Communication method, network device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method, first network equipment, second network equipment, a communication system and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: executing a first operation for first information; wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; the first model is at least one of the following: an artificial intelligence (AI) model; learning an ML model by a machine; the first operation comprises at least one of the following steps: receiving the first information; storing the first information; sending the first information; and deleting the first information. The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention can be adapted to a network in which AI and / or ML is introduced.

Description

Communication method, network device, communication system, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of communication technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and / or machine learning (ML) are introduced, so that the network has reasoning capability, for example, the position of a terminal can be determined based on executing an AI and / or ML model.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] After AI and / or ML, the communication mechanism of the network needs to be adjusted.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises:

[0007] performing a first operation on first information;

[0008] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an artificial intelligence (AI) model; a machine learning (ML) model;

[0009] The first operation comprises at least one of:

[0010] receiving the first information;

[0011] storing the first information;

[0012] sending the first information;

[0013] deleting the first information.

[0014] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a second network device, and the method comprises:

[0015] performing a second operation on first information:

[0016] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an AI model; a ML model;

[0017] The second operation comprises at least one of:

[0018] sending the first information;

[0019] receiving the first information.

[0020] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0021] sending, by a second network device, first information to a first network device;

[0022] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an AI model; an ML model.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising:

[0024] a processing module configured to:

[0025] perform a first operation on first information;

[0026] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an AI model; an ML model.

[0027] the first operation comprises at least one of:

[0028] receiving the first information;

[0029] storing the first information;

[0030] sending the first information;

[0031] deleting the first information.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, the second network device comprising:

[0033] a processing module configured to:

[0034] perform a second operation on first information:

[0035] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an AI model; an ML model.

[0036] the second operation comprises at least one of:

[0037] sending the first information;

[0038] receiving the first information.

[0039] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, wherein the communication system comprises a first network device and a second network device; the first network device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, and the second network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0040] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, comprising:

[0041] one or more processors;

[0042] The first network device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect.

[0043] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, comprising:

[0044] one or more processors;

[0045] The second network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0046] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0047] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method provided by the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0048] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a network introducing AI and / or ML.

[0049] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 2a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 3a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0056] FIG. 3b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 4a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 4b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an example embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 6a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 6b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 7a is a schematic diagram of a first network device according to an example embodiment;

[0063] FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram of a second network device according to an example embodiment;

[0064] FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram of a UE according to an example embodiment;

[0065] FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0067] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, performed by a first network device, comprising:

[0068] performing a first operation on first information;

[0069] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; the first model is at least one of: an artificial intelligence, AI, model; a machine learning, ML, model;

[0070] the first operation comprises at least one of:

[0071] receiving the first information;

[0072] storing the first information;

[0073] sending the first information;

[0074] deleting the first information.

[0075] In the above embodiments, the receiving, storing, sending and / or deleting operations for the first model-related information can be performed, realizing flexible processing of the first information, and better adapting to the communication mechanism after the introduction of the AI model and / or the ML model.

[0076] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first information is used to indicate at least one of:

[0077] the initial first model;

[0078] the updated first model;

[0079] the trained first model;

[0080] an identifier of the first model;

[0081] a version of the first model;

[0082] a vendor identifier of the first model;

[0083] a size of the first model.

[0084] In the above embodiments, the receiving, storing, sending and / or deleting operations for the first information can be performed, realizing flexible processing of the first model and / or the first information of the first model, and better adapting to the communication mechanism after the introduction of the AI model and / or the ML model.

[0085] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0086] receiving the first information sent by a second network device.

[0087] In the above embodiments, the first information sent by the second network device can be received, realizing uploading of the first information.

[0088] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the receiving the first information sent by the second network device.

[0089] includes:

[0090] receiving the first information sent by the second network device to the first network device via a third network device;

[0091] The third network device is configured to perform at least one of the following: authorization and / or authentication on the sending end of the first information; data forwarding.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the first network device can receive the first information sent by the second network device to the first network device via the third network device configured to perform authorization and / or authentication on the first information, so that the transmission of information is more secure and reliable.

[0093] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to request the first network device to store the first information uploaded by the second network device.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the first network device can store the uploaded first information in time after receiving the first information.

[0095] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0096] sending second information to the second network device;

[0097] The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network device receives the first information; the first network device has stored the first information.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the first network device can notify the second network device of the information that the first network device receives the first information and / or has stored the first information.

[0099] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the sending second information to the second network device comprises:

[0100] sending the second information to the second network device via a third network device;

[0101] The third network device is configured to perform at least one of the following: authorization and / or authentication on the first information; data forwarding.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the second information can be sent to the second network device via the third network device configured to perform authorization and / or authentication on the first information, so that the transmission of the second information is more secure.

[0103] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0104] receiving third information sent by the second network device;

[0105] The third information is used to request to subscribe to the download service of the first model.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the second network device can send the third information to the first network device to request to subscribe to the download service of the first model.

[0107] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information comprises an identifier of the first model.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the download service of the corresponding first model can be determined through the identifier of the first model.

[0109] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0110] sending fourth information to the second network device;

[0111] The fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first model has been updated; and the first model has been trained.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the first network device can send the fourth information indicating that the first model has been updated to the second network device, so as to inform the second network device that the first model has been updated and / or trained.

[0113] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0114] establishing a first connection between the first network device and the second network device; wherein the first connection is a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection used to transmit information between the first network device and the second network device;

[0115] establishing a first connection between the first network device and a fourth network device, wherein the first connection is a UP connection or a DP connection used to transmit information between the first network device and the second network device.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the first network device can establish the first connection between the first network device and the second network device or the fourth network device, so as to transmit information between the first network device, the second network device and / or the fourth network device.

[0117] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method is performed by a second network device, and the method comprises:

[0118] performing a second operation on the first information:

[0119] The first information is information associated with a first model. The first model is at least one of an AI model and an ML model.

[0120] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0121] sending the first information;

[0122] receiving the first information.

[0123] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0124] the first model before being updated;

[0125] the first model after being updated;

[0126] the first model after being trained;

[0127] an identifier of the first model;

[0128] a version of the first model;

[0129] a vendor identifier of the first model;

[0130] a size of the first model.

[0131] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0132] sending the first information to the first network device.

[0133] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the sending the first information to the first network device includes:

[0134] sending the first information to the first network device via a third network device;

[0135] The third network device is used for at least one of the following: performing authorization and / or authentication on a sending end of the first information; and forwarding data.

[0136] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first information is used to request the first network device to store the first information uploaded by the second network device.

[0137] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes:

[0138] receiving second information sent by the first network device;

[0139] The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network device receives the first information; and the first network device has stored the first information.

[0140] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving the second information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0141] receiving the second information sent by the first network device to the second network device via a third network device;

[0142] The third network device is used for at least one of the following: performing authorization and / or authentication on the first information; and data forwarding.

[0143] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0144] sending third information to the first network device;

[0145] The third information is used to request subscription of a download service of the first model.

[0146] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information contains an identifier of the first model.

[0147] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0148] receiving fourth information sent by the first network device;

[0149] The fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first model has been updated; and the first model has been trained.

[0150] In some embodiments combined with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0151] establishing a first connection between the first network device and the second network device;

[0152] The first connection is a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection used for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device.

[0153] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0154] sending first information to a first network device by a second network device;

[0155] The first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of the following: an AI model; and an ML model.

[0156] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network device, the first network device comprising:

[0157] a processing module configured to:

[0158] perform a first operation on first information;

[0159] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an artificial intelligence, AI, model; a machine learning, ML, model.

[0160] the first operation comprises at least one of:

[0161] receiving the first information;

[0162] storing the first information;

[0163] sending the first information;

[0164] deleting the first information.

[0165] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network device, the second network device comprising:

[0166] a processing module configured to:

[0167] perform a second operation on first information:

[0168] wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an AI model; a ML model.

[0169] the second operation comprises at least one of:

[0170] sending the first information;

[0171] receiving the first information.

[0172] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, the communication system comprising a first network device and a second network device; the first network device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, and the second network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect.

[0173] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network device, the first network device comprising:

[0174] one or more processors;

[0175] wherein the first network device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0176] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network device, the second network device comprising:

[0177] one or more processors;

[0178] The second network device is configured to perform the method of the second aspect.

[0179] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0180] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product, the program product, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0181] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0182] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system comprises processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0183] It can be understood that the first network device, the second network device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0184] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. In some embodiments, the terms of the communication method, the information indication method, the information processing method, the information transmission method, and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of the communication system, the information processing system, and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0185] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing part of the steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, part or all steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments arbitrarily.

[0186] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent if there is no special description and logical conflict, and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0187] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0188] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "above", "said", "preceding", "this" and the like, can represent "one and only one", and can also represent "one or more", "at least one" and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" and the like in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, and can also be understood as plural expression.

[0189] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" means two or more.

[0190] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0191] In some embodiments, the description of "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "in a case A, in another case B", "in response to a case A, in response to a case B", and the like, can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments, A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed (A and B are selected from A and B); in some embodiments, A and B (A and B are executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0192] In some embodiments, the description of "A or B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments, A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed (A and B are selected from A and B). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0193] The prefix words "first", "second", and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute a limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the description objects. The description of the description objects should refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not be limited by the prefix words. For example, the description object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description object is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", where the quantity of "device" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, the description object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0194] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0195] In some embodiments, the terms "time / frequency", "time / frequency domain", and the like refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0196] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "if", "if", etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0197] In some embodiments, the terms "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above", etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below", etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0198] In some embodiments, the device, etc. can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the name is not limited to the name described in the embodiments. The terms "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0199] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as a device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.) contained in the network.

[0200] In some embodiments, the terms “access network device (AN device),” “radio access network device (RAN device),” “base station (BS),” “radio base station,” “fixed station,” “node,” “access point,” “transmission point (TP),” “reception point (RP),” “transmission / reception point (TRP),” “panel,” “antenna panel,” “antenna array,” “cell,” “macro cell,” “small cell,” “femto cell,” “pico cell,” “sector,” “cell group,” “serving cell,” “carrier,” “component carrier,” “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0201] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal," "terminal device," "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," and so on can be replaced with each other.

[0202] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, the terms "uplink," "downlink," and the like can also be replaced with terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (e.g., "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel, and the like can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink, and the like can be replaced with the sidelink.

[0203] In some embodiments, the terminal can be replaced with the access network device, the core network device, or the network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0204] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, and the like can comply with laws and regulations of the country where the location is.

[0205] In some embodiments, data, information, and the like can be obtained after obtaining consent of the user.

[0206] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0207] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 1a, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0209] In some embodiments, the network device 102 can include an access network device and / or a core network device.

[0210] In some embodiments, the core network device can include a first network device 1021 and / or a second network device 1022.

[0211] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a Pad, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0212] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and the access network device can include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0213] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applicable to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be realized through software or programs.

[0214] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), wherein the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and the functions of part of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but are not limited thereto.

[0215] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one single device, for example, the first network device or the second network device, or can be a plurality of devices or device groups, respectively including all or part of the first network device, the second network device, and the like. The network device can be virtual or physical. The network device can also be referred to as a network element. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), a next generation core (NGC), and the like.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first network device is, for example, an AI model inference service function (AiISF).

[0217] In some embodiments, the first network device is used for model inference, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second network device is, for example, a network function with inference capability (NF1 with inference capability).

[0219] In some embodiments, the second network device is used for performing AI and / or ML model inference with collected data, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0220] In some embodiments, the third network device is, for example, an application function (AF) or an application server (AS).

[0221] In some embodiments, the third network device is used for providing application services, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0222] In some embodiments, the fourth network device is, for example, an AI training network function (AI Training NF).

[0223] In some embodiments, the fourth network device is used for training AI models, and the name is not limited thereto.

[0224] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0225] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1a or part of the subjects, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1a are illustrative, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1a, or other subjects other than those in FIG. 1a. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be physical or virtual, the connection relationship between each subject is illustrative, each subject can not be connected or can be connected, and the connection can be in any manner, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0226] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. Further, a plurality of systems can be applied in combination (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0227] In some embodiments, three major application scenarios can be introduced, including enhance mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), and ultra reliable & low latency communication (URLLC). New use scenarios generated by artificial intelligence and sensing functions can also be introduced.

[0228] In some embodiments, the use scenario of artificial intelligence and communication will support distributed computing and artificial intelligence applications. Typical use cases include assisting autonomous driving, autonomous collaboration between medical assistance application devices, offloading heavy computing operations across devices and networks, creation and prediction of digital twins, etc. This use scenario will need to support high regional traffic capacity and user experience data rates, as well as low latency and high reliability, depending on the specific use case. In addition to communication, this use scenario is expected to include a set of new functions integrated with artificial intelligence and computing functions, including data collection, preparation, and processing from different sources, distributed artificial intelligence model training, model sharing and distributed inference across IMT systems, and computing resource orchestration and linking.

[0229] In some embodiments, the capabilities of the network can be enhanced to extend new capabilities for use scenarios. Each function can have different relevance and applicability in different use scenarios.

[0230] In some embodiments, the capabilities can include at least one of the following:

[0231] Applying artificial intelligence related capabilities, wherein applying artificial intelligence related capabilities refers to the capability of providing certain functions to support artificial intelligence applications. These functions include distributed data processing, distributed learning, artificial intelligence computing, artificial intelligence model execution, and artificial intelligence model inference, etc.

[0232] Interoperability, wherein interoperability refers to a radio interface based on member inclusivity and transparency, in order to achieve functions between different entities of the system.

[0233] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1b, the 5G system architecture allows the analytic data repository function (ADRF) to store and retrieve collected data and analytics. The following options are supported:

[0234] The ADRF exposes the Nadrf service for storing and retrieving data by other 5GC NFs (e.g. Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF)) that access data using the Nadrf service.

[0235] Based on NF request or configuration on the Data Collection Coordination Function (DCCF), the DCCF can determine the ADRF and directly or indirectly interact with the ADRF to request or store data. The interaction can be:

[0236] Direct: The DCCF requests data to be stored in the ADRF via the Nadrf service or via the Ndccf_DataManagement_Notify (e.g. when the ADRF requests data collection notification via the DCCF). In addition, the DCCF retrieves data from the ADRF via the Nadrf service.

[0237] Indirect: The DCCF requests the messaging framework to store data in the ADRF, i.e. via the Nadrf service or via the Nmfaf_3caDataManagement_Notify. The messaging framework can contain one or more adapters that translate between 3GPP defined protocols.

[0238] NOTE 1: The internal logic of the messaging framework is out of 3GPP scope, only the interface between the MFAF and other 3GPP defined NFs are in 3GPP scope.

[0239] The consumer NF can specify in the request to the DCCF that data provided by the data source needs to be stored in the ADRF. The ADRF stores data received in the Nadrf_DataManagement_StorageRequest sent directly from the NF, or data received in the Ndccf_DataManagement_Notify / Nmfaf_3caDataManagement_Notify or Nnwdaf_DataManagement_Notify from the DCCF, MFAF or NWDAF.

[0240] The ADRF checks whether the data consumer is authorized to access the ADRF service and provides the requested data using the procedures specified in clause 7.1.4 of TS 23.501 [2].

[0241] In some embodiments, the storage network function (i.e. ADRF) provided by the 5G system can provide the following services:

[0242] 1. Nadrf_MLModelManagement service:

[0243] Service Description: This service enables consumers to store and update, retrieve and delete ML models or ML model addresses from the ADRF.

[0244] 2. Nadrf_DataManagement service:

[0245] Service Description: This service enables consumers to store, retrieve and delete data or analytics from the ADRF.

[0246] In some embodiments, see Table 1, NF services provided by the ADRF are shown.

[0247] Table 1:

[0248] In some embodiments, the storage function (i.e., ADRF) cannot provide AI-related storage services for third parties or UEs, including AI model storage management and training data storage management. At the same time, the ADRF is only defined for dedicated NFs (i.e., DCCF, NWDAF), and in the 6G system, it cannot meet the AI-related storage requirements of other NFs, such as storing AI ML models or / and training data. The ADRF does not provide upload or download AI ML model services.

[0249] In some embodiments, see Figure 1c, the following network functions are defined:

[0250] AI Storage Service Function (AiSSF), is an AI-related network function responsible for AI storage services, such as uploading AI models, downloading AI models, removing AI models, etc.

[0251] 6G Inference NF, is a 6G network function with AI model inference capabilities, such as an LMF with the ability to infer AI positioning models to calculate UE locations, or a dedicated network function that provides AI model inference services (e.g., Analytics Logical Function (AnLF)).

[0252] 6G AI training NF, is a dedicated network function for training AI models (e.g., Model Training Logical Function (MTLF)), or a 6G NF with training capabilities (e.g., a location management function (LMF) with training capabilities).

[0253] 6G exposure function, exposing services provided by a 6G system, such as 6G AI as a service, or 6G AI training as a service, etc.

[0254] FIG. 2a is an interaction diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0255] Step S2101: A first network device and at least a second network device establish a first connection.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first network device establishes the first connection between the first network device and at least the second network device.

[0257] In some embodiments, at least the second network device establishes the first connection between at least the second network device and the first network device.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first network device and at least the second network device establish the first connection between the first network device and at least the second network device.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first connection is a user plane (UP) connection for transmitting information between the first network device and at least the second network device.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first connection is a data plane (DP) connection for transmitting information between the first network device and at least the second network device.

[0261] In some embodiments, at least the second network device can include other network devices in addition to the second network device, such as a fourth network device.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first network device establishes the first connection between the first network device and the second network device; wherein the first connection is a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first network device establishes the first connection between the first network device and the fourth network device, wherein the first connection is a UP connection or a DP connection for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first connection is a secure connection.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first network device is an AI storage service function (AiSSF).

[0266] In some embodiments, the second network device is at least one of: an AI training network function (AI training NF); an AI inference network function (AI inference NF); a network function with training capability (NF with training capability); an application function (AF); an exposure function.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first network device and the second network device establish the first connection, and the first network device and the fourth network device establish the first connection. Illustratively, the second network device is an AI training network function, and the fourth network device is a network function with training capability.

[0268] Step S2102: The first network device performs a first operation.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first network device performs the first operation on the first information.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first information is information associated with a first model.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first model is an AI and / or ML model.

[0272] In some embodiments, the first operation includes at least one of:

[0273] receiving the first information;

[0274] storing the first information;

[0275] sending the first information;

[0276] deleting the first information.

[0277] In some embodiments, receiving the first information can be receiving the first information sent by the second network device.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first information can be information uploaded by the second network device.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first information sent by the second network device.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first information is used to request the first network device to store the first information uploaded by the second network device.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first network device receives an AI model storage upload request message sent by the second network device. The AI model storage upload request message contains the first information.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first information sent by the second network device to the first network device via a third network device.

[0283] In some embodiments, the third network device is used for at least one of the following: performing authorization and / or authentication on the sender of the first information; forwarding data. Here, the sender is the sending source of the first information, which can be the second network device.

[0284] Illustratively, authorization or authentication can be performed on whether the sender can perform storage service.

[0285] In some embodiments, the third network device performs authorization and / or authentication of the sender of the first information to determine whether to receive the first information.

[0286] Illustratively, in the case of unsuccessful authorization and / or authentication, the first information can not be sent to the first network device; in the case of successful authorization and / or authentication, the first information can be sent to the first network device.

[0287] In some embodiments, the third network device can be a network exposure function (NEF).

[0288] In some embodiments, in the case that the third network device successfully performs authorization and / or authentication on the sender of the first information, the third network device is used to forward interaction data between the first network device and the second network device in subsequent processes. Here, the third network device can be an NEF, the second network device can be an AF, and the first network device can be an AiSSF.

[0289] In some embodiments, sending the first information can be sending the first information to the second network device.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first information can be information that the second network device needs to download.

[0291] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information sent by the second network device, the first network device can store the first information locally; after the second network device subscribes to the first information, the first network device can send the first information to the second network device; and when the first information expires, the first network device can delete the first information.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of:

[0293] the first model;

[0294] metadata of the first model.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first model includes at least one of: an initial model; an updated model; a trained model.

[0296] In some embodiments, the initial model can be an untrained model or a model that has been trained but not used.

[0297] In some embodiments, the updated model can be a model whose parameters have been updated.

[0298] In some embodiments, the trained model can be a model that has been trained and meets a convergence condition.

[0299] In some embodiments, the metadata includes at least one of: an identifier of the model; a version; a vendor identifier of the model; a size of the model.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of:

[0301] the initial first model;

[0302] the updated first model;

[0303] the trained first model;

[0304] an identifier of the first model;

[0305] a version of the first model;

[0306] a vendor identifier of the first model;

[0307] a size of the first model.

[0308] Step S2103: The first network device sends second information to the second network device.

[0309] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the second information sent by the first network device.

[0310] In some embodiments, the second network device receives an upload response message, the upload response message comprising the second information.

[0311] In some embodiments, the second network device receiving the second information is at least one of: an AI training network function (AI training NF); a network function with training capability (NF with training capability); an application function (AF); an exposure function. It should be noted that the first network device and the second network device are different network devices, for example, when the first network device is an AI training network function, the second network device cannot be an AI training network function, for example, it can be an application function.

[0312] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate at least one of: the first network device receiving the first information; the first network device having stored the first information.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first network device sends the second information to the second network device via a third network device.

[0314] Step S2104: The second network device sends third information to the first network device.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the third information sent by the second network device.

[0316] In some embodiments, the third information is used to request subscription to a download service of the first model.

[0317] In some embodiments, after the second network device successfully subscribes to the download service of the first model, the first network device can send the first information to the second network device. Here, the second network device subscribing to the download service can also be referred to as a consumer.

[0318] In some embodiments, the third information comprises an identifier of the first model.

[0319] Step S2105: The second network device performs a second operation.

[0320] In some embodiments, the second network device performs a second operation on the first information.

[0321] In some embodiments, the second operation comprises at least one of:

[0322] sending the first information;

[0323] receiving the first information.

[0324] In some embodiments, the sending the first information can be uploading the first information.

[0325] In some embodiments, the receiving the first information can be downloading the first information.

[0326] In some embodiments, the second network device uploading the first information can be the second network device sending the first information to the first network device.

[0327] In some embodiments, the second network device downloading the first information can be the second network device receiving the first information from the first network device.

[0328] In some embodiments, the second network device can only download the first information from the first network device after the first network device subscribes to a download service.

[0329] Step S2106: The first network device sends fourth information to the second network device.

[0330] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the fourth information sent by the first network device.

[0331] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate that the first model has been updated.

[0332] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate that the first model has been trained.

[0333] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate that the first model has been updated and trained.

[0334] In some embodiments, the fourth information can include an identifier of the first model.

[0335] In some embodiments, the term “information” can be mutually replaced with the terms “message”, “signal”, “signaling”, “report”, “configuration”, “indication”, “instruction”, “command”, “channel”, “parameter”, “field”, “data”, and the like.

[0336] In some embodiments, the term “sending” can be mutually replaced with the terms “transmitting”, “reporting”, “transferring”, and the like.

[0337] The information indication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2101 in combination with step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2102 in combination with step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or can be implemented in combination in any order without contradiction.

[0338] FIG. 3a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3a, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above method includes:

[0339] Step S3101: establishing a first connection.

[0340] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0341] Step S3102: performing a first operation.

[0342] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0343] Step S3103: sending second information to a second network device.

[0344] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0345] Step S3104: obtaining third information.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the third information sent by the second network device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first network device can also receive the third information sent by other subjects.

[0347] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains the third information specified by a protocol.

[0348] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains the third information from upper layer(s).

[0349] In some embodiments, the first network device processes to obtain the third information.

[0350] In some embodiments, step S3104 is omitted, and the first network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the third information, or the above function is default or default.

[0351] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] Step S3105: sending the fourth information to the second network device.

[0353] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S3101 to S3105. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3102 in combination with step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101 in combination with step S3102, step S3103, step S3104 and step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3101 in combination with step S3103, step S3104 and step S3105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily exchanged and freely combined for implementation.

[0355] FIG. 3b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3b, the communication method involves a first network device, and the above method includes:

[0356] Step S3201: performing a first operation on the first information.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first information is information associated with a first model; the first model is at least one of: an artificial intelligence (AI) model; a machine learning (ML) model; the first operation comprises at least one of:

[0358] receiving the first information;

[0359] storing the first information;

[0360] sending the first information;

[0361] deleting the first information.

[0362] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved by FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of:

[0364] the first model in an initial state;

[0365] the first model in an updated state;

[0366] the first model in a trained state; an identifier of the first model;

[0367] a version of the first model;

[0368] a vendor identifier of the first model;

[0369] a size of the first model.

[0370] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0371] receiving the first information sent by a second network device.

[0372] In some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by a second network device comprises:

[0373] receiving the first information sent by the second network device to the first network device via a third network device;

[0374] wherein the third network device is used for at least one of: performing authorization and / or authentication on a sending end of the first information; data forwarding.

[0375] In some embodiments, the first information is used to request the first network device to store the first information uploaded by the second network device.

[0376] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0377] sending second information to the second network device;

[0378] The second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network device receives the first information; and the first network device has stored the first information.

[0379] In some embodiments, the sending of the second information to the second network device comprises:

[0380] sending the second information to the second network device via a third network device;

[0381] The third network device is used for at least one of the following: performing authorization and / or authentication on the first information; and data forwarding.

[0382] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0383] receiving third information sent by the second network device;

[0384] The third information is used to request subscription of a download service of the first model.

[0385] In some embodiments, the third information comprises an identifier of the first model.

[0386] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0387] sending fourth information to the second network device;

[0388] The fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first model has been updated; and the first model has been trained.

[0389] In some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0390] establishing a first connection between the first network device and the second network device; wherein the first connection is a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection used for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device;

[0391] establishing a first connection between the first network device and a fourth network device, wherein the first connection is a UP connection or a DP connection used for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device.

[0392] FIG. 4a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4a, the present embodiment relates to a communication method, which is performed by a second network device, and the above method comprises:

[0393] Step S4101: establishing a first connection.

[0394] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] Step S4102: obtaining second information.

[0396] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the second information sent by the first network device, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the second information sent by other subjects.

[0397] In some embodiments, the second network device obtains the second information specified by a protocol.

[0398] In some embodiments, the second network device obtains the second information from upper layer(s).

[0399] In some embodiments, the second network device processes to obtain the second information.

[0400] In some embodiments, step S4102 is omitted, and the second network device autonomously implements a function indicated by the second information, or the above function is default or default.

[0401] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] Step S4103: sending third information to the first network device.

[0403] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0404] Step S4104: performing a second operation.

[0405] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0406] Step S4105: obtaining fourth information.

[0407] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the fourth information sent by the first network device, but is not limited thereto, and can also receive the fourth information sent by other subjects.

[0408] In some embodiments, the second network device acquires the fourth information specified by a protocol.

[0409] In some embodiments, the second network device acquires the fourth information from an upper layer.

[0410] In some embodiments, the second network device processes to obtain the fourth information.

[0411] In some embodiments, step S4105 is omitted, and the second network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the fourth information, or the above function is default or default.

[0412] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4105 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved in FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0413] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4101 to S4105. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4102 in combination with step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 in combination with step S4102, step S4103, step S4104 and step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 in combination with step S4102, step S4103 and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily exchanged and freely combined for implementation.

[0414] FIG. 4b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4b, the communication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure is executed by a second network device, and the above method includes:

[0415] Step S4201: performing a second operation on the first information.

[0416] In some embodiments, the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of the following: an AI model; an ML model;

[0417] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0418] sending the first information;

[0419] receiving the first information.

[0420] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which are not described herein again.

[0421] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of:

[0422] the first model initially;

[0423] the first model after being updated;

[0424] the first model after being trained;

[0425] an identifier of the first model;

[0426] a version of the first model;

[0427] a vendor identifier of the first model;

[0428] a size of the first model.

[0429] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0430] sending the first information to a first network device.

[0431] In some embodiments, the sending the first information to the first network device comprises:

[0432] sending the first information to the first network device via a third network device;

[0433] wherein the third network device is used for at least one of: performing authorization and / or authentication on a sending end of the first information; data forwarding.

[0434] In some embodiments, the first information is used to request the first network device to store the first information uploaded by the second network device.

[0435] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0436] receiving second information sent by the first network device;

[0437] wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one of: the first network device receiving the first information; the first network device having stored the first information.

[0438] In some embodiments, the receiving the second information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0439] receiving the second information sent by the first network device to the second network device via a third network device;

[0440] wherein the third network device is configured to perform at least one of the following: authorization and / or authentication on the first information; data forwarding.

[0441] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0442] sending third information to the first network device;

[0443] wherein the third information is used to request subscription of a download service of the first model.

[0444] In some embodiments, the third information comprises an identifier of the first model.

[0445] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0446] receiving fourth information sent by the first network device;

[0447] wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first model has been updated; the first model has been trained.

[0448] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0449] establishing a first connection between the first network device and the second network device;

[0450] wherein the first connection is a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection used to transmit information between the first network device and the second network device.

[0451] FIG. 5a is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is used in the communication system 100, and the method comprises one of the following steps:

[0452] Step S5101: The second network device sends first information to the first network device.

[0453] In some embodiments, the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of the following: an AI model; an ML model.

[0454] In some embodiments, the above method can include the methods of the above-mentioned first core network device side and terminal side embodiments, which are not described here.

[0455] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following will be further described through some exemplary embodiments: In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following will be further described through some exemplary embodiments:

[0456] Example 1: AI model upload from AF and 6G training NF.

[0457] Referring to FIG. 6a, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which comprises:

[0458] Step S6101: sending an AI model storage upload request.

[0459] In some embodiments, the AF (corresponding to the second network device) sends an AI model storage upload request (corresponding to the first information) to the 6G NEF (corresponding to the third network device), including the AI model and / or AI model metadata (such as model ID, version, vendor ID, size).

[0460] In some embodiments, the AI model storage upload request can be sent by the 6G AI training NF or / and the 6G NF with training capability.

[0461] Step S6102: performing authentication and / or authorization.

[0462] In some embodiments, the 6G NEF performs authentication and authorization to determine whether to accept the storage upload request.

[0463] Step S6103: sending an AI model storage upload request.

[0464] In some embodiments, the 6G NEF sends an AI model storage upload request to the AiSSF (corresponding to the first network device), including the AI model and related AI model metadata (such as model ID, version, vendor ID, size, etc.).

[0465] Step S6104: sending an upload response message.

[0466] In some embodiments, the AiSSF stores the AI model and related metadata, and sends an upload response message (corresponding to the second information) to the AF via the 6G NEF.

[0467] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps and their optional implementation manners can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0468] Example 2: AI model download service operation (AI model storage service function) provided by the AiSSF.

[0469] Referring to FIG. 6b, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which comprises:

[0470] Step S6201: sending an AI model download subscription request. It can include step S6201a, step S6201b and step S6201c.

[0471] In some embodiments, the 6G AI Inference NF, the 6G AI Training NF, the 6G NF with training capability or / and the AF has subscribed to the AI model download service (corresponding to sending the third information) including the AI model ID from the 6G AiSSF.

[0472] Step S6202: obtaining the first model.

[0473] In some embodiments, the 6G AiSSF receives the updated or trained AI model from the 6G AI Training node or other AF.

[0474] Step S6203: sending the notification information. It can include step S6203a, step S6203b and step S6203c.

[0475] In some embodiments, the 6G AiSSF determines to notify the consumer (corresponding to sending the fourth information) that has subscribed to the AI model download service in step S6201, including the AI model ID, and optionally the AI model.

[0476] In some embodiments, the 6G AiSSF initiates a dedicated UP connection between the 6G AiSSF and the consumer (e.g., the 6G AI Inference NF or the 6G AI Training NF, etc.) if needed.

[0477] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods, for example, an apparatus is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0478] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor, the processor is connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to realize any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for another example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be all implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part implemented in the form of processor calling software and the remaining part implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0479] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, the hardware circuit can also be designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), or the like.

[0480] FIG. 7a is a structural schematic diagram of a first network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7a, the first network device 7100 can include at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to transmit and / or receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as transmitting and / or receiving, performed by the first network device in any of the methods described above. Details are not described herein again. Optionally, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first network device in any of the methods described above. Details are not described herein again.

[0481] FIG. 7b is a structural diagram of the second network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7b, the second network device 7200 can include at least one of a transceiver module 7201, a processing module 7202, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to transmit and / or receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving) performed by the second network device in any of the methods described above. Details are not described herein again. Optionally, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the second network device in any of the methods described above. Details are not described herein again.

[0482] FIG. 8a is a structural diagram of a communication device 9100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 9100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, or the like), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment or the like), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the methods described above, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the methods described above. The communication device 9100 can be configured to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. Details can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0483] As shown in FIG. 8a, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general processor or a special-purpose processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be configured to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be configured to control the communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU, a CU, or the like), execute programs, and process data of the programs. The communication device 9100 is configured to implement any of the methods described above.

[0484] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9102 configured to store instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 9102 can be located outside the communication device 9100.

[0485] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9103. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9103, the transceiver 9103 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving) in the above methods, and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0486] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other.

[0487] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 can include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuit 9104 is connected with the memory 9102, and the interface circuit 9104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 9102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 9104 can read instructions stored in the memory 9102 and send the instructions to the processor 9101.

[0488] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 can not be limited by Figure 8a. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) other devices, etc.

[0489] Figure 8b is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 9200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 9100 is a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 9200 shown in Figure 8b can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0490] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201, and the chip 9200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0491] In some embodiments, the chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Optionally, the interface circuit 9202 is connected with the memory 9203, and the interface circuit 9202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 9203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 9203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 9202 can read instructions stored in the memory 9203 and send the instructions to the processor 9201.

[0492] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps of sending and / or receiving in the above-described methods, and the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0493] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc. can be replaced by each other.

[0494] In some embodiments, the chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9203 can be outside the chip 9200.

[0495] The disclosure further proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer readable storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0496] The disclosure further proposes a program product which, when executed by the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0497] The disclosure further proposes a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises: performing a first operation on first information; wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an artificial intelligence (AI) model; a machine learning (ML) model; the first operation comprises at least one of: receiving the first information; storing the first information; sending the first information; deleting the first information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is used to indicate at least one of: an initial first model; an updated first model; a trained first model; an identifier of the first model; a version of the first model; a vendor identifier of the first model; a size of the first model.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving the first information sent by a second network device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The receiving the first information sent by the second network device comprises: receiving the first information sent by the second network device to the first network device via a third network device; wherein the third network device is used for at least one of: performing authorization and / or authentication on a sending end of the first information; data forwarding.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The first information is used to request the first network device to store the first information uploaded by the second network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending second information to the second network device; wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one of: that the first network device has received the first information; and that the first network device has stored the first information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The sending second information to the second network device comprises: sending the second information to the second network device via a third network device; wherein the third network device is used for at least one of: performing authorization and / or authentication on the first information; data forwarding.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving third information sent by a second network device; wherein the third information is used to request subscription of a download service of the first model.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The third information comprises an identifier of the first model.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending fourth information to the second network device; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of: that the first model has been updated; and that the first model has been trained.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further comprises at least one of: establishing a first connection between the first network device and the second network device; wherein the first connection is a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection used for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device; establishing a first connection between the first network device and a fourth network device, wherein the first connection is a UP connection or a DP connection used for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device.

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a second network device, and the method comprises: performing a second operation on first information: wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of: an AI model; a ML model; the second operation comprises at least one of: sending the first information; receiving the first information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The initial first model; The updated first model; The trained first model; An identifier of the first model; A version of the first model; A vendor identifier of the first model; A size of the first model.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending the first information to a first network device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The sending of the first information to the first network device includes: sending the first information to the first network device via a third network device; wherein the third network device is used for at least one of the following: performing authorization and / or authentication on a sending end of the first information; data forwarding.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The first information is used to request the first network device to store the first information uploaded by the second network device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: receiving second information sent by the first network device; wherein the second information is used to indicate at least one of the following: that the first network device has received the first information; that the first network device has stored the first information.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The receiving of the second information sent by the first network device includes: receiving the second information sent by the first network device to the second network device via a third network device; wherein the third network device is used for at least one of the following: performing authorization and / or authentication on the first information; data forwarding.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: sending third information to a first network device; wherein the third information is used to request subscription to a download service of the first model.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The third information contains an identifier of the first model.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The method further includes: receiving fourth information sent by the first network device; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: that the first model has been updated; that the first model has been trained.

22. The method of any one of claims 12-21, wherein, The method further includes: establishing a first connection between the first network device and the second network device; wherein the first connection is a user plane (UP) connection or a data plane (DP) connection for transmitting information between the first network device and the second network device.

23. A method of communication, comprising: The method includes: sending, by a second network device, first information to a first network device; wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of the following: an artificial intelligence (AI) model; a machine learning (ML) model.

24. A first network device, comprising: The first network device includes: a processing module configured to: perform a first operation on first information; wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of the following: an artificial intelligence (AI) model; a machine learning (ML) model; the first operation includes at least one of the following: receiving the first information; storing the first information; sending the first information; deleting the first information.

25. A second network device, comprising: The second network device includes: a processing module configured to: perform a second operation on first information: wherein the first information is information associated with a first model; and the first model is at least one of the following: an artificial intelligence (AI) model; a machine learning (ML) model; the second operation includes at least one of the following: sending the first information; receiving the first information.

26. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first network device and a second network device; the first network device is configured to implement the method in any one of claims 1 to 11, and the second network device is configured to implement the method in any one of claims 12 to 22.

27. A first network device, comprising: The first network device comprises: one or more processors; The first network device is configured to implement the method in any one of claims 1 to 11.

28. A second network device, comprising: The second network device comprises: one or more processors; The second network device is configured to implement the method in any one of claims 12 to 22.

29. A computer program product comprising computer programs or instructions, characterized in that, The computer program or instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method in any one of claims 1 to 11 and / or any one of claims 12 to 22.

30. A storage medium characterized by The storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method in any one of claims 1 to 11 and / or any one of claims 12 to 22.

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