilities. For example, the first network element can be AMF, AIoT-F, or AIoT NF.

[0121] The first network element can send data from the AF to the access network device, or the first network element can communicate with the AF to provide IoT-related services to the AF.

[0122] The AIoT NF network element is responsible for handling the logic of AIoT services, specifically including one or more of the following: executing AIoT service requests in the network (e.g., inventory, command, registration, etc.) and processing the corresponding AIoT service NAS messages; supporting inventory, command, registration, and message routing for AIoT devices; authorizing AIoT service requests; verifying the identification (e.g., identification ID) of AIoT devices and performing operations to protect AIoT devices when necessary; collecting AIoT data and summarizing reports; collecting billing information, etc. Of course, the naming of the AIoT NF network element here is just an example; other naming methods can also be used, and no limitation is made here. Furthermore, the AIoT NF network element can be seen as an upgrade based on the AMF network element. The AIoT NF network element can be deployed together with the AMF network element or separately, and no limitation is made here.

[0123] See Figure 7 In step S710, the first network element determines the first intermediate node based on the first method. In this embodiment, determining the first intermediate node can also be understood as selecting the first intermediate node.

[0124] The first intermediate node may include one or more intermediate nodes, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0125] In some implementations, the first approach may include determining the first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes; this approach is sometimes referred to as the static determination approach below. Pre-configured intermediate nodes can also be called static intermediate nodes. Taking the UE as an example, the pre-configured intermediate nodes can be a pre-configured UE reader list.

[0126] The static determination method refers to the ability to pre-configure one or more intermediate nodes for the AF. When an IoT service request is received from the AF, the pre-configured intermediate nodes can be used as the first intermediate node, or some intermediate nodes can be selected from the pre-configured intermediate nodes as the first intermediate node.

[0127] In some implementations, the first intermediate node can be determined based on a pre-configured set of intermediate nodes. As an example, the first intermediate node can be one or more of the pre-configured intermediate nodes. As another example, the first intermediate node includes all the pre-configured intermediate nodes. As yet another example, the first intermediate node is a subset of the pre-configured intermediate nodes.

[0128] Pre-configured intermediate nodes can be configured for AFs, and different AFs can correspond to different intermediate nodes.

[0129] Pre-configured intermediate nodes can be determined based on the AF's service area (such as an inventory area). The coverage of the pre-configured intermediate nodes matches the AF's service area; in other words, the pre-configured intermediate nodes can provide services to devices within the AF's service area.

[0130] If the service area of ​​an AF (Automatic Attachment) is relatively fixed, intermediate nodes can be pre-configured for that AF. When the AF subsequently has IoT service needs, the pre-configured intermediate nodes can provide services to the AF, thus reducing the overhead of selecting intermediate nodes.

[0131] In some implementations, the first approach may include determining the first intermediate node based on the service area; this approach is sometimes referred to as the dynamic determination approach below.

[0132] A service area can refer to the area where the AF (Automatic Feedback Provider) needs to provide services, or the area where the AF performs services. For example, for inventory services, the service area can refer to the area where the AF needs to perform inventory. Similarly, for command services, the service area can refer to the area where the AF needs to send commands. For tracking services, the service area can refer to the area where the AF needs to track. For sensor services, the service area can refer to the area where the AF needs to send sensor requests. And for registration services, the service area can refer to the area where the AF needs to register.

[0133] The service area information can be internal area information or external area information. Internal area information can refer to 3GPP internal area information. For example, the service area information can be cell information. Alternatively, the service area can be geographical location information.

[0134] The service area can be determined by the AF (Application Function). When sending an IoT service request, the AF can specify the service area. The service area specified by the AF can be external area information. Core network elements (such as the NEF) can map the addresses, converting this external area information into internal area information. For example, the AF can send an IoT service request to the NEF, which may include external area information. After receiving the IoT service request, the NEF can convert the external area information into internal area information.

[0135] IoT service requests can include one or more of the following: inventory requests, command requests, tracking requests, and sensor requests.

[0136] In some implementations, the AF can send an IoT service request to the first network element. In response to the IoT service request, the first network element determines the first intermediate node.

[0137] Sending an IoT service request from the AF to the first network element can mean that the AF sends the IoT service request directly to the first network element, or that the AF sends the IoT service request to the first network element through another network element. For example, the AF can first send an IoT service request to the NEF, and then the NEF can send the IoT service request to the first network element. The NEF can convert the external area information provided by the AF into internal area information and send the converted internal area information to the first network element.

[0138] In some implementations, the first approach may also include determining the first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes and service areas. For example, the first network element can select an intermediate node that matches the service area from the pre-configured intermediate nodes.

[0139] In some implementations, before the first network element determines the first intermediate node, the core network element (such as the NEF) needs to authenticate the access controller (AF). For example, when the AF requests an IoT service, it can first send an IoT service request to the NEF. After receiving the IoT service request, the NEF can authenticate the AF to determine whether the AF has the authority to make the IoT service request. If the AF has the authority to make the IoT service request, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on this first method.

[0140] In some implementations, if the AF is a trusted AF, access authentication is not required; if the AF is an untrusted AF, access authentication is required.

[0141] In some implementations, if the AF is a trusted AF, it can communicate directly with the first network element; if the AF is an untrusted AF, it needs to communicate with the first network element through the NEF.

[0142] In some implementations, the first approach can be determined based on the first information corresponding to the AF. The correspondence between AF and the first information can mean that the first information is set for the AF.

[0143] The first information may include one or more of the following: the AF pre-subscription method, first indication information, configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes, second indication information, and information of a first policy. The first indication information indicates whether there are pre-configured intermediate nodes, i.e., whether the AF corresponds to a pre-configured intermediate node. The configuration information of the pre-configured intermediate nodes may include a list of pre-configured intermediate nodes and / or identification information of the pre-configured intermediate nodes. The second indication information indicates whether there is a first policy. The first policy is a policy for determining the first intermediate node based on the service area; or, in other words, the first policy is a policy for a dynamic determination method, including how to determine the first intermediate node based on the target service area when using a dynamic determination method.

[0144] The AF pre-signing method can refer to the way the AF and the core network determine the first intermediate node. The AF pre-signing method can be understood as the method expected by the AF, the method preferred by the AF, or the method favored by the AF. In some implementations, if the first information includes the AF pre-signing method, then the AF pre-signing method can be used as the first method. The AF pre-signing method can be a statically determined method or a dynamically determined method; that is, the AF pre-signing method can be a method of determining the first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes or a method of determining the first intermediate node based on the target service area.

[0145] In some implementations, the first method can be determined based on the first indication information. For example, if the first indication information indicates that there is a pre-configured intermediate node, then the first method is a static determination method. Conversely, if the first indication information indicates that there is no pre-configured intermediate node, then the first method is a dynamic determination method.

[0146] In some implementations, the first method can be determined based on the configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes. For example, if the contract information includes the configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes, then the first method is a static determination method. Conversely, if the contract information does not include the configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes, then the first method is a dynamic determination method.

[0147] In some implementations, the first method can be determined based on the second indication information. For example, if the second indication information indicates that there is a first strategy, then the first method is a dynamic determination method; if the second indication information indicates that there is no first strategy, then the first method is a static determination method.

[0148] In some implementations, the first method can be determined based on a first strategy. For example, if the first information includes the first strategy, then the first method is a dynamically determined method; if the first information does not include the first strategy, then the first method is a statically determined method.

[0149] The first method can be determined based on one type of information in the first information, or it can be determined based on multiple types of information in the first information. This application does not specifically limit this method in its embodiments.

[0150] As an example, the first method can be determined based on the AF pre-signing method and the configuration information of the pre-configured intermediate nodes. For example, if the AF pre-signing method is a static determination method, and the first information includes the configuration information of the pre-configured intermediate nodes, then the first method is a static determination method. As another example, the first method can be determined based on the AF pre-signing method and the first indication information. For example, if the AF pre-signing method is a static determination method, and the first indication information indicates that there are pre-configured intermediate nodes, then the first method is a static determination method.

[0151] As another example, the first method can be determined based on the AF pre-signing method and the second instruction information. For example, if the AF pre-signing method is dynamically determined, and the second instruction information indicates a first policy, then the first method is a dynamically determined method. As yet another example, the first method can be determined based on the AF pre-signing method and the information of the first policy. For example, if the AF pre-signing method is dynamically determined, and the first information includes information about the first policy, then the first method is a dynamically determined method.

[0152] This application does not specifically limit the first information in its embodiments. As an example, the first information can be the contract information corresponding to the AF. The contract information can also be called the contract information of the business or the contract information of the service. For different businesses, the AF can correspond to different contract information. In some implementations, the contract information corresponding to the AF can include one or more of the following: the AF pre-contracting method, the first indication information, and the configuration information of the pre-configured intermediate node.

[0153] As another example, the first information can be the policy configuration information corresponding to the AF. Different AFs can have different policy configuration information for different services. In some implementations, the policy configuration information may include one or more of the following: the AF pre-subscription method, second instruction information, and the first policy.

[0154] In some implementations, the AF can determine the first method based on the contract information, or the AF can determine the first method based on the policy configuration information.

[0155] In some implementations, the aforementioned first information can be stored in user data management (UDM).

[0156] In some implementations, the first method can be determined by the first network element itself, or the first method can be determined by other network elements and then instructed to the first network element by those other network elements. Other network elements could be, for example, NEF.

[0157] As an example, the first network element can obtain subscription information from the UDM and determine the first method based on the subscription information. Alternatively, the first network element can obtain policy configuration information from the UDM and determine the first method based on the policy configuration information. As another example, the NEF can obtain subscription information from the UDM and determine the first method based on the subscription information. Alternatively, the NEF can obtain policy configuration information from the UDM and determine the first method based on the policy configuration information.

[0158] If the first method is a static determination method, then NEF can send the pre-configured intermediate node information to the first network element.

[0159] If the first method is a dynamically determined method, then NEF can send internal area information and / or external area information to the first network element.

[0160] In some implementations, regardless of whether the first method is static or dynamic determination, NEF can send internal area information to the first network element.

[0161] In some implementations, if the first method is a static determination method, the first network element can use the pre-configured intermediate nodes as the first intermediate node (i.e., the first intermediate node is all the pre-configured intermediate nodes).

[0162] For example, for control plane transmission, the first network element can directly send an IoT service request to a pre-configured intermediate node. If the intermediate node is in a disconnected state, the first network element can first page the pre-configured intermediate node and then send the IoT service request to it.

[0163] It should be noted that sending a message from the first network element to the intermediate node can refer to the first network element sending the message to the intermediate node through the access network device; that is, the first network element sends a message to the access network device, and then the access network device sends the message to the intermediate node. This message can be, for example, a paging message or an IoT service request message.

[0164] Access network devices can be determined based on service areas. For example, a first network element can select access network devices based on the service area and send IoT service requests to the selected access network devices. Here, the service area can be, for example, cell information.

[0165] In some implementations, if the first method is a static determination method, the first network element can select the first intermediate node from the pre-configured intermediate nodes (i.e., the first intermediate node is some or all of the pre-configured intermediate nodes).

[0166] For example, in control plane transmission, the first network element can send a first message to the access network device. This first message triggers the access network device to send an IoT service request to a first intermediate node. This first message may carry cell-related information and / or service area-related information, enabling the access network device to determine which intermediate nodes to send the IoT service request to based on the cell-related information and / or service area-related information. This allows for secondary confirmation of the intermediate node's location, reducing data transmission overhead (such as paging overhead). For example, for intermediate nodes whose service areas do not match, the access network device may not send IoT service requests or paging messages to these nodes, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0167] The relevant information for a community may include a community identifier or a list of community identifiers.

[0168] The first message can be a paging message. The format of the first message can be as shown in Table 1.

[0169] Table 1

[0170]

[0171] As shown in Table 1, the IE / Group Name field in the first message can be used to indicate cell information, and the Range field can be used to indicate the service area.

[0172] In some implementations, the first message sent by the first network element to the access network device may include information about the first intermediate node, such as the identification information of the first intermediate node, so that the access network device can determine which intermediate nodes to send IoT service requests to based on the information of the first intermediate node.

[0173] In some implementations, IoT service requests can be carried within paging messages. In other implementations, IoT service requests and paging messages can be different messages. For example, the first network element can first send a paging message to the first intermediate node, and then send an IoT service request to the first intermediate node.

[0174] If the first method is a dynamically determined method, then the first intermediate node can be an intermediate node whose location information matches the service area. For example, matching the location information of the first intermediate node with the service area can mean that the coverage area of ​​the first intermediate node at least partially overlaps with the service area, or the distance between the location of the first intermediate node and the service area is less than or equal to a preset threshold, or the location of the first intermediate node falls within the service area.

[0175] In some implementations, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the service area and the second strategy.

[0176] The second strategy is to select the first intermediate node. Taking the UEreader as the first intermediate node as an example, the second strategy can also be called the UEreader selection policy.

[0177] The second policy can be stored in the UDM. The first network element can obtain the second policy from the UDM, or the first network element can request the second policy from the policy control function (PCF), and the PCF can obtain the second policy from the UDM.

[0178] It should be noted that the second strategy may be the same as or different from the first strategy, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0179] In some implementations, the second strategy may include one or more of the following information: third indication information, first location information, validity of the second strategy, and validity of the first location information.

[0180] The third indication information is used to indicate whether the first intermediate node is determined based on location information; that is, the second strategy includes whether to determine the first intermediate node based on location information. Here, location information can refer to the location information corresponding to the service area. If the third indication information indicates that the first intermediate node is not determined based on location information, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node using other methods. If the third indication information indicates that the first intermediate node is determined based on location information, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the location information corresponding to the service area.

[0181] The first location information can be location information corresponding to the service area. For example, the first location information may include one or more of the following: cell information corresponding to the service area, first geographic location corresponding to the service area, and tracking area (TA) corresponding to the service area.

[0182] If the first location information is cell information, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the cell information corresponding to the service area. If the first location information is a geographical location, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the geographical location corresponding to the service area. If the first location information is a TA (Transmission Location), the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the TA corresponding to the service area.

[0183] Geographic location can include one or more of longitude, latitude, and street. For example, geographic location includes longitude and latitude.

[0184] In some implementations, if the second strategy is effective, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the second strategy; if the second strategy is ineffective, the first network element cannot determine the first intermediate node based on the second strategy.

[0185] In some implementations, if the first location information is valid, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the first location information; if the first location information is invalid, the first network element cannot determine the first intermediate node based on the first location information. It should be noted that the validity of the first location information can refer to the validity of the strategy for determining the first intermediate node based on the first location information.

[0186] For example, if the first location information includes cell information and a first geographical location, and if the cell information is valid while the first geographical location is invalid (i.e., the strategy of determining the first intermediate node based on the cell information is valid, but the strategy of determining the first intermediate node based on the first geographical location is invalid), then the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the cell information. Conversely, if the cell information is invalid while the first geographical location is valid (i.e., the strategy of determining the first intermediate node based on the cell information is invalid, but the strategy of determining the first intermediate node based on the first geographical location is valid), then the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the first geographical location.

[0187] If the first location information includes a location information such as cell information, then if the cell information is valid, the first network element determines the first intermediate node based on the cell information; if the cell information is invalid, the first network element determines the first intermediate node based on other methods, or the first network element does not determine the first intermediate node.

[0188] In some implementations, the first network element can first determine candidate intermediate nodes, and then select an intermediate node that matches the first location information from among the candidate intermediate nodes. By first determining candidate intermediate nodes, intermediate nodes can be screened in a coarse-grained manner. Then, by determining the first intermediate node based on the first location information, the intermediate nodes can be screened in a fine-grained manner. This can improve the speed of determining the first intermediate node and also help improve the accuracy of the determined first intermediate node.

[0189] Candidate intermediate nodes can be determined based on one or more of the following information: the intermediate node's registration area (RA), whether the intermediate node has IoT service capabilities, and whether the intermediate node has performed IoT services.

[0190] The following section uses the registration region of the intermediate node as an example to introduce the solution of this application embodiment.

[0191] In some implementations, the first network element can determine candidate intermediate nodes based on the registration and service areas of intermediate nodes. The registration and service areas of the candidate intermediate nodes match, such as when the registration and service areas of the candidate intermediate nodes at least partially overlap.

[0192] In some implementations, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the second information corresponding to the candidate intermediate node. The second information may include one or more of the following: whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities, whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services, and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node. The coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node may refer to the size of its coverage area.

[0193] In some implementations, the first network element can select candidate intermediate nodes that meet a first condition as the first intermediate node. The first condition includes: the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities, the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services, and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node meets preset conditions.

[0194] As an example, the second information includes whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities. Correspondingly, the first condition may include whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities. The first network element may select an intermediate node with IoT service capabilities from the candidate intermediate nodes as the first intermediate node. Taking the IoT service as including inventory management service as an example, the first condition may include whether the candidate intermediate node has inventory management service capabilities.

[0195] As another example, the second information includes whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services. Correspondingly, the first condition may include whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services. The first network element may select the intermediate node among the candidate intermediate nodes that has performed IoT services as the first intermediate node. Taking the IoT service as an example, which includes inventory service, the first condition may include whether the candidate intermediate node has performed inventory service.

[0196] As another example, the second information includes the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate nodes. Correspondingly, the first condition may include the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate nodes satisfying a preset condition. The first network element may select an intermediate node whose coverage area satisfies the preset condition from among the candidate intermediate nodes as the first intermediate node. For example, the first intermediate node may be a candidate intermediate node whose coverage area is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. Alternatively, the first intermediate node may be a candidate intermediate node whose coverage area is less than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0197] The second information may include one or more of the aforementioned information, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this. For example, the second information includes whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities and whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services. The first network element can use a candidate intermediate node that has both IoT service capabilities and has performed IoT services as the first intermediate node. Another example is that the second information includes whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node. The first network element can use a candidate intermediate node that has IoT service capabilities and whose coverage area meets preset conditions as the first intermediate node. Yet another example is that the second information includes whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node. The first network element can use a candidate intermediate node that has performed IoT services and whose coverage area meets preset conditions as the first intermediate node. Yet another example is that the second information includes whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities, whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services, and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node. The first network element can use a candidate intermediate node that has both IoT service capabilities and has performed IoT services and whose coverage area meets preset conditions as the first intermediate node.

[0198] In some implementations, if the first location information includes cell information corresponding to the service area and / or TA corresponding to the service area, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the second information corresponding to the candidate intermediate node.

[0199] For the control plane transmission scheme, the first network element can send a first message to the access network device corresponding to the first intermediate node, so that the access network device can send an IoT service request to the first intermediate node.

[0200] The first message may include information about the cell (or a list of cells) and indications of the service area.

[0201] The first message could be a paging message, and the corresponding service area could be the paging range. For example, a first network element could initiate a paging message to the access network device targeting a first intermediate node, carrying cell ID / cell ID list information and specifying the paging range in the paging message. Upon receiving the paging message, the access network device can determine which cells are within the paging range based on the cell ID information and the paging range, and then initiate paging to these cells. Intermediate nodes within the cells, upon receiving the paging message, can send a response message to the access network device. The responding intermediate nodes can then execute IoT services.

[0202] In some implementations, the paging message can be a Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) paging message.

[0203] In some implementations, if the first location information includes a first geographical location, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the first geographical location and the second geographical location of the intermediate node. For example, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the distance between the first geographical location and the second geographical location (hereinafter referred to as the first distance).

[0204] The first geographic location can refer to the middle or central location of the service area, or it can refer to any location within the service area. The second geographic location can be the location of the intermediate node.

[0205] In some implementations, the first network element can select intermediate nodes whose first distance meets a preset condition as the first intermediate node. For example, the first network element can select intermediate nodes whose first distance is less than or equal to a preset threshold as the first intermediate node. Alternatively, the first network element can sort the first distances in ascending or descending order and select the first intermediate node according to the sorting order, ensuring that the selected first intermediate node can cover the service area.

[0206] In some implementations, to reduce the overhead of selecting the first intermediate node, the first network element can first perform a coarse-grained selection of the intermediate node, and then perform a fine-grained selection.

[0207] For example, the first network element can determine candidate intermediate nodes based on the registration area and service area of ​​the intermediate nodes. The specific determination method can be found in the previous description. Furthermore, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location of the candidate intermediate node (i.e., the first distance). By using the registration area of ​​the intermediate node, a coarse-grained screening of intermediate nodes can be performed, and further fine-grained screening can be performed based on the geographical location of the intermediate node, thereby quickly selecting the first intermediate node that matches the service area.

[0208] In some implementations, the first network element can determine the first intermediate node based on the first distance and third information, making the determined first intermediate node more capable of meeting the needs of IoT services. The third information may include one or more of the following: whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities, whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services, and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node. The content of the third information is similar to that of the second information; for parts not described in detail, please refer to the preceding description.

[0209] In some implementations, the third information may include whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities. The first network element may select an intermediate node that has IoT service capabilities and whose first distance meets the preset conditions as the first intermediate node.

[0210] In some implementations, the third information may include whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services. The first network element may select an intermediate node that has performed IoT services and whose first distance meets the preset conditions as the first intermediate node.

[0211] In some implementations, the third information may include the coverage range of the candidate intermediate node. The first network element may select the intermediate node whose coverage range meets a preset condition and whose first distance meets a preset condition as the first intermediate node.

[0212] The third information may include one or more of the aforementioned information, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this. For example, the third information may include whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities and whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services. Correspondingly, the first network element may select an intermediate node that has IoT service capabilities, has performed IoT services, and whose first distance meets the preset conditions as the first intermediate node.

[0213] In some implementations, the first distance can be determined by the first network element or by other devices. If the first distance is determined by other devices, then after determining the first distance, the other devices can send the first distance to the first network element. Other devices can be, for example, intermediate nodes or access network devices.

[0214] As an example, the first distance is determined by a first network element. The first network element can send a first request message to the location server to request the second geographical location of the intermediate node. In response to the first request message, the location server can send the second geographical location to the first network element. After receiving the second geographical location, the first network element can determine the first distance based on the second geographical location and the first geographical location.

[0215] The first request message may include information about the candidate intermediate nodes, such as identification information.

[0216] After receiving the first request message, the location server can interact with the access network device to obtain a second geographical location. For example, the location server can send a request message to the access network device corresponding to the candidate intermediate node to request the location information of the candidate intermediate node. After receiving the request message, the access network device can interact with the candidate intermediate node to obtain the second geographical location.

[0217] As another example, the first distance can be determined by candidate intermediate nodes. The first network element can send a second request message to the positioning server to request the first distance.

[0218] The second request message may include reference location information and information about candidate intermediate nodes. The information about candidate intermediate nodes may include, for example, their identifiers. The reference location information may be, for example, the first geographical location mentioned above.

[0219] The positioning server interacts with candidate intermediate nodes, which determine a first distance based on their own location and reference location information. The candidate intermediate node then sends this first distance to the positioning server. The positioning server then sends the first distance to the first network element.

[0220] In some implementations, the location server can be, for example, an LMF.

[0221] In some implementations, the identification information of intermediate nodes can be, for example, a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or a subscriber confidence identifier (SUCI).

[0222] The above description illustrates the scheme of this application embodiment, taking the first distance being determined by the first network element and the intermediate node as an example. Of course, the first distance can also be determined by other devices (such as access network devices), and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0223] In some implementations, for a dynamically determined first intermediate node, the first network element can also store fourth information corresponding to the first intermediate node. If the AF subsequently has the same IoT service needs (such as IoT services for the same area within the same time period), the first network element can prioritize determining the first intermediate node to improve the speed of determining the first intermediate node and enhance its ability to provide services to the AF.

[0224] In some implementations, the fourth information may include one or more of the following: the area where the first intermediate node has provided IoT services, the mobility of the first intermediate node, the connection status of the first intermediate node, and the IoT service capabilities of the first intermediate node.

[0225] Taking IoT services as an example, the area where the first intermediate node has provided IoT services can refer to the inventory area of ​​the first intermediate node. By recording the areas where the first intermediate node has provided IoT services, subsequent IoT service requests for the same area can prioritize selecting that first intermediate node, thus reducing the complexity of selecting intermediate nodes.

[0226] The mobility of the first intermediate node can also be referred to as its mobile status. The mobility of the first intermediate node can refer to whether it is a fixed or mobile node, that is, whether its state is fixed or mobile. Alternatively, the mobility of the first intermediate node can refer to its deployment method, that is, whether it is a fixed deployment.

[0227] If the mobility of the first intermediate node is fixed, then when the AF has IoT service needs, it can prioritize selecting intermediate nodes in the fixed state, which can reduce the complexity of selecting intermediate nodes.

[0228] The connection status of the first intermediate node can include the connection status between the first intermediate node and the core network and / or the connection status between the first intermediate node and the access device. The connection status between the first intermediate node and the access network device can also be referred to as the radio resource control (RRC) status, which can include RRC connected state, RRC inactive state, and RRC idle state.

[0229] The IoT service capabilities of the first intermediate node can include the IoT services it supports, such as which of the following services it supports: inventory management, command services, sensor services, and tracking services. By recording the service capabilities of the first intermediate node, it can be prioritized when there is a need for the same service in the future, thereby reducing the complexity of selecting an intermediate node.

[0230] In some implementations, the AF and the device have already negotiated the transmission method before the first network element determines the first intermediate node, such as whether to transmit via the control plane or the user plane. The first network element can then execute different procedures based on the transmission method.

[0231] In some implementations, if the transmission method between the AF and the IoT device is user plane transmission, the first network element, after identifying the first intermediate node, can send a second message to the AF. This second message includes information about the first intermediate node (such as identification information). The second message can be used by the AF to send an IoT service request to the first intermediate node. Upon receiving the second message, the AF can then send the IoT service request to the first intermediate node.

[0232] For example, AF can send IoT service requests to the first intermediate node through UPF and access network devices.

[0233] In some implementations, if the first intermediate node has not established a protocol data unit (PDU) session, the AF can first trigger the first intermediate node to establish a PDU session, and then send an IoT service request to the first intermediate node.

[0234] In some implementations, if the transmission method between the AF and the IoT device is control plane transmission, the first network element can send a first message to the access network device. The first message is used to trigger the access network device to send an IoT service request to the first intermediate node, so as to further trigger the first intermediate node to provide services to the IoT device.

[0235] In some implementations, if the transmission method between the AF and the IoT device is control plane transmission, the first network element can send a first message to the first intermediate node. The first message is used to trigger the first intermediate node to provide services to the IoT device.

[0236] The first message may include one or more of the following: an IoT service request, a fourth indication message, and cell information corresponding to a pre-configured intermediate node. The fourth indication message may be used to indicate a service area, which can be an area within the network or an area outside the network. For example, the service area indicated by the fourth indication message can be an area represented by cell information, or an area represented by geographic location.

[0237] In some implementations, if the first method is a statically determined method, the first message may include an IoT service request. The first network element can send IoT service requests (or paging messages) to all pre-configured intermediate nodes, which can reduce the processing complexity of the first network element.

[0238] In some implementations, if the first method is a static determination method, the first message includes an IoT service request, fourth indication information, and cell information corresponding to the pre-configured intermediate nodes. By carrying the pre-configured cell information corresponding to the intermediate nodes in the first message, the access network device can perform secondary confirmation of the location of the first intermediate node based on the cell information to determine which intermediate nodes to send IoT service requests to. This can reduce signaling overhead, such as paging overhead.

[0239] In some implementations, if the first method is a dynamically determined method, the first message may include an IoT service request.

[0240] In some implementations, if the first method is a dynamically determined method, the first message may include an IoT service request and cell information corresponding to the service area. The access network device can further select intermediate nodes based on the cell information corresponding to the service area and send the IoT service request to the selected intermediate nodes.

[0241] In some implementations, the first message can be a paging message or an IoT service request message. The type of the first message depends on the connection state of the first intermediate node. For example, if the first intermediate node is connected, the first message is an IoT service request message; if the first intermediate node is disconnected, the first message is a paging message.

[0242] If the first message is a paging message, the access network device can send an IoT service request only to the intermediate node that responds to the paging message. If the first message is an IoT service request message, the access network device can send an IoT service request to the first intermediate node via dedicated signaling.

[0243] This application also provides another communication method for determining intermediate nodes, which can be executed by a UDM. Details not described in detail below can be found in the preceding description.

[0244] In some implementations, the UDM can store the aforementioned first information. For example, the UDM can store the contract information and / or the first policy corresponding to the AF. In some implementations, the UDM can store the aforementioned second policy.

[0245] In some implementations, the UDM can send first information to the first network element. The first information is the information corresponding to the AF.

[0246] The first information can be used to determine a first method, which is used to determine a first intermediate node. The first method includes determining the first intermediate node based on a pre-configured intermediate node and / or service area, the first intermediate node being used to provide services to IoT devices.

[0247] Based on the first method, the method for determining the first intermediate node can be found in the previous description.

[0248] In some implementations, the first information includes one or more of the following: application function pre-subscription method, first indication information, configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes, and second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate whether there are pre-configured intermediate nodes, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether there is a first policy. The first policy is a policy for determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

[0249] In some implementations, the UDM can receive a third request message from the PCF, which requests the first policy. In response to this third request message, the UDM sends the first policy to the PCF.

[0250] In some implementations, the UDM can receive a fourth request message from the PCF, which requests a second policy. In response to this fourth request message, the UDM sends the second policy to the PCF.

[0251] In some implementations, the UDM can receive a fifth request message sent by the first network element, which requests subscription information. In response to the fifth request message, the UDM sends the subscription information to the first network element.

[0252] In some implementations, the UDM can receive a sixth request message from the NEF, which is used to request subscription information. In response to this sixth request message, the UDM sends the subscription information to the NEF.

[0253] This application also provides another communication method for determining intermediate nodes, which can be executed by a first intermediate node. Details not described in detail below can be found in the preceding description.

[0254] In some implementations, the first intermediate node can receive IoT service requests and, in response to those requests, provide services to IoT devices.

[0255] In some implementations, the IoT service request can be sent from the AF to the first intermediate node, or the IoT service request can be sent from the first network element to the first intermediate node, or the IoT service request can be sent from the access network device to the first intermediate node.

[0256] In some implementations, the first intermediate node can determine its location-related information, which can be used to identify the first intermediate node.

[0257] This application does not specifically limit the location-related information. For example, location-related information may include the geographical location of the first intermediate node (such as the second geographical location mentioned above). Alternatively, location-related information may include the distance between the geographical location corresponding to the first intermediate node and the geographical location corresponding to the service area (such as the first distance mentioned above).

[0258] The following section uses an IoT service as the inventory service and a UE as the intermediate node to provide a detailed description of the solution in this application. It should be noted that the examples described below are for ease of understanding and are intended to illustrate the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Where there is no conflict, the solutions described below can be used in conjunction with the solutions described above.

[0259] Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the scheme shown, the transmission method between AF and AIoT devices is control plane transmission; Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the scheme shown, the transmission method between AF and AIoT devices is user plane transmission.

[0260] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the static determination method for determining the UE provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0261] See Figure 8 In step S802, the AF sends a disk storage request to the NEF. The disk storage request may include the AF's identifier and disk storage area information.

[0262] Before sending the inventory request, the AF has already negotiated the transmission method with the AIoT device. This transmission method is the control plane transmission method.

[0263] In step S804, the NEF authenticates the AF to determine if the AF has permission to make a disk access request. Additionally, the NEF can convert the disk access area information from external area information to internal area information, which can be cell information. If the AF authentication is successful, the process continues to step S806.

[0264] In step S806, the NEF obtains the AF's subscription information from the UDM. This subscription information includes the AF's selection preferences for UE readers and indications of the existence of a static UE list. Static UEs correspond to the pre-configured intermediate nodes mentioned above.

[0265] In step S808, the NEF determines the UE's selection mode as static mode based on the AF's subscription information.

[0266] In step S810, if the subscription information includes the configuration of a static UE list, the NEF forwards a storage request to the AIoT NF / AMF, which carries the static UE list, internal area information, and AF ID.

[0267] After receiving a disk storage request, the AIoT NF / AMF has two processing methods.

[0268] Method 1 can be understood as follows: if the AF has signed a static UE list with the core network, then regardless of which disk storage the AF performs, AIoTNF / AMF can directly send disk storage requests to the UEs in the static UE list so that these UEs can perform disk storage services.

[0269] Method 2 can be understood as follows: although the AF has signed a static UE list with the core network, in order to reduce paging consumption, or to save signaling overhead, or due to the requirements of the AF, the AIoT NF / AMF can perform secondary confirmation of the UE's location and only send inventory requests to UEs that meet the requirements.

[0270] The processes for Method 1 and Method 2 are described below.

[0271] Method 1 includes step S812, and Method 2 includes steps S814 and S816.

[0272] In step S812, the AIoT NF / AMF sends a storage request to the UEs in the static UE list. If the UE is in a disconnected state, the AF can directly page the UEs in the static UE list individually, and after paged, send a storage request to the UE.

[0273] In step S814, the AIoT NF / AMF sends a message to the RAN node for the UE in the static UE list. The message carries the cell ID / cell ID list and the specified storage area.

[0274] The AIoT NF / AMF can select the RAN node based on the internal area information in step S804.

[0275] If the UE is in a disconnected state, the message sent by the AIoT NF / AMF to the RAN node is a paging message.

[0276] In step S816, the RAN node determines which UEs to send storage requests to based on the cell ID and storage area, and then sends storage requests to these UEs.

[0277] In step S818, the UE sends an inventory request to the AIoT device.

[0278] In step S820, the AIoT device sends an inventory response to the UE, which includes the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0279] In step S822, the UE sends a disk storage response to the AIoT NF / AMF.

[0280] In step S824, the AIoT NF / AMF sends a disk storage response to the NEF.

[0281] In step S826, NEF sends a disk storage response to AF.

[0282] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the dynamic determination of the UE provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0283] See Figure 9 In step S902, the AF sends a disk storage request to the NEF. The disk storage request may include the AF's identifier and disk storage area information.

[0284] Before sending the inventory request, the AF has already negotiated the transmission method with the AIoT device. This transmission method includes control plane transmission and user plane transmission.

[0285] In step S904, the NEF authenticates the AF to determine if the AF has permission to make a disk storage request. Additionally, the NEF can convert the disk storage area information from external area information to internal area information, where the internal area information can be cell information. If the AF authentication is successful, the process continues to step S906.

[0286] In step S906, the NEF obtains the AF's subscription information from the UDM. This subscription information includes the AF's selection preferences for UE readers and indications of the existence of a static UE list. Static UEs correspond to the pre-configured intermediate nodes mentioned above.

[0287] In step S908, the NEF determines the UE's selection mode as static mode based on the AF's subscription information.

[0288] In step S910, if the subscription information indicates that the UE should be determined by dynamic selection, the NEF forwards a storage request to the AIoTNF / AMF, which carries the indication of dynamic UE selection, internal area information, and external area information.

[0289] In step S912, the AIoT NF / AMF requests the UE selection policy from the PCF and obtains a list of potential UEs based on the UE selection policy.

[0290] The UE selection strategy includes a strategy that instructs the core network on which location information to select the UE, as well as the effectiveness of that strategy.

[0291] The AIoT NF / AMF matches UEs as follows: AIoT NF / AMF matches the disk storage area information with the UE's registration area to obtain a UE list, and selects UEs in the UE list that support reader capabilities as potential UEs.

[0292] There are three ways for AIoT NF / AMF to send inventory requests to UE, which are described below.

[0293] Method 1 selects the UE based on cell granularity, while methods 2 and 3 select the UE based on geographic location. Methods 2 and 3 determine the UE with higher accuracy compared to method 1.

[0294] Methods 2 and 3 select the UE based on the distance between the UE and the storage area. Specifically, Method 2 determines the distance between the UE and the storage area by the AIoT NF / AMF, while Method 3 determines the distance between the UE and the storage area by the UE itself.

[0295] Methods 1 through 3 are described below. Method 1 may include steps S914 and S916, Method 2 may include steps S918 through S926, and Method 3 may include steps S928 through S936.

[0296] In step S914, the AIoT NF / AMF sends a message to the RAN node for each UE in the potential UE list. This message carries the cell ID / cell ID list and the specified storage area. The RAN node can be the node to which the UE belongs.

[0297] In step S916, the RAN node determines which UEs to send storage requests to based on the cell ID and storage area, and sends storage requests to these UEs.

[0298] If the UE is in a disconnected state, the message sent by the AIoT NF / AMF to the RAN node is a paging message. The RAN node initiates a paging to the UE and performs an inventory process on the UE that responds to the paging, see steps S938 to S946.

[0299] In step S918, the AIoT NF / AMF requests the UE's real-time location from the LMF. The UE's location information can be latitude and longitude information.

[0300] In step S920, the LMF interacts with the RAN node, which obtains the UE's location information and sends it to the LMF.

[0301] In step S922, the LMF sends the UE's location information to the AIoT NF / AMF.

[0302] In step S924, the AIoT NF / AMF calculates the distance between the UE and the storage area, sorts them according to the distance, and selects the UEreader based on the sorting result.

[0303] Other parameters can also be considered when determining the order of AIoT NF / AMF, such as whether the UE has performed inventory services and the size of the area that the UE can cover.

[0304] In step S926, after selecting the UE, the AIoT NF / AMF sends a disk storage request to the UE.

[0305] In step S928, the AIoT NF / AMF requests the distance of the UE from the reference location point from the LMF.

[0306] In step S930, the LMF interacts with the UE through the RAN node, and the UE calculates the distance to the reference location point. The UE then sends the calculated distance to the LMF.

[0307] In step S932, the LMF sends the distance to the AIoT NF / AMF.

[0308] In step S934, the AIoT NF / AMF sorts the UEs according to the distance and selects the UE reader based on the sorting result.

[0309] Other parameters can also be considered when determining the order of AIoT NF / AMF, such as whether the UE has performed inventory services and the size of the area that the UE can cover.

[0310] In step S936, after selecting the UE, the AIoT NF / AMF sends a disk storage request to the UE.

[0311] In step S938, the UE sends an inventory request to the AIoT device.

[0312] In step S940, the AIoT device sends an inventory response to the UE, which includes the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0313] In step S942, the UE sends a disk storage response to the AIoT NF / AMF.

[0314] In step S944, the AIoT NF / AMF sends a disk storage response to the NEF.

[0315] In step S946, NEF sends a disk storage response to AF.

[0316] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the static determination of the UE provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0317] See Figure 10 In step S1002, the AF sends a request message to the AIoT NF, which is used to request a list of UEs.

[0318] If the AF is a trusted AF, it can directly send request messages to the AIoT NF. If the AF is an untrusted AF, it can send request messages to the AIoT NF through the NEF.

[0319] For example, AF sends a request message to NEF, NEF authenticates AF, and if the authentication is successful, NEF sends a request message to AIoT NF.

[0320] Before sending the request message, the AF has already negotiated the transmission method with the AIoT device. This transmission method is the user plane transmission method.

[0321] In step S1004, the AIoT NF obtains the AF's subscription data from the UDM. The AF's subscription data includes the AF's selection preference for UE readers and indications of the existence of a static UE list. Static UEs correspond to the pre-configured intermediate nodes mentioned above.

[0322] In step S1006, the AIoT NF determines the UE selection method as static mode based on the AF's subscription information and determines the UE list. If the subscription information includes a configuration for a static UE list, then the UE list determined by the AIoT NF is the static UE list.

[0323] The method for selecting the UE can be found in the previous description, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0324] If the AIoT NF needs to perform secondary confirmation of the UE location in the static UE list, the AIoT NF can obtain the UE's cell information from the RAN node and perform secondary confirmation of the UE location based on the inventory area in order to select the UE that matches the inventory area.

[0325] In step S1008, the AIoT NF sends the UE list information to the AF.

[0326] In step S1010, the AF sends a disk storage request to the UEs in the UE list.

[0327] In step S1012, the UE sends an inventory request to the AIoT device.

[0328] In step S1014, the AIoT device sends an inventory response to the UE, which includes the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0329] In step S1016, the UE sends a disk storage response to the AF.

[0330] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the dynamic determination of the UE provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0331] See Figure 11 In step S1102, the AF sends a request message to the AIoT NF, which is used to request a list of UEs.

[0332] If the AF is a trusted AF, it can directly send request messages to the AIoT NF. If the AF is an untrusted AF, it can send request messages to the AIoT NF through the NEF.

[0333] For example, AF sends a request message to NEF, NEF authenticates AF, and if the authentication is successful, NEF sends a request message to AIoT NF.

[0334] Before sending the request message, the AF has already negotiated the transmission method with the AIoT device. This transmission method is the user plane transmission method.

[0335] In step S1104, the AIoT NF obtains the AF's subscription data from the UDM. The AF's subscription data includes the AF's selection preference for UE readers and indications of the existence of a static UE list. Static UEs correspond to the pre-configured intermediate nodes mentioned above.

[0336] In step S1106, if the AIoT NF determines that the UE's selection mode is dynamic based on the AF's subscription information, the AIoT NF obtains the UE selection policy from the PCF. For example, the AIoT NF can request the UE selection policy from the PCF, and the PCF can obtain the UE selection policy from the UDM and send the obtained UE selection policy to the AIoT NF.

[0337] The method for selecting the UE can be found in the previous description, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0338] In step S1108, the AIoT NF selects UEs based on the UE selection strategy to obtain a UE list.

[0339] The way AIoT NF selects UE can be compared with Figure 9 The method shown is similar, and for simplicity, it will not be repeated here. AIoTNF can adopt... Figure 9 The UE can be selected using any of the methods 1 to 3 in the illustrated scheme. If the AIoT NF selects the UE at the cell level, the AIoT NF can also obtain the UE's cell information from the RAN node.

[0340] In step S1110, the AIoT NF sends the UE list information to the AF.

[0341] In step S1112, the AF sends a disk storage request to the UEs in the UE list.

[0342] In step S1114, the UE sends an inventory request to the AIoT device.

[0343] In step S1116, the AIoT device sends an inventory response to the UE, which includes the device identifier of the AIoT device.

[0344] In step S1118, the UE sends a disk storage response to the AF.

[0345] The above text combined Figures 1-11 The method embodiments of this application are described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 12-15 This section describes the apparatus embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the descriptions of the method embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments; therefore, any parts not described in detail can be found in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0346] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 includes a determination module 1210.

[0347] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 can be used to perform the steps described above by the first network element.

[0348] The determining module 1210 is used to: determine a first intermediate node based on a first method, wherein the first method includes determining the first intermediate node based on a pre-configured intermediate node and / or service area, and the first intermediate node is used to provide services for IoT devices.

[0349] In some implementations, before the determining module 1210 determines the first intermediate node based on the first method, the determining module 1210 is further configured to: determine the first method based on first information corresponding to the application function, wherein the first information includes one or more of the following: the application function pre-subscription method, first indication information, configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes, second indication information, and information of a first strategy, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate whether there is a pre-configured intermediate node, the second indication information is used to indicate whether there is the first strategy, and the first strategy is a strategy for determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

[0350] In some implementations, if the first method includes at least determining the first intermediate node based on the pre-configured intermediate nodes, then the first intermediate node is one or more intermediate nodes among the pre-configured intermediate nodes.

[0351] In some implementations, if the first method includes at least determining the first intermediate node based on the service area, then the first intermediate node is an intermediate node whose location information matches the service area.

[0352] In some implementations, the determining module 1210 is used to: determine the first intermediate node based on the service area and the second strategy, wherein the second strategy includes one or more of the following: third indication information for indicating whether to determine the first intermediate node based on location information; first location information for determining the first intermediate node; and the validity of the first strategy.

[0353] In some implementations, the first location information includes one or more of the following: cell information corresponding to the service area, first geographical location corresponding to the service area, and tracking area corresponding to the service area.

[0354] In some implementations, if the first location information includes at least the cell information corresponding to the service area and / or the tracking area corresponding to the service area, then the determining module 1210 is configured to: determine a candidate intermediate node based on the registration area of ​​the intermediate node and the service area; determine the first intermediate node based on the second information corresponding to the candidate intermediate node; wherein the second information includes one or more of the following: whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities; whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services; and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node.

[0355] In some implementations, if the first location information includes at least a first geographical location corresponding to the service area, then the determining module 1210 is used to: determine a candidate intermediate node based on the registration area of ​​the intermediate node and the service area; and determine the first intermediate node based on the distance between the second geographical location of the candidate intermediate node and the first geographical location.

[0356] In some implementations, the determining module 1210 is used to: determine the first intermediate node based on the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location and third information; wherein, the third information includes one or more of the following: whether the candidate intermediate node has IoT service capabilities; whether the candidate intermediate node has performed IoT services; and the coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate node.

[0357] In some implementations, the apparatus further includes a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is configured to: send a first request message to a location server, the first request message being used to request the second geographical location; the receiving module is configured to: receive the second geographical location sent by the location server; and the determining module 1210 is configured to: determine the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location based on the second geographical location and the first geographical location.

[0358] In some implementations, the apparatus further includes a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is configured to: send a second request message to a location server, the second request message being used to request the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location; the receiving module is configured to: receive the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location sent by the location server.

[0359] In some implementations, the device further includes a storage module for storing fourth information corresponding to the first intermediate node, the fourth information including one or more of the following: regional information where the first intermediate node has provided IoT services; the mobility of the first intermediate node; the connection status of the first intermediate node; and the IoT service capabilities of the first intermediate node.

[0360] In some implementations, if the transmission method between the device and the application function is control plane transmission, the device further includes a sending module for: sending a first message to the access network device or the first intermediate node, the first message being used by the first intermediate node to provide services to the IoT device, the first message including one or more of the following: IoT service request; fourth indication information for indicating the service area; and cell information corresponding to the pre-configured intermediate node.

[0361] In some implementations, the first message is a paging message or an IoT service request message.

[0362] In some implementations, if the transmission method between the device and the application function is user plane transmission, the device further includes a sending module for: sending a second message to the application function, the second message including information of the first intermediate node, the second message being used by the application function to send an Internet of Things service request to the first intermediate node.

[0363] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a transmitting module 1310.

[0364] In one possible implementation, the device 1300 can be used to perform the steps described above by the UDM.

[0365] The sending module 1310 is used to: send first information corresponding to the application function to the first network element, the first information being used to determine a first method, the first method being used to determine a first intermediate node, the first method including determining the first intermediate node based on a pre-configured intermediate node and / or service area, the first intermediate node being used to provide services for IoT devices, and the first network element having IoT service capabilities.

[0366] In some implementations, the first information includes one or more of the following: the application function pre-subscription method, first indication information, configuration information of pre-configured intermediate nodes, and second indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate whether there are pre-configured intermediate nodes, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether there is a first strategy, the first strategy being a strategy for determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

[0367] In some implementations, the apparatus further includes a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to: receive a third request message sent by a policy control network element, the third request message being used to request the first policy; the sending module is configured to: in response to the third request message, send the first policy to the policy control network element.

[0368] In some implementations, the apparatus further includes a receiving module and a sending module. The receiving module is configured to: receive a fourth request message sent by a policy control network element, the fourth request message being used to request a second policy; the sending module is configured to: in response to the fourth request message, send the second policy to the policy control network element; wherein the second policy is used to determine the first intermediate node, and the second policy includes one or more of the following information: third indication information, used to indicate whether the first intermediate node is determined based on location information; first location information, the first location information being used to determine the first intermediate node; and the validity of the first policy.

[0369] In some implementations, the first location information includes one or more of the following: cell information corresponding to the service area, first geographical location corresponding to the service area, and tracking area corresponding to the service area.

[0370] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14 As shown, the communication device 1400 includes a receiving module 1410 and a service module 1420.

[0371] In one possible implementation, the device 1400 can be used to perform the steps described above by the first intermediate node.

[0372] The receiving module 1410 is used to receive IoT service requests.

[0373] The service module 1420 is configured to: provide services to IoT devices in response to the IoT service request, wherein the first intermediate node is determined based on a first method, the first method including determining the first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes and / or service areas.

[0374] In some implementations, the IoT service request is sent to the first intermediate node by an application function or by a first network element, wherein the first network element has IoT service capabilities.

[0375] In some implementations, the device further includes a determining module and a sending module. The determining module is used to: determine location-related information of the first intermediate node, the location-related information including the geographical location of the first intermediate node, and / or the distance between the geographical location of the first intermediate node and the geographical location corresponding to the service area; the sending module is used to: send the location-related information to a first network element, the location-related information being used by the first network element to determine the first intermediate node, the first network element having IoT service capabilities.

[0376] It should be understood that the devices 1200-1400 here are embodied in the form of functional modules. 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 device 1200 may specifically be the first network element in the above embodiments, and device 1200 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first network element in the above method embodiments. Device 1300 may specifically be the user data management network element in the above embodiments, and device 1300 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the user data management network element in the above method embodiments. Device 1400 may specifically be the first intermediate node in the above embodiments, and device 1400 may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first intermediate node in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0377] The aforementioned device 1200 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the first network element in the aforementioned method; device 1300 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the user data management network element in the aforementioned method; and device 1400 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the first intermediate node in the aforementioned method. These functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0378] In embodiments of this application, devices 1200-1400 may also be chips, such as system-on-chip (SOC) or modems. Correspondingly, the receiving module and the transmitting module may be the transceiver circuits of the chip, and are not limited herein.

[0379] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 15 The dashed lines indicate that the unit or module is optional. The device 1500 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. The device 1500 can be a chip, a first network element, a first intermediate node, or a user data management network element.

[0380] Apparatus 1500 may include one or more processors 1510. The processor 1510 may support apparatus 1500 in implementing the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. The processor 1510 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. For example, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, the processor may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0381] The apparatus 1500 may further include one or more memories 1520. The memories 1520 store a program that can be executed by the processor 1510, causing the processor 1510 to perform the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. The memories 1520 may be independent of the processor 1510 or integrated into the processor 1510.

[0382] The device 1500 may also include a transceiver 1530. The processor 1510 can communicate with other devices or chips via the transceiver 1530. For example, the processor 1510 can send and receive data with other devices or chips via the transceiver 1530.

[0383] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a program. This computer-readable storage medium can be applied to a first intermediate node, user data management network element, or first network element provided in this application embodiment, and the program causes a computer to execute the methods performed by the first intermediate node, user data management network element, or first network element in various embodiments of this application.

[0384] This application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a program. The computer program product can be applied to the first intermediate node, user data management network element, or first network element provided in the embodiments of this application, and the program causes a computer to execute the methods performed by the first intermediate node, user data management network element, or first network element in various embodiments of this application.

[0385] This application also provides a computer program. This computer program can be applied to the first intermediate node, user data management network element, or first network element provided in this application embodiment, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the methods performed by the first intermediate node, user data management network element, or first network element in various embodiments of this application.

[0386] This application also provides a communication system, which may include a first network element, a user data management network element, and a first intermediate node. In some implementations, the communication system may also include access network equipment, NEF, etc.

[0387] In some implementations, the communication system may include a first network element and a user data management network element.

[0388] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0389] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0390] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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.

[0391] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0392] 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.

[0393] 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.

[0394] 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.

[0395] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can read or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video discs, DVDs) or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs), etc.

[0396] 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 method for determining intermediate nodes, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first network element, which has Internet of Things (IoT) service capabilities, including: Based on a first approach, a first intermediate node is determined, the first approach including determining the first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes and / or service areas, the first intermediate node being used to provide services to IoT devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before determining the first intermediate node based on the first method, the method further includes: Based on the first information corresponding to the application function, the first method is determined. The first information includes one or more of the following: the application function pre-subscription method, the first indication information, the configuration information of the pre-configured intermediate node, the second indication information, and the information of the first strategy. The first indication information is used to indicate whether there is a pre-configured intermediate node, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether there is the first strategy. The first strategy is a strategy for determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the first approach includes at least determining the first intermediate node based on the pre-configured intermediate nodes, then the first intermediate node is one or more intermediate nodes among the pre-configured intermediate nodes.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the first method includes at least determining the first intermediate node based on the service area, then the first intermediate node is an intermediate node whose location information matches the service area.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The determination of the first intermediate node based on the first method includes: Based on the service area and the second strategy, the first intermediate node is determined, wherein the second strategy includes one or more of the following information: The third indication information is used to indicate whether the first intermediate node is determined based on the location information; First location information, the first location information is used to determine the first intermediate node; The effectiveness of the first strategy.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first location information includes one or more of the following: cell information corresponding to the service area, first geographical location corresponding to the service area, and tracking area corresponding to the service area.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, If the first location information includes at least the cell information corresponding to the service area and / or the tracking area corresponding to the service area, then determining the first intermediate node based on the first method includes: Candidate intermediate nodes are determined based on the registration area and service area of ​​the intermediate node; The first intermediate node is determined based on the second information corresponding to the candidate intermediate node; The second information includes one or more of the following: Does the candidate intermediate node have IoT service capabilities? Whether the candidate intermediate node has executed IoT services; The coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate nodes.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the first location information includes at least the first geographical location corresponding to the service area, then determining the first intermediate node based on the first method includes: Candidate intermediate nodes are determined based on the registration area and service area of ​​the intermediate node; The first intermediate node is determined based on the distance between the second geographical location of the candidate intermediate node and the first geographical location.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Determining the first intermediate node based on the distance between the second geographical location of the candidate intermediate node and the first geographical location includes: The first intermediate node is determined based on the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location, as well as the third information. The third information includes at least one or more of the following: Does the candidate intermediate node have IoT service capabilities? Whether the candidate intermediate node has executed IoT services; The coverage area of ​​the candidate intermediate nodes.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first request message to the location server, the first request message being used to request the second geographical location; Receive the second geographical location sent by the location server; Based on the second geographical location and the first geographical location, the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location is determined.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second request message to the location server, the second request message being used to request the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location; Receive the distance between the second geographical location and the first geographical location sent by the location server.

12. The method according to any one of claims 4-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Store the fourth information corresponding to the first intermediate node, the fourth information including one or more of the following: The first intermediate node provides information on the areas where IoT services have been provided; The mobility of the first intermediate node; The connection status of the first intermediate node; The IoT service capabilities of the first intermediate node.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, If the transmission method between the device and the application function is control plane transmission, then the method further includes: A first message is sent to the access network device or the first intermediate node. The first message is used by the first intermediate node to provide services to the IoT device. The first message includes one or more of the following information: IoT service request; The fourth indication information is used to indicate the service area; The cell information corresponding to the pre-configured intermediate node.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first message is a paging message or an IoT service request message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, If the transmission method between the device and the application function is user plane transmission, then the method further includes: A second message is sent to the application function, the second message including information about the first intermediate node, and the second message is used by the application function to send an IoT service request to the first intermediate node.

16. A communication method for determining intermediate nodes, characterized in that, The method is applied to user data management network elements, including: Send first information corresponding to the application function to the first network element. The first information is used to determine a first method. The first method is used to determine a first intermediate node. The first method includes determining the first intermediate node based on a pre-configured intermediate node and / or service area. The first intermediate node is used to provide services for IoT devices. The first network element has IoT service capabilities.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the application function pre-subscription method, the first indication information, the configuration information of the pre-configured intermediate node, and the second indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate whether there is a pre-configured intermediate node, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether there is a first strategy. The first strategy is a strategy for determining the first intermediate node based on the service area.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third request message sent by the policy control network element, the third request message being used to request the first policy; In response to the third request message, the first policy is sent to the policy control network element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fourth request message sent by the policy control network element, the fourth request message being used to request a second policy; In response to the fourth request message, the second policy is sent to the policy control network element; The second strategy is used to determine the first intermediate node, and the second strategy includes one or more of the following information: The third indication information is used to indicate whether the first intermediate node is determined based on the location information; First location information, the first location information is used to determine the first intermediate node; The effectiveness of the first strategy.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first location information includes one or more of the following: cell information corresponding to the service area, first geographical location corresponding to the service area, and tracking area corresponding to the service area.

21. A communication method for determining intermediate nodes, characterized in that, The method is applied to the first intermediate node, including: Receive IoT service requests; In response to the IoT service request, to provide services to IoT devices, the first intermediate node is determined based on a first method, the first method including determining the first intermediate node based on pre-configured intermediate nodes and / or service areas.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The IoT service request is sent to the first intermediate node by the application function or by the first network element, whereby the first network element has IoT service capabilities.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the location-related information of the first intermediate node, including the geographical location of the first intermediate node and / or the distance between the geographical location of the first intermediate node and the geographical location corresponding to the service area; The location-related information is sent to the first network element, and the location-related information is used by the first network element to determine the first intermediate node. The first network element has Internet of Things (IoT) service capabilities.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, wherein when the processor invokes the computer program, the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, or any one of claims 16 to 20, or any one of claims 21 to 23.

25. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The network includes a first network element, a user data management network element, and a first intermediate node. The first network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, the user data management network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 16 to 20, and the first intermediate node is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 21 to 23.

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