Communication method and related device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and a related device, which are used for realizing communication between terminal equipment and an intelligent agent or a public component in a core network. The method provided by the invention comprises the following steps: receiving a first message from terminal equipment through access network equipment or the access network equipment and an access and mobility management function AMF; a second message is sent to a second entity, the second message is used for triggering the second entity to determine an entity for processing the first message, and the second message carries information in the first message; and receiving a third message from the second entity, the third message indicating a third entity, and the third entity being used for processing the first message.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Future communication networks need to support new business scenarios such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with communication and the fusion of sensing and communication. Examples include smart cities, digital healthcare, and network-assisted autonomous driving. With the rapid development of AI technology, future communication networks will serve as the infrastructure enabling AI to support various intelligent applications. Agents based on large language models (LLMs) possess powerful intent understanding, reasoning abilities, and the capacity to interact with and evolve within their environment. Therefore, agents may be introduced into the core network in the future to meet the flexible customization needs of different services. Consequently, reconstructing the core network based on agents will become a trend, meaning that the core network will contain multiple agents and one or more common components shared by all or part of these agents.

[0003] However, for agent-based core networks, how terminal devices communicate with agents or common components in the core network is a question worth considering. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus for enabling communication between a terminal device and an intelligent agent or common component in a core network.

[0005] This application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first entity or to a device within the first entity. The method is described below using a first entity as an example. The method includes: the first entity receiving a first message from a terminal device via an access network device, or an access network device and an access and mobility management function (AMF). Then, the first entity sends a second message to a second entity, the second message triggering the second entity to determine the entity processing the first message, the second message carrying information from the first message. The first entity receives a third message from the second entity, the third message instructing the third entity to process the first message.

[0006] In the above technical solution, a first entity is introduced, which can request a second entity to reason about the entity processing the first message. This enables the first entity to determine the information of the third entity processing the first message, facilitating the first entity to forward the first message to the third entity. Communication between the terminal device and the third entity (i.e., an intelligent agent or common component) is achieved. The terminal device does not need to be aware of intelligent agents or common components in the core network, nor does it need to specify the type of entity processing the first message in the first message.

[0007] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message carries an application network creation request, and the third entity is an orchestration agent; or, the first message carries user equipment (UE) capability information, and the third entity is a toolbox; or, the first message carries service execution status information, and the third entity is public storage; or, the first message carries access information, and the third entity is a connection agent. This implementation illustrates some scenarios applicable to the technical solution of this application. For example, application network creation scenarios, UE capability indication scenarios, service execution status indication scenarios, and access scenarios. This enriches the scenarios applicable to the solution.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the second message further includes at least one of the following: capability information of one or more available intelligent agents, address information of one or more available intelligent agents, capability information of one or more available common components, or address information of one or more available common components. This facilitates the second entity in selecting a suitable entity to process the first message by referring to the information in the second message.

[0009] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message also carries information about the network to which the terminal device is served. For example, the first message may also carry an identifier of the network to which the terminal device is connected. This allows the second entity to refer to the network information to select a third entity that is closer to the terminal device, enabling the third entity to provide intelligent services to the terminal device.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message is related to AI business. The technical solution of this application can be applied to AI business scenarios, achieving compatibility between AI and communication.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, before the first entity sends the second message to the second entity, the method further includes: the first entity obtaining the terminal device's subscription information from the fourth entity; and the first entity authenticating and authorizing the terminal device based on the subscription information to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to request AI services. This determines that the terminal device has subscribed to AI services, thus allowing the terminal device to use AI services.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message is in a first format; before the first entity sends the second message to the second entity, the method further includes: the first entity sending the first message or a portion of the first message to the fifth entity. Then, the first entity receives the first message in a second format, or a portion of the first message in a second format, from the fifth entity. The second message carries information from the first message in a second format, or the second message carries a portion of the first message in a second format. In this implementation, the intelligent agent or common component can understand declarative interface messages carried by natural language, while the first message sent by the terminal device is a standard signaling message. Therefore, the first entity can request the fifth entity to translate the first message into a declarative interface message so that the third entity can understand the first message forwarded by the first entity.

[0013] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the first entity sending a first message to the third entity. This enables the third entity to process the first message, thereby achieving communication between the terminal device and the third entity (e.g., an intelligent agent or common component in the core network).

[0014] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is applied to a second entity, or to a device within the second entity. The following example illustrates the method applied to a second entity. The method includes: the second entity receiving a second message from a first entity, the second message triggering the second entity to determine an entity to process the first message, the second message carrying information from the first message, the first message originating from a terminal device; and the second entity sending a third message to the first entity, the third message carrying the address of the third entity, the third entity processing the first message.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the second entity can receive a second message, which carries information from the first message, which originates from the terminal device. The second entity can deduce the entity that processes the first message and instruct it to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the first message to the third entity, enabling the third entity to process the first message, thus achieving communication between the terminal device and the third entity.

[0016] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message carries an application network creation request, and the third entity is an orchestration agent; or, the first message carries UE capability information, and the third entity is a toolbox; or, the first message carries service execution status information, and the third entity is a public storage; or, the first message carries access information, and the third entity is a connection agent. This implementation illustrates some scenarios applicable to the technical solution of this application. For example, application network creation scenarios, UE capability indication scenarios, service execution status indication scenarios, and access scenarios. This enriches the scenarios applicable to the solution.

[0017] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second message further includes: capability information of one or more available intelligent agents, address information of one or more available intelligent agents, capability information of one or more available common components, or address information of one or more available common components. This facilitates the second entity in selecting a suitable entity to process the first message by referring to the information in the second message.

[0018] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the second message carries information from the first message in a second format, or the second message carries a portion of the information from the first message in a second format. For the second entity, what it can understand is the message in the second format, i.e., a declarative interface message. Therefore, the second message carrying information from the first message in a second format, or a portion of the information from the first message in a second format, facilitates the second entity inferring a suitable entity to process the first message.

[0019] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message also carries information about the network to which the terminal device is served. For example, the first message may also carry an identifier of the network to which the terminal device is connected. This allows the second entity to refer to the network information to select a third entity that is closer to the terminal device, enabling the third entity to provide intelligent services to the terminal device.

[0020] A third aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is applied to an access network device, or to a device within the access network device; the following example illustrates the method applied to an access network device. The method includes: the access network device receiving a first message from a terminal device, the first message being related to an AI service; the access network device selecting a first entity based on the first message; and the access network device sending the first message to the first entity.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the access network device can select a first entity based on the first message, so that the first message can be forwarded to the corresponding entity by the first entity. This enables communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network. It also enables the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0022] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message is carried in a signal radio bearer-agent (SRB-A); the access network device selects a first entity based on the first message, including: the access network device selects the first entity based on the SRB-A. In this implementation, AI service-related messages can be carried in a newly defined SRB-A. The access network device can identify that the first message is related to AI services through the SRB-A. Therefore, the access network device can select a first entity and forward the first message to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the first message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network, and enabling the processing of AI service-related messages.

[0023] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message includes first indication information, which indicates that the first message is related to AI services. The access network device selects a first entity based on the first message, including: the access network device selecting a first entity based on the first indication information. In this implementation, the access network device can identify that the first message is related to AI services based on the first indication information. Therefore, the access network device can select a first entity and forward the first message to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the first message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network, and enabling the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0024] Based on the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the type of the first message is a first type, and the access network device selects a first entity based on the first message, including: the access network device selects a first entity based on the type of the first message. In this implementation, the type of the first message is a defined NAS message type, and the access network device can identify whether the first message is related to AI services based on the type of the first message. Therefore, the access network device can select a first entity and forward the first message to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the first message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network, and enabling the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0025] This application provides a fourth aspect of a communication method, which is applied to an AMF (Access Provider Function) or to a device within an AMF. The technical solution of this application is described below using the method applied to an AMF as an example. The method includes: the AMF receiving a first message from a terminal device via an access network device, the first message being related to AI services. Then, the AMF selects a first entity based on the first message. The AMF sends a fourth message to the access network device, or the AMF sends the first message to the first entity, wherein the fourth message indicates the first entity, and the first entity is used to receive the first message.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the AMF selects a first entity based on the first message and sends a fourth message to the access network device to instruct the first entity. Alternatively, the AMF directly sends the first message to the first entity, so that the first entity can forward the first message to the corresponding entity. This enables communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network, and facilitates the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0027] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message is of type 1, or the first message includes information of type 1; the AMF selects the first entity based on the first message, including: the AMF selects the first entity based on the type of the first message or the information of type 1. In this implementation, the type of the first message is a newly defined NAS message type, and the AMF can determine that the first message is related to AI services by combining the type of the first message. Alternatively, the first message includes information of type 1; for example, the first type is a new encapsulation format under NAS messages defined in traditional communication systems, and the new encapsulation format is used to indicate that the first message carries messages related to AI services. The AMF can determine that the first message is related to AI services by combining the information of type 1.

[0028] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type of information is used to determine whether the first message is related to AI services. This facilitates the AMF's identification of messages of different service types. For messages related to AI services, they should be forwarded to the first entity, so that the first entity can forward the first message to the corresponding entity. This enables communication between the terminal device and the intelligent agent or common component in the core network, and facilitates the processing of AI service-related messages. For messages related to traditional communication services, the AMF processes them independently or forwards them to traditional network functions for processing.

[0029] Based on the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message includes first indication information, which indicates that the first message is related to AI business; the AMF selects a first entity based on the first message, including: the AMF selects a first entity based on the first indication information. This implementation also provides another way for the AMF to select a first entity.

[0030] This application provides a fifth aspect of a communication method, which is applied to an access network device, or to a device within the access network device. The technical solution of this application is described below using the method applied to an access network device as an example. The method includes: the access network device receiving a first message from a terminal device. The first message is related to AI services. Then, the access network device sends the first message to an AMF (Advanced Management Function). The access network device receives a fourth message from the AMF, the fourth message indicating a first entity; the access network device sends the first message to the first entity. This enables the access network device to forward the first message to the first entity, so that the first entity can send the first message to the corresponding entity. Communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network is achieved. Processing of messages related to AI services is implemented. For messages related to traditional communication services, the AMF processes them independently or forwards them to traditional network functions for processing.

[0031] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first entity, or to a device within the first entity. The method is described below using an example of its application to a first entity. The method includes: the first entity receiving a fifth message from a terminal device via an access network device, or an access network device and an AMF (Access Message Function), the fifth message including second indication information indicating the type of entity processing the fifth message. Then, the first entity selects a sixth entity based on the second indication information and sends the fifth message to the sixth entity.

[0032] In the above technical solution, a first entity is introduced, which can determine the entity that processes the fifth message based on the second instruction information. This facilitates the first entity sending the fifth message to the sixth entity, thereby enabling the processing of the fifth message and achieving communication between the terminal device and the sixth entity (intelligent agent or common component).

[0033] Based on the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth message carries an application network creation request, and the sixth entity is an orchestration agent; or, the fifth message carries UE capability information, and the sixth entity is a toolbox; or, the fifth message carries service execution status information, and the sixth entity is a public storage; or, the fifth message carries access information, and the sixth entity is a connection agent. This implementation illustrates some scenarios applicable to the technical solution of this application. For example, application network creation scenarios, UE capability indication scenarios, service execution status indication scenarios, and access scenarios. This enriches the scenarios applicable to the solution.

[0034] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is applied to an access network device, or to a device within the access network device. The method is described below using an example of its application to an access network device. The method includes: the access network device receiving a fifth message from a terminal device, the fifth message being related to AI services, the fifth message including second indication information indicating the type of entity processing the fifth message; then, the access network device selecting a first entity based on the fifth message and sending the fifth message to the first entity.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the access network device can select the first entity based on the fifth message. This allows the first entity to forward the fifth message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network. It also enables the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0036] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth message is carried on an SRB-A; the access network device selects a first entity based on the fifth message, including: the access network device selects a first entity based on the SRB-A. In this implementation, AI service-related messages can be carried on a newly defined SRB-A. The access network device can identify that the first message is related to AI services through the SRB-A. Therefore, the access network device can select a first entity and forward the fifth message to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the fifth message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network, and enabling the processing of AI service-related messages.

[0037] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth message includes third indication information, which indicates that the fifth message is related to AI services. The access network device selects a first entity based on the fifth message, including: the access network device selecting a first entity based on the third indication information. In this implementation, the access network device can identify that the fifth message is related to AI services based on the third indication information. Therefore, the access network device can select a first entity and forward the fifth message to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the fifth message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network, and enabling the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0038] Based on the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the type of the fifth message is a first type, and the access network device selects a first entity based on the fifth message, including: the access network device selects a first entity based on the type of the fifth message. In this implementation, the type of the fifth message is a defined NAS message type, and the access network device can identify whether the fifth message is related to AI services based on its type. Therefore, the access network device can select a first entity and forward the fifth message to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the fifth message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network, and enabling the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0039] This application provides an eighth aspect of a communication method, which is applied to an AMF (Advanced Management Function), or to a device within an AMF. The method is described below using an example of its application to an AMF. The method includes: the AMF receiving a fifth message from a terminal device via an access network device. The fifth message is related to AI services and includes second indication information indicating the type of entity processing the fifth message; the AMF selects a first entity based on the fifth message. Then, the AMF sends a sixth message to the access network device, or the AMF sends the fifth message to the first entity, wherein the sixth message indicates the first entity, and the first entity receives the fifth message.

[0040] In the above technical solution, the AMF selects the first entity based on the fifth message and sends the sixth message to the access network device, or sends the fifth message to the first entity. This allows the first entity to forward the fifth message to the corresponding entity, enabling communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network. It also enables the processing of messages related to AI services.

[0041] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth message is of type first type, or the fifth message includes information of type first type, or includes information of a first subtype of type first type. The AMF selects a first entity based on the fifth message, including: the AMF selects a first entity based on the type of the fifth message, the information of type first type, or the information of a first subtype of type first type. In this implementation, the type of the first message is a newly defined NAS message type. The AMF, in conjunction with the type of the fifth message, can determine that the fifth message is related to AI services. Alternatively, the first message includes information of type first type. For example, type first type is a new encapsulation format under NAS messages defined in traditional communication systems. This new encapsulation format is used to indicate that the first message carries a message related to AI services. The AMF, in conjunction with the information of type first type, can determine that the fifth message is a message related to AI services. Alternatively, the first message includes information of a first subtype of type first type. For example, type first type is a new encapsulation format under NAS messages defined in traditional communication systems. Then, under this new encapsulation format, multiple sub-encapsulation formats are distinguished, one of which is type first subtype. The AMF, in conjunction with the information of the first subtype of type first type, can determine that the fifth message is a message related to AI services.

[0042] Based on the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth message includes third indication information, which indicates that the fifth message is related to AI business; the AMF selects the first entity based on the fifth message, including: the AMF selects the first entity based on the third indication information. This implementation also provides another way for the AMF to select the first entity.

[0043] This application provides a communication method in its ninth aspect. The method is applied to an access network device, or to a device within the access network device. The following description uses the application of this method to an access network device as an example. The method includes: the access network device receiving a fifth message from a terminal device, the fifth message being related to AI services, the fifth message including second indication information indicating the type of entity processing the fifth message; the access network device sending the fifth message to an AMF (Active Network Function). The access network device receiving a sixth message from the AMF, the sixth message indicating a first entity, and sending the fifth message to the first entity. This enables communication between the terminal device and intelligent agents or common components in the core network. It also enables the access network device to forward the fifth message to the first entity, so that the first entity can send the fifth message to the corresponding entity. This process enables the handling of messages related to AI services. For messages related to traditional communication services, the AMF either processes them independently or forwards them to traditional network functions for processing.

[0044] The tenth aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a communication system, the communication system including a first entity and a second entity, the method including: the first entity receiving a first message from a terminal device; the first entity sending a second message to the second entity, the second message being used to trigger the second entity to determine an entity to process the first message, the second message carrying information in the first message; correspondingly, the second entity receiving the second message from the first entity; the second entity sending a third message to the first entity, correspondingly, the first entity receiving the third message from the second entity, the third message instructing the third entity, the third entity being used to process the first message.

[0045] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message carries an application network creation request, and the third entity is an orchestration agent; or, the first message carries UE capability information, and the third entity is a toolbox; or, the first message carries service execution status information, and the third entity is a public storage; or, the first message carries access information, and the third entity is a connection agent.

[0046] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second message further includes: capability information of one or more available intelligent agents, address information of one or more available intelligent agents, capability information of one or more available common components, or address information of one or more available common components.

[0047] Based on the tenth aspect, one possible implementation is that the first message is related to AI business.

[0048] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fourth entity, and the method further includes: before the first entity sends a second message to the second entity, the first entity obtains the subscription information of the terminal device from the fourth entity; the first entity authenticates and authorizes the terminal device according to the subscription information to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to request the AI ​​service.

[0049] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a fifth entity, and the first message is in a first format; the method further includes: before the first entity sends a second message to the second entity, the first entity sends the first message or part of the information in the first message to the fifth entity; the fifth entity sends the first message in a second format or part of the information in the first message in a second format to the first entity; correspondingly, the first entity receives the first message in a second format or part of the information in the first message in a second format from the fifth entity; the second message carries the information in the first message in a second format, or the second message carries part of the information in the first message in a second format.

[0050] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system further includes a third entity, and the method further includes: the first entity sending a first message to the third entity.

[0051] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system further includes an access network device, and the method further includes: the access network device receiving a first message from a terminal device; the access network device determining a first entity based on the first message; the access network device sending the first message to the first entity; and the first entity receiving the first message from the terminal device, including: the first entity receiving the first message from the terminal device through the access network device.

[0052] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first message is carried in SRB-A; the access network device selects the first entity according to the first message, including: the access network device selects the first entity according to SRB-A; or...

[0053] The first message includes first instruction information, which indicates that the first message is related to AI services; the access network device selects a first entity based on the first message, including: the access network device selects a first entity based on the first instruction information; or...

[0054] The type of the first message is the first type. The access network device selects the first entity according to the first message, including: the access network device selects the first entity according to the type of the first message.

[0055] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system further includes an access network device and an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the method further includes: the access network device receiving the first message from a terminal device; the access network device sending the first message to the AMF; correspondingly, the AMF receiving the first message from the access network device; and the AMF determining a first entity based on the first message.

[0056] The AMF sends a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message instructs the first entity, and the first entity is used to receive the first message; correspondingly, the access network device receives the fourth message from the AMF; the access network device sends the first message to the first entity; the first entity receives the first message from the terminal device, including: the first entity receiving the first message from the terminal device through the access network device; or...

[0057] The AMF sends the first message to the first entity; correspondingly, the first entity receives the first message from the terminal device, including: the first entity receives the first message from the terminal device through the access network device and the AMF.

[0058] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the type of the first message is a first type, or the first message includes information of the first type; the AMF selects the first entity based on the first message, including: the AMF determines the first entity based on the type of the first message or the information of the first type; or...

[0059] The first message includes a first instruction information, which is used to indicate that the first message is related to AI business; the AMF selects a first entity based on the first message, including: the AMF selects a first entity based on the first instruction information.

[0060] Based on the tenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first type or the information of the first type is used to determine that the first message is related to the AI ​​business.

[0061] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a communication device for performing the method provided in any of the possible implementations of any of the first to ninth aspects described above.

[0062] For example, the communication device may include one or more modules, such as a transceiver module, and further, a processing module.

[0063] The transceiver module is used to perform the receiving and / or sending steps in the above method, and the processing module is used to perform one or more of the determining, measuring, and obtaining steps in the above method.

[0064] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a communication device including a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to invoke a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory, causing the processing circuit to implement any one of the implementations of the first to ninth aspects.

[0065] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory storing computer programs or computer instructions.

[0066] Optionally, the processing circuit can be one or more processors, or circuitry within one or more processors for processing or control functions.

[0067] Optionally, the processing circuitry is integrated with the memory.

[0068] Optionally, the communication device further includes a transceiver circuit, the processing circuit being used to control the transceiver circuit to perform any of the implementations of any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0069] Optionally, the transceiver circuit can be a transceiver, an input / output circuit, or an input / output interface.

[0070] Optionally, the communication device may be a first entity, a second entity, an AMF, an access network device, or a chip used in the first entity, the second entity, the AMF, or the access network device, or a device that cooperates with the first entity, the second entity, the AMF, or the access network device.

[0071] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product including computer instructions, characterized in that, when run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute any of the implementations of any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0072] The fourteenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the implementations of any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0073] The fifteenth aspect of this application provides a chip device, including a processor, for calling a computer program or computer instructions in a memory to cause the processor to execute any one of the implementations of the first to ninth aspects described above.

[0074] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0075] A sixteenth aspect of this application provides a communication system including a communication device that performs the method as shown in the first aspect and a communication device that performs the method as shown in the second aspect. Optionally, the communication system further includes a communication device that performs the method as shown in the third aspect. Alternatively, the communication system further includes a communication device that performs the method as shown in the fourth aspect and a communication device that performs the method as shown in the fifth aspect.

[0076] A seventeenth aspect of this application provides a communication system including a communication device that performs the method as shown in the sixth aspect and a communication device that performs the method as shown in the seventh aspect. Alternatively, the communication system includes a communication device that performs the method as shown in the sixth aspect, a communication device that performs the method as shown in the eighth aspect, and a communication device that performs the method as shown in the ninth aspect.

[0077] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the method provided in this application includes: a first entity receiving a first message from a terminal device through an access network device, or through the access network device and the AMF; the first entity sending a second message to a second entity, the second message being used to request the second entity to determine the entity processing the first message, the second message carrying information from the first message; the first entity receiving a third message from the second entity, the third message instructing the third entity to process the first message. Therefore, this application introduces a first entity, which can request the second entity to determine the entity processing the first message. This enables the first entity to obtain information about the third entity processing the first message, facilitating the first entity to forward the first message to the third entity. It also enables communication between the terminal device and the third entity (i.e., an intelligent agent or common component). The terminal device does not need to be aware of intelligent agents or common components in the core network, nor does it need to specify the type of entity processing the first message in the first message. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the various encapsulation formats of non-access stratum (NAS) messages and NAS messages.

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0082] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram illustrating two types of NAS messages in embodiments of this application;

[0083] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0084] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0085] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a NAS Agent under NAS messages in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0087] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0088] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram illustrating various encapsulation formats for NAS Agent messages in embodiments of this application;

[0089] Figure 11B This is a schematic diagram illustrating two types of NAS messages and their corresponding encapsulation formats in embodiments of this application.

[0090] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0091] Figure 13A This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0092] Figure 13B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the various sub-encapsulation formats distinguished under the NAS Agent message in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method of this application;

[0094] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 16 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 17 This is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0097] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus for enabling communication between a terminal device and an intelligent agent or common component in a core network.

[0098] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0099] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0100] Currently, in 5G communication systems, Non-Access Stratum (NAS) messages are used to carry control messages between terminal devices and network functions (NFs) in the core network. Examples include registration requests and Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment requests. The AMF, acting as a proxy for NAS messages, can handle messages related to terminal device registration and connection. It can also forward messages sent by the terminal device to other NFs, such as messages from the terminal device to the Session Management Function (SMF), Short Message Service Function (SMSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), and Location Management Function (LMF).

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, all messages sent by the UE to the AMF are NAS-MM messages. NAS messages sent by the UE to the SMF, SMSF, PCF, or LMF use different encapsulation formats. When the AMF receives a NAS message, if it is related to registration or connection, the AMF processes the NAS message locally. If it is not related to registration or connection, the AMF determines which network function the NAS message should be forwarded to based on the encapsulation format.

[0102] Currently, NAS messages in 5G communication systems are used for transmitting communication service-related messages between terminal devices and NFs, but cannot support the transmission of service messages related to AI services. In current 5G communication systems, terminal devices can perceive the functions of each NF and explicitly indicate the type of NF that handles the NAS message in the NAS message.

[0103] Future communication networks need to support new business scenarios such as the integration of AI and communication, and the convergence of sensing and communication. Examples include smart cities, digital healthcare, and network-assisted autonomous driving. With the rapid development of AI technology, future communication networks will serve as the infrastructure enabling AI to support various intelligent applications. LLM-based agents, due to their powerful intent understanding, reasoning capabilities, and the ability to interact with the environment and evolve independently, may be introduced into the core network in the future to meet the flexible customization needs of different services. Therefore, reconstructing the core network based on agents will become a trend, meaning that multiple agents and their shared common components exist within the core network. However, for agent-based core networks, how terminal devices communicate with agents or common components in the core network is a question worth considering. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiments below.

[0104] The following describes two possible communication systems to which this application applies.

[0105] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 2 The communication system includes a terminal device 201, an access network device 202, one or more intelligent agents and / or one or more common components. The one or more intelligent agents and / or one or more common components may include one or more of the following: a planning agent 203, an assemble agent 204, an agent proxy function (APF) 205, a connection agent 206, an execution agent 207, a network generative pre-trained transformer (NetGPT) 208, public memory 209, a toolbox 210, a sandbox 211, and a message proxy function (MPF) 212.

[0106] For example, NetGPT208, common storage 209, toolbox 210, sandbox 211, and MPF212 are common components, while orchestration agent 203, assembly agent 204, APF205, and connection agent 206 are agents.

[0107] Terminal device 201 can be connected to APF205 through access network device 202.

[0108] The orchestration agent 203 is used to understand complex tasks and decompose them into a series of simple and easy-to-execute subtasks. It should be noted that the orchestration agent can also be called a planning agent, a scheduling agent, an entity, or an intelligent network element; this application does not limit the name of the orchestration agent.

[0109] The assembled intelligent agent 204 is responsible for intelligently selecting the execution function based on the input task or subtask description. It should be noted that the assembled intelligent agent can also be called a composite intelligent agent, entity, or intelligent network element, etc., and this application does not limit the name of the assembled intelligent agent.

[0110] APF205 is responsible for understanding messages sent by the terminal device. It can assist the terminal device in requesting NetGPT208 to determine the agent and / or common component that will handle the message sent by the terminal device, and forward the message to the appropriate agent and / or common component so that the agent and / or common component can process the message. Alternatively, APF205 can select the appropriate agent and / or common component for the terminal device and forward the message to the appropriate agent and / or common component. It should be noted that APF can also be called other names, and this application does not limit it. For example, APF can also be called an agent function (AF).

[0111] The connecting intelligent agent 206 is used for connection management of intelligent services and / or traditional communication services. For example, it configures terminal device functions, base station functions, and establishes and / or updates the topology and connections of the application network according to service requirements. It should be noted that the connecting intelligent agent can also be called a connected intelligent agent, interconnected intelligent agent, entity, or intelligent network element, etc., and this application does not limit the specific name of the connecting intelligent agent. It should also be noted that intelligent services can be understood as AI services.

[0112] The executing intelligent agent 207 is responsible for computing resource management, including one or more of the following: deployment, updating, deletion of functional instances, and dynamic scheduling of computing resources. It should be noted that the executing intelligent agent can also be called a running intelligent agent, entity, or intelligent network element, etc. This application does not specifically limit the name of the executing intelligent agent.

[0113] NetGPT208 can possess an AI model for inferring expected results based on input messages. For example, NetGPT208 can infer intelligent agents and / or common components that process messages from terminal devices. It should be noted that NetGPT can also be called other names, and this application does not limit its specific application. For example, NetGPT can be called an inference component, entity, intelligent network element, etc., and this application does not limit its specific application.

[0114] Public storage 209 is used to collect and / or store network data, knowledge, etc., for querying and use by intelligent agents and / or public components. It should be noted that public storage can also be called other names, and this application does not limit its specific application. For example, public storage can also be called storage network element, intelligent network element, entity, etc., and this application does not limit its specific application.

[0115] Toolbox 210 stores a large amount of information about network functions and application functions. These network functions and application functions can be flexibly arranged by intelligent agents to generate personalized application networks, etc. It should be noted that the toolbox can also be called other names, and this application does not limit it.

[0116] The sandbox 211 is used to verify the reasoning results of the agent. For example, the sandbox 211 can verify the reasoning results output by the assembled agent 204. It should be noted that the sandbox can also be other names, and this application does not limit the specific name.

[0117] The MPF212 is used to translate messages in different formats. For example, the MPF212 translates 3GPP standard signaling messages into declaration interface messages, or it translates declarative interface messages into 3GPP standard signaling messages. 3GPP standard signaling messages are represented in binary format, while declarative interface messages are represented in natural language or graphical representations.

[0118] It should be noted that the above Figure 2 In the communication system shown, one or more of the various agents or functions can be deployed independently or in combination. This application does not limit the deployment form of the agents or functions. For example, NetGPT can be deployed in the same entity as APF. Alternatively, NetGPT can be deployed in the same entity as MPF. Or, the coding agent can be deployed in the same entity as the assembly agent. Other deployment forms are not elaborated here.

[0119] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Compared to Figure 2 The communication system shown, Figure 3 The communication system shown retains traditional network functions (NFs). For example, one or more of the following: access and mobility management function (AMF) 312, session management function (SMF) 313, and unified data management (UDM) 314. Traditional communication services of the terminal equipment are still handled by the traditional NF. For example... Figure 3As shown, the communication system includes: a terminal device 301, an access network device 302, one or more intelligent agents and / or one or more common components, and one or more traditional NFs. The one or more intelligent agents and / or one or more common components may include one or more of the following: orchestration agent 303, assembly agent 304, APF 305, connection agent 306, execution agent 307, NetGPT 308, common storage 309, toolbox 309, sandbox 310, and MPF 311. The one or more traditional NFs include one or more of the following: AMF 312 and SMF 313.

[0120] Terminal device 301 can communicate with APF305 through access network device 302, and / or communicate with AMF312 through access network device 302.

[0121] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes. The terminal device can also be a device or module that is connected to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device usually contains a communication module, circuit or chip that performs the corresponding communication function, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0122] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; the specific application is not limited to any particular type. It should also be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; the specific application is not limited to any particular type.

[0123] Access network equipment can be devices within a wireless network. For example, access network equipment can be an access network node that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, also known as a base station. Currently, some examples of access network equipment include: base stations (gNodeB, gNB), transmission reception points (TRP), evolved Node Bs (eNB), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band units (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points (AP) in 5G communication systems. Additionally, in a network architecture, access network equipment can include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, CU-control plane (CP), CU-user plane (UP), or radio units (RU), or RAN equipment including CU and DU nodes. CU and DU can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as in a baseband unit (BBU). An RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open RAN (ORAN) system, CU can also be called an open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an open RU (O-RU). Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0124] Access network equipment can be any other device that provides wireless communication functionality to terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the access network equipment. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0125] It should be noted that the access network equipment can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; this application does not limit the specific application. It should also be noted that in this application, the term "access network equipment" can refer to the access network equipment itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the access network equipment that performs the method provided in this application; this application does not limit the specific application.

[0126] exist Figure 3 In the communication system shown, the connection agent 306 is responsible for the connection management of intelligent services, including configuring terminal equipment functions and base station functions, establishing and updating the topology and connections of the application network according to service requirements, etc., but does not handle connection requests in traditional communication services. Figure 3 The functions of other intelligent agents and common components in the communication system shown remain unchanged; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 2 The following is a description of the communication system shown. Figure 3 In the communication system shown, intelligent agents, common components, and traditional network nodes coexist in the core network.

[0127] The following describes some of the technical terms used in this application.

[0128] Application network: refers to a logical network that provides services specifically for a particular application. It includes one or more network functions (e.g., base station functions, control plane functions, user plane functions), one or more application functions, computing resources, data resources, etc.

[0129] The communication system to which the technical solution of this application applies includes terminal equipment, a first entity, and a second entity. The first entity can be an APF (Automatic Product Provider), or a device within the aforementioned APF. For example, a device within the APF can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., and this application does not specifically limit its application. (The following text...) Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment uses the APF as an example to introduce the technical solution of this application. The second entity can be the aforementioned NetGPT, or a device within the aforementioned NetGPT. For example, a device within the NetGPT can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., and this application does not limit the specifics. (The following text...) Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The technical solution of this application is illustrated using NetGPT as an example of the second entity in the embodiments shown.

[0130] Optionally, the communication system also includes a third entity, which can be an intelligent agent or a common component in the communication system shown above. For example, the third entity can be a first intelligent agent or a first common component, or a device within the first intelligent agent or a device within the first common component. For example, a device in the first intelligent agent can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., within the first intelligent agent. A device in the first common component can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., within the first common component. (The following text...) Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The technical solution of this application is described in the embodiments shown, with the third entity being the first intelligent agent or the first common component.

[0131] Optionally, the communication system includes a fourth entity, which can be common storage or a device within the common storage. For example, a device in the common storage can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., within the common storage. (The following text...) Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The technical solution of this application is introduced using the fourth entity as a public storage example in the embodiments shown.

[0132] Optionally, the communication system also includes a fifth entity, which can be an MPF ​​(Multi-Party Function) or a device within the MPF. For example, a device within the MPF can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., within the MPF. (The following text...) Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The technical solution of this application is introduced using MPF as an example of the fifth entity in the embodiments shown.

[0133] Forwarding: This can mean sending a received message or information without processing, i.e., transparent transmission; or sending all or part of a received message or information after processing. This application does not limit the scope of the forwarding.

[0134] under Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal device may not need to be aware of the intelligent agents and / or common components of the core network. The first message sent by the terminal device may not need to specify the type of intelligent agent and / or common component processing the first message. These will be described below. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The embodiment shown. Wherein, Figure 4 The embodiments shown can be applied to the above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The communication system shown. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments are applicable Figure 3 The communication system shown.

[0135] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 4 The methods include:

[0136] 401. The terminal device sends a first message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[0137] Optionally, First Message may be related to AI business or to traditional communication business.

[0138] For example, the first message carries an application network creation request, which is used to request the establishment of an application network.

[0139] For example, the first message carries UE capability information, which indicates the capabilities of the terminal device. For example, the UE capability information includes one or more of the following: sensing capabilities, reasoning capabilities, and data processing capabilities.

[0140] For example, the first message carries service execution status information, which indicates the task execution status of the terminal device. For instance, the service execution status information may include at least one of the following: task identifier, execution progress, or current execution result.

[0141] For example, the first message carries access information. This access information could be a registration request from the terminal device or an application network access request. A registration request is used by the terminal device to request registration with the network. An application network access request is used by the terminal device to request access to the application network.

[0142] 402. Access network equipment selection APF, that is, determining the APF.

[0143] In one possible implementation, this embodiment is applied to the above... Figure 2The communication system shown. The first message type is Type 1. Type 1 is a redefinition of a NAS message type, distinct from the NAS MM message defined in traditional communication systems. It can be understood that Type 1 is a newly defined NAS message type. NAS MM messages include instructions to the message receiver to perform corresponding operations and the parameters required to perform those operations. The name of the NAS MM message is standardized (as specified by the 3GPP standard). The message content of this newly defined NAS message type differs from the message content of traditional NAS MM messages. For example, the first message includes the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve that goal. Optionally, the first message does not specify the operations required to achieve the goal. Optionally, the message name of the first message may or may not be standardized. For NAS MM messages in traditional communication systems, NAS MM messages include instructions to the message receiver to perform corresponding operations and the parameters required to perform those operations. If a NAS Agent message is used to carry the information from the NAS MM message, then the NAS Agent message includes the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve that goal. Optionally, the NAS Agent message may not specify the operations required to achieve the goal. For example, as... Figure 5A As shown, the first type is NAS Agent, as mentioned above. Figure 2 The communication systems shown uniformly use NAS Agent messages.

[0144] In this implementation, the access network device can determine the Access in Facilitation Function (APF). If the communication system includes one APF, the access network device can determine that APF. If the communication system includes multiple APFs, the access network device can select one APF from among them. Different APFs are responsible for network management in different areas. In scenarios where the communication system includes multiple APFs, some possible implementation methods for the access network device to select the APF are described below.

[0145] Implementation method 1: The access network device selects the local default APF.

[0146] Implementation Method 2: The access network device selects the APF responsible for network management in the area where the access network device is located from multiple APFs. Optionally, the access network device may also select an APF based on its load. For example, if there are multiple APFs responsible for network management in the area where the access network device is located, the access network device may select the APF with a lower load.

[0147] In another possible implementation, this embodiment is applied to the above. Figure 3The communication system shown. Optionally, the type of the first message is a first type. For example, based on the NAS MM message defined in a traditional communication system, a new NAS message type is defined. It can be understood that the first type is a newly defined NAS message type. The difference between this newly defined NAS message type and the NAS MM message lies in the message content, i.e., the message format. NAS MM typically indicates the specific operation to be performed by the receiving end and the parameters required to perform the operation; usually, the name of the NAS MM message is standardized. This newly defined NAS message type includes the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve that goal. Optionally, this newly defined NAS message type may not specify the operation required to achieve the goal. Optionally, the message name of this newly defined NAS message type may or may not be standardized. For example, as... Figure 5B As shown, based on the NAS MM message defined in the traditional communication system, a new message type is also defined, namely the first type is NAS Agent.

[0148] Specifically, access network devices can select the APF (Advanced Pilot Provider) based on the first message, instead of the AMF (Advanced Provider Provider). For example, they can choose the APF from both AMF and APF. That is, if the first message is related to AI services, it should be forwarded to the APF, which will then forward it to other intelligent agents or common components. For details on how access network devices select the APF, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The detailed descriptions of the illustrated embodiments are not repeated here. In this implementation, the first message is a message related to AI services. The access network device selects an APF based on the first message. It should be noted that in this implementation, if the first message from the terminal device is a message related to traditional communication services, the access network device selects an AMF and sends the first message to the AMF. Optionally, when there are multiple APFs, one or more specific APFs can be further determined. The specific determination method can refer to Implementation 1 or Implementation 2 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] 403. The access network device sends the first message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the first message from the access network device.

[0150] Optionally, the first message may also include information about the network of the serving terminal device. For example, the first message may also include an identifier of the network of the access terminal device. It should be noted that the access network device may also send the network information of the serving terminal device to the APF separately.

[0151] 404. APF sends a second message to NetGPT. Correspondingly, NetGPT receives the second message from APF.

[0152] The second message includes information from the first message. Alternatively, the second message includes some information from the first message. For example, some information in the first message may include the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve that goal.

[0153] Optionally, the second message may also include at least one of the following: capability information and / or address information of one or more available intelligent agents, and capability information and / or address information of one or more available common components. It should be noted that an available intelligent agent can be understood as a candidate intelligent agent in the network serving the terminal device or an intelligent agent capable of providing services. It should be noted that an available intelligent agent can also be called a candidate intelligent agent; this application does not specifically limit the name of the available intelligent agent. An available common component can be understood as a candidate common component in the network serving the terminal device or a common component capable of providing services. It should be noted that an available common component can also be called a candidate common component; this application does not specifically limit the name.

[0154] Optional, Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 403a to 403b, which may be performed before step 404.

[0155] 403a, MPF retrieves the subscription data of the terminal device from public storage.

[0156] 403b, MPF authenticates and authorizes terminal devices based on the signed data to determine whether the terminal devices are allowed to request AI services.

[0157] For example, the first message is related to AI services. The subscription information includes the terminal device's subscription to AI services. MPF determines that the terminal device has subscribed to AI services based on the subscription information, and then MPF ​​allows the terminal device to request the AI ​​services.

[0158] Optional, Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 403c to 403d. Steps 403c to 403d may be performed before step 404.

[0159] 403c. The APF sends a first message or a portion of the first message to the MPF. Correspondingly, the MPF receives the first message or a portion of the first message from the APF.

[0160] The first message is in the first format. The first format means the message content is represented in binary form. That is, the first message is a standard signaling message. Specifically, the APF can understand the first message; the APF can determine certain information within the first message, which is used to characterize the goal to be achieved.

[0161] 403d: The MPF sends a first message in a second format or a portion of the first message in a second format to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the first message in a second format or a portion of the first message in a second format from the MPF.

[0162] The second format refers to messages expressed in natural language or visual language. For example, the first message in the second format is a declarative interface message.

[0163] Optionally, the second message in step 404 above may include the first message in the second format, or may include part of the information in the first message in the second format.

[0164] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between steps 403a to 403b and steps 403c to 403d. Steps 403a to 403b can be executed first, followed by steps 403c to 403d; or steps 403c to 403d can be executed first, followed by steps 403a to 403b; or, depending on the circumstances, steps 403a to 403b and steps 403c to 403d can be executed simultaneously. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0165] It should be noted that the second message in step 404 above can be a request message, which is used to request NetGPT to determine the entity that will process the first message.

[0166] 405. NetGPT sends a third message to APF. Correspondingly, APF receives the third message from NetGPT.

[0167] The third message is used to instruct the first intelligent agent or the first common component. The first intelligent agent or the first common component processes the first message.

[0168] Specifically, after receiving the second message, NetGPT can input it into the AI ​​model to obtain information about the first agent or the first common component output by the AI ​​model. This indicates that the first agent or the first common component will process the first message. Thus, NetGPT enables the entity that processes the first message for the terminal device to perform inference.

[0169] Optionally, the third message includes at least one of the following: the address of the first intelligent agent, the identifier of the first intelligent agent, or the name of the first intelligent agent. And / or, the third message includes at least one of the following: the address of the first common component, the identifier of the first common component, or the name of the first common component. Wherein, the address of the first intelligent agent may be the logical address of the first intelligent agent, or the physical address of the device where the first intelligent agent resides. The address of the first common component may be the logical address of the first common component, or the physical address of the device where the first common component resides.

[0170] The following section introduces some possible implementations of the first intelligent agent or the first common component, based on the content included in the first message.

[0171] 1. The first message carries an application network creation request, and the first agent is an orchestration agent.

[0172] 2. The first message carries UE capability information, and the first common component is the toolbox.

[0173] 3. The first message carries business execution status information, and the first common component is common storage.

[0174] 4. The first message carries access information, and the first intelligent agent is the connecting intelligent agent.

[0175] 406. The APF sends a first message to the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component. Accordingly, the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component receives the first message from the APF.

[0176] Specifically, the APF can identify the first agent and / or the first common component based on the third message. Then, the APF forwards the first message to the first agent and / or the first common component.

[0177] For example, the first message carries an application network creation request, and the first agent is an orchestration agent. The orchestration agent establishes the application network based on this application network creation request.

[0178] For example, the first message carries UE capability information, and the first common component is the toolbox. After receiving the first message, the toolbox can retrieve the terminal device information from the common storage to perform terminal device capability authentication. If authentication is successful, the toolbox can save the terminal device's capability information. When needed, the toolbox can configure the terminal device to perform corresponding services. For example, if the terminal device has sensing capabilities, the toolbox can configure the terminal device to perform sensing services when there is a sensing requirement.

[0179] For example, the first message carries business execution status information. The first common component is common storage. After receiving the business execution status information, the common storage can store the business execution status information.

[0180] For example, the first message carries a registration request, and the first agent is a connecting agent. After receiving the registration request, the connecting agent can schedule the registration function to register the terminal device with the network. Optionally, in this implementation, when the terminal device successfully registers with the network, the connecting agent can also send a registration success message to the APF. Then, the APF sends the registration success message to the terminal device through the access network device.

[0181] Optional, Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment also includes step 407. Step 407 may be performed after step 406.

[0182] 407. The first intelligent agent and / or the first common component sends a first acknowledgment message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the first acknowledgment message from the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component.

[0183] The first confirmation message is used to indicate that the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component has successfully received the first message.

[0184] In this embodiment, the APF receives a first message from the terminal device via the access network device, or via the access network device and the AMF. Then, the APF sends a second message to the NetGPT, requesting the NetGPT to determine the entity processing the first message. The second message carries information from the first message. The APF receives a third message from the NetGPT. The third message indicates a first intelligent agent and / or a first common component. The first intelligent agent and / or the first common component is used to process the first message. Therefore, this application introduces an APF that can request the NetGPT to determine the entity processing the first message. This enables the APF to obtain information about the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component processing the first message, facilitating the APF to forward the first message to the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component for processing. This enables communication between the terminal device and the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component. In this case, the terminal device does not need to be aware of the intelligent agents or common components in the core network.

[0185] The technical solution of this application can be applied to... Figure 3 or similar Figure 3 The communication system shown. In this implementation, the following will be combined with... Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment describes the specific process by which the access network device selects an APF based on the first message. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 6 The methods include:

[0186] 601. The terminal device sends a first message to the access network device. The first message satisfies one or more of the following: the first message is carried on an SBR-A, or the first message includes first indication information, or the type of the first message is a first type. Accordingly, the access network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[0187] Among them, First Message is related to AI business.

[0188] In one possible implementation, the first message is carried by the SRB-A. The SRB-A can be dedicated to carrying NAS messages related to AI services. This SRB-A can be a newly defined bearer. The SRB-A is used to carry NAS messages related to AI services initiated by terminal devices to intelligent agents or common components. Alternatively, the SRB-A is used to carry NAS messages whose content is represented in natural language or image-based language.

[0189] In another possible implementation, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first message is related to AI business. For example, the first indication information is a field in the first message, and the value of this field indicates that the first message is related to AI business.

[0190] In another possible implementation, the first message type is a first type, which is different from the NASMM message type. For example, a new NAS message type is defined based on the traditional NAS MM message type defined in a communication system. It can be understood that the first type is a newly defined NAS message type. For example, the first type could be NAS Agent. The NAS message type originally defined by the communication system is a second type, which is NAS MM. For example, ... Figure 5B As shown, based on the NAS MM message defined in the traditional communication system, a new message type, namely the NAS Agent message, is also defined.

[0191] Optional, Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment also includes step 601a. ​​Step 601a may be performed before step 601.

[0192] 601a. ​​Access network equipment assigns SRB-A to terminal equipment.

[0193] Optional, Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 600a to 600e. Steps 600a to 600e may be performed before step 601.

[0194] 600a. The terminal device sends a registration request to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request from the terminal device.

[0195] The registration request is used by terminal devices to request registration with the network.

[0196] 600b, Select AMF for access network equipment.

[0197] For example, the access network device can select the local default AMF. Alternatively, the access network device can select the AMF based on the location information of the terminal device.

[0198] 600c, The access network device sends a registration request to the AMF.

[0199] 600d and AMF obtain the contract data of the terminal device from UDM.

[0200] 600e and AMF send authorization messages to the access network devices. Correspondingly, the access network devices receive authorization messages from the AMF.

[0201] The authorization message is used to indicate that the terminal device has successfully registered.

[0202] For example, in Figure 3 In the communication system shown, the terminal device registers with the network through the processes described in steps 600a to 600e.

[0203] 602. The access network device selects the APF according to the type of SRB-A, or the first indication information, or the first message.

[0204] Optionally, selecting an APF may include choosing an APF from both an APF and an AMF.

[0205] Optionally, select APF, including determining whether to send the first message or a portion of the first message to the APF.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the access network device can determine that the first message is related to AI services through SRB-A. Therefore, the access network device can select APF. The access network device can distinguish between SRB and SRB-A. The access network device forwards messages from the terminal device carried by SRB-A to the APF, while forwarding messages from the terminal device carried by SRB to the AMF.

[0207] In another possible implementation, the access network device can determine that the first message is related to AI services based on the first indication information. Therefore, the access network device can choose APF.

[0208] In another possible implementation, the access network device determines that the first message is related to AI services based on its type. Therefore, the access network device can select an Access Point Function (APF). Figure 5B As shown, for access network devices, they can distinguish between NAS MM messages and NAS Agent messages. Access network devices can forward NAS Agent messages to the APF and NAS MM messages to the AMF. In one possible implementation, the access network device can parse the first message and identify whether it is a NAS MM message or a NAS Agent message based on the message encapsulation and / or message content.

[0209] Step 602 above can be understood as the process by which the access network device determines that the first message should be forwarded to the APF. If the communication system includes one APF, then that APF can be understood as the APF selected by the access network device. If the communication system includes multiple APFs, the access network device selects one APF from among the multiple APFs. The access network device can then forward the first message to that APF. Optionally, when there are multiple APFs, the specific method for selecting or determining one or more specific APFs from among the multiple APFs can be found in the relevant description in step 402.

[0210] 603. The access network device sends the first message to the APF.

[0211] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, after receiving the first message, access network device 302 can determine that the first message is related to AI services through the SRB-A carrying the first message. Alternatively, access network device 302 can determine that the first message is related to AI services through the first indication information or the type of the first message. Therefore, access network device 302 can select APF305 and send the first message to APF305.

[0212] It should be noted that if the message received by the access network device 302 from the terminal device is related to traditional communication services, the access network device 302 can select AMF312 and send the message to AMF312. For example, the message may be carried on an SRB, or the message may include fourth indication information indicating that the message is related to traditional communication services. Alternatively, the message type may be type two, i.e., NAS MM.

[0213] Steps 603a to 607 are the same as those described above. Figure 4 Steps 403a to 407 in the illustrated embodiment are similar, and can be found in the foregoing. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of steps 403a to 407 in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0214] The above Figure 6 The illustrated embodiments show several possible implementations of the access network device selecting an Access Point Function (APF) based on a first message, enabling the access network device to forward the first message to the APF. This allows the APF to identify the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component processing the first message based on the first message, and then send the first message to the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component. This enables communication between the terminal device and the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component.

[0215] The above Figure 6The illustrated embodiment demonstrates the specific process by which an access network device selects an APF based on a first message. This application also allows the AMF to select an APF based on the first message. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 7 and Figure 9 The examples shown illustrate two possible implementation schemes. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 7 The methods include:

[0216] 701. The terminal device sends a first message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[0217] Among them, First Message is related to AI business.

[0218] For example, the first message carries an application network creation request, which is used to request the establishment of an application network.

[0219] For example, the first message carries UE capability information, which indicates the capabilities of the terminal device. For instance, UE capability information includes sensing capabilities, reasoning capabilities, and data processing capabilities.

[0220] For example, the first message carries service execution status information, which indicates the task execution status of the terminal device. For instance, the service execution status information may include at least one of the following: task identifier, execution progress, or current execution result.

[0221] For example, the first message carries an application network access request. This application network access request is used by the terminal device to request access to the application network.

[0222] The following describes two possible implementations of the first message type. Optionally, the first message type can be understood as the cell format of the first message.

[0223] I. The first message type is Type I. Type I is distinct from the NAS MM message defined in traditional communication systems. A new NAS message type is defined based on this. In other words, Type I is a newly defined NAS message type. For example, Type I is NAS Agent. The NAS message type originally defined by the communication system is Type II, which is NAS MM. For the differences between NAS MM messages and NAS Agent messages, please refer to the relevant introduction in step 402 above; it will not be repeated here. For example, as... Figure 5B As shown, based on the NAS MM messages defined in traditional communication systems, a new message type, namely the NAS Agent message, is also defined. The NAS MM message type defined in traditional communication can be referred to as the second type.

[0224] Second, the type of the first message is the NAS MM defined in traditional communication systems. In this implementation, the first message includes information of the first type. The information of the first type is used to indicate the encapsulation of the first message. The first type is a newly defined encapsulation. For example, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the first type of information is used to indicate information about the NAS Agent. This first message is a NASMM message, but it is encapsulated using the NAS Agent. In this implementation, the first message includes the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve that goal, without specifying the operations required to achieve that goal.

[0225] Optional, Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 700a to 700e. Steps 700a to 700e may be performed before step 701.

[0226] 700a. The terminal device sends a registration request to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request from the terminal device.

[0227] 700b, Select AMF for access network equipment.

[0228] 700c. The access network device sends a registration request to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the registration request from the access network device.

[0229] 700d and AMF obtain contract data from UDM.

[0230] 700e and AMF send authorization messages to the access network devices. Correspondingly, the access network devices receive authorization messages from the AMF.

[0231] Steps 700a to 700e are the same as those described above. Figure 6 Steps 600a to 600e in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 6 The relevant descriptions of steps 600a to 600e in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0232] 702. Select AMF for access network equipment.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the access network device selects the local default AMF. In another possible implementation, the access network device selects the AMF based on the identifier of the terminal device. Optionally, the access network device selects the AMF based on the identifier of the terminal device and the AMF's load.

[0234] 703. The access network device sends the first message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first message from the access network device.

[0235] 704. AMF selects APF based on the first message.

[0236] Optionally, the AMF selects the APF based on the first message, including the AMF determining whether to send the first message or a portion of the information in the first message to the APF.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the first message is of type 1, or the first message includes information of type 1. Step 704 specifically includes: the AMF selects the APF based on the type of the first message or the information of type 1. In other words, the AMF determines that the first message is information related to AI business based on the type of the first message or the information of type 1. The AMF can then select an APF.

[0238] In another possible implementation, the first message includes first indication information. This first indication information indicates that the first message is related to AI business. Therefore, the AMF can select the APF based on the first indication information.

[0239] Step 704 above can be understood as the process by which the AMF determines that the first message should be forwarded to the APF. If the communication system includes one APF, then that APF can be understood as the APF selected by the AMF. If the communication system includes multiple APFs, the AMF selects one APF from among the multiple APFs.

[0240] 705. The AMF sends a fourth message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the fourth message from the AMF.

[0241] The fourth message indicates the APF. For example, the fourth message includes at least one of the following: the address of the APF, the identifier of the APF, or the name of the APF. The address of the APF can be the logical address of the APF or the physical address of the device where the APF resides.

[0242] 706. The access network device sends the first message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the first message from the access network device.

[0243] Specifically, after receiving the fourth message, the access network device can determine the APF based on the fourth message. Then, the access network device forwards the first message to the APF.

[0244] Optionally, the first message may also include information about the network of the serving terminal device. For example, the first message may also include an identifier of the network of the access terminal device. It should be noted that the access network device may also send the network information of the serving terminal device to the APF separately.

[0245] Steps 706a to 710 are the same as those described above. Figure 4Steps 403a to 407 in the illustrated embodiment are similar, and can be found in the foregoing. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of steps 403a to 407 in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0246] The above Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment demonstrates the process by which the AMF selects an APF based on a first message and indicates the APF to the access network device via a fourth message. The access network device then forwards the first message to the APF based on the fourth message. This allows the APF to identify the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component processing the first message and send the first message to the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component. This enables communication between the terminal device and the first intelligent agent and / or the first common component.

[0247] Figure 9 The embodiments shown are the same as those described above. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment is similar, except that the AMF selects the APF based on the first message and directly forwards the first message to the APF, without requiring the access network device to forward the first message to the APF. The following section discusses this further. Figure 8 The embodiments shown are described below. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 9 The methods include:

[0248] 901. The terminal device sends a first message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first message from the terminal device.

[0249] Step 901 and the aforementioned Figure 7 Step 701 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 7 The details of step 701 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0250] Optional, Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 900a to 900e. Steps 900a to 900e may be performed before step 901.

[0251] 900a. The terminal device sends a registration request to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request from the terminal device.

[0252] 900b, AMF is selected for access network equipment.

[0253] 900c: The access network device sends a registration request to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the registration request from the access network device.

[0254] 900d and AMF obtain contract data from UDM.

[0255] 900e and AMF send authorization messages to the access network devices. Correspondingly, the access network devices receive authorization messages from the AMF.

[0256] Steps 900a to 900e are the same as those described above. Figure 6 Steps 600a to 600e in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 6 The relevant descriptions of steps 600a to 600e in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0257] 902. Select AMF for access network equipment.

[0258] 903. The access network device sends the first message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first message from the access network device.

[0259] 904. AMF selects APF based on the first message.

[0260] Steps 902 to 904 are the same as those described above. Figure 7 Steps 702 to 704 in the illustrated embodiment are similar, and can be found in the foregoing description. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of steps 702 to 704 in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0261] 905. The AMF sends the first message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the first message from the AMF.

[0262] Specifically, after the AMF selects the APF based on the first message, the AMF can directly forward the first message to the APF.

[0263] Steps 905a to 909 are the same as those described above. Figure 4 Steps 403a to 407 in the illustrated embodiment are similar, and can be found in the foregoing. Figure 4 The specific details of steps 403a to 407 in the illustrated embodiments are not limited in this application.

[0264] The above embodiments describe a scheme where the terminal device is unaware of the intelligent agents and common components of the core network. That is, the first message sent by the terminal device does not need to specify the type of intelligent agent or common component processing the first message. In this application, the terminal device can also be aware of the intelligent agents and common components of the core network, and the message sent by the terminal device can specify the type of intelligent agent or common component processing the message. The following is a combination of... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The embodiments shown will be described in detail.

[0265] The communication system to which the technical solution provided in this application applies includes a first entity and a sixth entity. The first entity can be an APF (Automatic Processing Component), or a device within the aforementioned APF. For example, a device within the APF can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., and this application does not specifically limit its application. (The following text...) Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment uses APF as an example to introduce the technical solution of this application. The sixth entity can be an intelligent agent or a common component in the communication system shown above. For example, the sixth entity can be a second intelligent agent or a second common component, or a device in the second intelligent agent or a device in the second common component. For example, the device in the second intelligent agent can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., in the second intelligent agent. The device in the second common component can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., in the second common component. (The following text...) Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The technical solution of this application is introduced by taking the sixth entity as the second intelligent agent or the second common component as an example in the embodiments shown.

[0266] Optionally, the communication system also includes a fourth entity. The fourth entity can be common storage or a device within the common storage. For example, a device in the common storage can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., within the common storage. (The following text...) Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The technical solution of this application is introduced using the fourth entity as a public storage example in the embodiments shown.

[0267] Optionally, the communication system also includes a fifth entity, which can be an MPF ​​(Multi-Party Function) or a device within the MPF. For example, a device within the MPF can be a chip, chip system, functional module, processing unit, control unit, or integrated circuit, etc., within the MPF. (The following text...) Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The technical solution of this application is introduced using MPF as an example of the fifth entity in the embodiments shown.

[0268] under Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal device can perceive the intelligent agents and common components of the core network. The terminal device can specify the type of intelligent agent or common component processing the fifth message in the fifth message. These are described below. Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The embodiment shown. Wherein, Figure 10 The embodiments shown can be applied to the above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The communication system shown. Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiments are applicable Figure 3 The communication system shown.

[0269] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 10 The methods include:

[0270] 1001. The terminal device sends the fifth message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the fifth message from the terminal device.

[0271] The fifth message includes second indication information, which indicates the type of entity processing the fifth message. For example, the second indication information carries a NAS-PM indication, indicating that the entity processing the fifth message is public storage.

[0272] Optionally, Fifth Message may be related to AI business or to traditional communication business.

[0273] The content carried by the fifth message is the same as that mentioned above. Figure 4 The content carried by the first message in the illustrated embodiment is similar; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 4 The description of the first message in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0274] 1002. Select APF for access network equipment.

[0275] In one possible implementation, this embodiment is applied to the above... Figure 2The communication system shown. In this implementation, the fifth message is of type first. Type first is a redefined NAS message type, distinct from the NAS MM message defined in traditional communication systems. It can be understood that type first is a newly defined NAS message type. The message content of this newly defined NAS message type differs from the message content of traditional NAS MM messages. This newly defined message type includes the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve the goal. Optionally, the newly defined message type does not specify the operations required to achieve the goal. Optionally, the message name of this newly defined NAS message type can be standardized or not. For example, such as... Figure 11A As shown, the first type is NAS Agent, as mentioned above. Figure 2 The communication systems shown uniformly use NASAAgent messages. In traditional communication systems, NAS MM messages include instructions for the message receiver to perform a specific operation and the parameters required to do so. If NAS Agent messages are used to carry the information from NAS MM messages, these NAS Agent messages include the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve that goal, but do not specify the operations required to achieve that goal. Figure 11A The protocol architecture shown defines several encapsulation formats based on the NAS Agent, such as NAS-PM and NAS-AA.

[0276] In this implementation, the access network device can determine the Access in Facilitation Function (APF). If the communication system includes one APF, the access network device can determine that APF. If the communication system includes multiple APFs, the access network device can select one APF from among them. Different APFs are responsible for network management in different areas. In scenarios where the communication system includes multiple APFs, some possible implementation methods for the access network device to select the APF are described below.

[0277] Implementation method 1: The access network device selects the local default APF.

[0278] Implementation Method 2: The access network device selects the APF responsible for network management in the area where it is located from among multiple APFs. Optionally, the access network device can also select an APF based on its load. For example, if there are multiple APFs responsible for network management in the area where the access network device is located, the access network device can choose the APF with the lower load.

[0279] In another possible implementation, this embodiment is applied to the above. Figure 3The communication system shown. Optionally, the fifth message type is the first type. For example, based on the NAS MM message type defined in traditional communication systems, a new NAS message type is defined. It can be understood that the first type is a newly defined NAS message type. The difference between this newly defined NAS message type and NAS MM lies in the message content. NAS MM typically indicates the specific operation to be performed by the receiving end and the parameters required to perform the operation; usually, the name of the NAS MM message is standardized. This newly defined NAS message type includes the goal to be achieved and the parameters required to achieve that goal. Optionally, the newly defined NAS message type may not specify the operation required to achieve the goal. Optionally, the message name of this newly defined NAS message type may or may not be standardized. For example, the first type is NAS Agent. The communication system originally defined the NAS message type as the second type, which is NAS MM. For example, as... Figure 11B As shown, based on the NASMM message defined in traditional communication systems, a new message type, namely the NAS Agent message, is also defined. Figure 11B The protocol architecture shown defines several encapsulation formats based on the NAS Agent, such as NAS-PM and NAS-AA.

[0280] In this implementation, the access network device can select the APF based on the fifth message. For details on how the access network device selects the APF, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 12 The detailed descriptions of the illustrated embodiments are not repeated here. In this implementation, the fifth message is a message related to AI services. The access network device selects the APF based on the fifth message. It should be noted that in this implementation, if the fifth message from the terminal device is related to traditional communication services, the access network device selects the AMF and sends the fifth message to the AMF.

[0281] 1003. The access network device sends the fifth message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the fifth message from the access network device.

[0282] Step 1003 and the aforementioned Figure 4 Step 403 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of step 403 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0283] Optional, Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1003a to 1003b. Steps 1003a to 1003b may be performed before step 1004.

[0284] 1003a. The APF retrieves the subscription data of the terminal device from the public storage.

[0285] 1003b. The APF authenticates and authorizes the terminal device based on the signed data to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to request AI services.

[0286] Steps 1003a to 1103b are the same as those described above. Figure 4 Steps 403a to 403b in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of steps 403a to 403b in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0287] Optional, Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1003c to 1003d. Steps 1003c to 1003d may be performed before step 1004.

[0288] 1003c. The APF sends a fifth message or a portion of the fifth message to the MPF. Correspondingly, the MPF receives the fifth message or a portion of the fifth message from the APF.

[0289] 1003d. The MPF sends a fifth message in the second format or a portion of the fifth message in the second format to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives a fifth message in the second format or a portion of the fifth message in the second format from the MPF.

[0290] Steps 1003c to 1003d are the same as those described above. Figure 4 Steps 403c to 403d in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of steps 403c to 403d in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0291] 1004. APF selects a second intelligent agent or a second common component based on the second instruction information.

[0292] The second agent or second common component is used to process the fifth message. Specifically, the APF can select the second agent or second common component from the core network according to the type of agent or common component indicated by the second instruction information.

[0293] Regarding the content of the fifth message and the implementation form of the second intelligent agent or second common component, as mentioned above... Figure 4 The content of the first message in the embodiment shown in the example 405 is similar to the implementation of the first intelligent agent or the first common component. For details, please refer to the foregoing description.

[0294] 1005. The APF sends a fifth message to the second agent or the second common component. Correspondingly, the second agent or the second common component receives the fifth message from the APF.

[0295] Step 1005 and the aforementioned Figure 4 Step 406 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 4 The details of step 406 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0296] Optional, Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment also includes step 1006. Step 1006 may be performed after step 1005.

[0297] 1006. The second intelligent agent or the second common component sends a second acknowledgment message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the second acknowledgment message from the second intelligent agent or the second common component.

[0298] The second confirmation message is used to indicate that the second intelligent agent or the second common component has successfully received the fifth message.

[0299] In this embodiment, the Access Point Function (APF) receives a fifth message from the terminal device via the access network device, or via the access network device and the Access Point Function (AMF). The fifth message includes second indication information, which indicates the type of entity processing the fifth message. The APF then selects a second intelligent agent or a second common component based on the fifth message. The APF sends the fifth message to the second intelligent agent or the second common component. Therefore, this application introduces an APF, which can determine the entity processing the fifth message based on the second indication information. This facilitates the APF forwarding the fifth message to the second intelligent agent or the second common component, enabling processing of the fifth message. This achieves communication between the terminal device and the second intelligent agent or the second common component.

[0300] The technical solution of this application can be applied to... Figure 3 or similar Figure 3 The communication system shown. In this implementation, the following will be combined with... Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment describes the specific process by which the access network device selects an APF based on the fifth message.

[0301] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 12 The methods include:

[0302] 1201. The terminal device sends a fifth message to the access network device. The fifth message is carried on an SRB-A, or the fifth message includes third indication information, or the fifth message is of type first. Accordingly, the access network device receives the fifth message from the terminal device.

[0303] The first message relates to AI business. The fifth message includes the second instruction. Please refer to the previous section for details on the second instruction.

[0304] In one possible implementation, the first message is carried on an SRB-A. The SRB-A can be dedicated to carrying messages related to AI business. This SRB-A could be a newly defined bearer.

[0305] In another possible implementation, the fifth message also includes third indication information. This third indication information is used to indicate that the first message is related to AI business. For example, the third indication information is a field in the fifth message, the value of which indicates that the fifth message is related to AI business.

[0306] In another possible implementation, the fifth message type is the first type, which is different from the NASMM message type. For example, a new NAS message type is defined based on the traditional NAS MM message type defined in communication systems. It can be understood that the first type is a newly defined NAS message type. For example, the first type is NAS Agent. The NAS message type originally defined by the communication system is the second type, which is NAS MM. For example, as... Figure 11B As shown, based on the NAS MM messages defined in traditional communication systems, a new message type, namely the NAS Agent message, is also defined. The NAS MM message type defined in traditional communication can be referred to as the second type.

[0307] Optional, Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment also includes step 1201a. Step 1201a may be performed before step 1201.

[0308] 1201a. Access network equipment assigns SRB-A to terminal equipment.

[0309] Optional, Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1200a to 1200e. Steps 1200a to 1200e may be performed before step 1201.

[0310] 1200a. The terminal device sends a registration request to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request from the terminal device.

[0311] 1200b, AMF is selected for access network equipment.

[0312] 1200c, The access network device AMF sends a registration request. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the registration request from the access network device.

[0313] 1200d and AMF obtain contract data from UDM.

[0314] 1200e and AMF send authorization messages to the access network devices. Correspondingly, the access network devices receive authorization messages from the AMF.

[0315] For example, in Figure 3 In the communication system shown, the terminal device registers with the network through the process described in steps 1200a to 1200e.

[0316] 1202. Access network equipment selects the APF based on the type of SRB-A, or the third indication information, or the fifth message.

[0317] Step 1202 and the aforementioned Figure 6 Step 602 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 6 The details of step 603 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0318] 1203. The access network device sends the fifth message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the fifth message from the access network device.

[0319] Step 1203 and the aforementioned Figure 6 Step 603 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 6 The details of step 603 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0320] Optional, Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1203a to 1203b. Steps 1203a to 1203b may be performed before step 1204.

[0321] 1203a. The APF obtains the subscription information of the terminal device from the public storage.

[0322] 1203b. The APF authenticates and authorizes the terminal device based on the contract information to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to request AI services.

[0323] Steps 1103a to 1101b are the same as those described above. Figure 4 Steps 403a to 403b in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of steps 403a to 403b in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0324] Optional, Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1203c to 1203d. Steps 1203c to 1203d may be performed before step 1204.

[0325] 1203c. The APF sends a fifth message or a portion of the fifth message to the MPF. Correspondingly, the MPF receives the fifth message or a portion of the fifth message from the APF.

[0326] 1203d. The MPF sends a fifth message in the second format or a portion of the fifth message in the second format to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives a fifth message in the second format or a portion of the fifth message in the second format from the MPF.

[0327] Steps 1203c to 1203d are the same as those described above. Figure 4 Steps 403c to 403d in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of steps 403c to 403d in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0328] It should be noted that there is no fixed execution order between steps 1203a to 1203b and steps 1203c to 1203d. Steps 1203a to 1203b can be executed first, followed by steps 1203c to 1203d; or steps 1203c to 1203d can be executed first, followed by steps 1203a to 1203b; or, depending on the circumstances, steps 1203a to 1203b and steps 1203c to 1203d can be executed simultaneously. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0329] 1204. APF selects a second intelligent agent or a second common component based on the second instruction information.

[0330] 1205. The APF sends a fifth message to the second agent or the second common component. Correspondingly, the second agent or the second common component receives the fifth message from the APF.

[0331] Steps 1204 to 1205 are the same as those described above. Figure 10 Steps 1003 to 1004 in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 10 The relevant descriptions of steps 1003 to 1004 in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0332] Optional, Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment also includes step 1206, which can be performed after step 1205.

[0333] 1206. The second intelligent agent or the second common component sends a second acknowledgment message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the second acknowledgment message from the second intelligent agent or the second common component.

[0334] The second confirmation message is used to indicate that the second intelligent agent or the second common component has successfully received the fifth message.

[0335] The above Figure 12 The illustrated embodiments demonstrate several possible implementations of the access network device selecting an Access Point Function (APF) based on the fifth message, enabling the access network device to forward the fifth message to the APF. This allows the APF to identify the second intelligent agent or second common component processing the fifth message based on it and send the fifth message to the second intelligent agent or second common component. This, in turn, enables communication between the terminal device and the second intelligent agent or second common component.

[0336] The above Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment demonstrates the specific process by which an access network device selects an APF based on the fifth message. This application also allows the AMF to select the APF based on the fifth message. The following, in conjunction with... Figure 13A and Figure 14 The examples shown illustrate two possible implementation schemes. Figure 13A This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 13A The methods include:

[0337] 1301. The terminal device sends a fifth message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the fifth message from the terminal device.

[0338] The fifth message is related to AI business. The content of the fifth message is the same as described above. Figure 7 The first message in step 701 of the illustrated embodiment includes similar content; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 7 The following is a description of step 701 in the illustrated embodiment. The fifth message includes second instruction information. Please refer to the foregoing description for details on the second instruction information.

[0339] The following section introduces some possible implementations of the fifth message.

[0340] First, the fifth message type is Type 1. Type 1 is distinct from the NAS MM message defined in traditional communication systems; a new NAS message type is defined based on this. In other words, Type 1 is a newly defined NAS message type. For example, Type 1 is NAS Agent. The NAS message type originally defined by the communication system is Type 2, which is NAS MM. For the difference between NAS Agent messages and NAS MM messages, please refer to the previous section. Figure 10 The details of step 1002 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here. For example, as... Figure 11B As shown, based on the NAS MM message defined in traditional communication systems, a new message type, namely the NAS Agent message, is also defined. Figure 11B The protocol architecture shown defines several encapsulation formats based on the NAS Agent, such as NAS-PM and NAS-AA.

[0341] Second, the fifth message type is the NAS MM defined by the communication system. In this implementation, the fifth message includes information of the first type, which indicates the encapsulation of the fifth message. The first type is a newly defined encapsulation. For example, such as... Figure 13B As shown, the first type of information is used to instruct the NAS Agent, and this fifth message is encapsulated using NSAgent. Furthermore, for messages encapsulated using NAS Agent, several sub-encapsulation formats are further defined, such as NAS-PM and NAS-AA.

[0342] In this implementation, the fifth message also includes information about a first subtype of the first type. This first subtype can be understood as a sub-encapsulation of the NAS message encapsulated using the first type. For example, such as... Figure 13B As shown, the first type is NAS Agent, and the first subtype is NAS-PM. That is, NAS Agent is further subdivided into various sub-encapsulation formats, such as NAS-PM and NAS-AA.

[0343] Optional, Figure 13A The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1300a to 1300e. Steps 1300a to 1300e may be performed before step 1301.

[0344] 1300a. The terminal device sends a registration request to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the registration request from the terminal device.

[0345] 1300b, AMF is selected for access network equipment.

[0346] 1300c, The access network device AMF sends a registration request. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the registration request from the access network device.

[0347] 1300d and AMF obtain contract data from UDM.

[0348] 1300e and AMF send authorization messages to the access network devices. Correspondingly, the access network devices receive authorization messages from the AMF.

[0349] Steps 1300a to 1300e are the same as those described above. Figure 6 Steps 600a to 600e in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 6 The relevant descriptions of steps 600a to 600e in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0350] 1302. Select AMF for access network equipment.

[0351] Step 1302 and the aforementioned Figure 7 Step 702 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 7 The details of step 702 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0352] 1303. The access network device sends the fifth message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the fifth message from the access network device.

[0353] 1304. AMF selects APF based on the fifth message.

[0354] In one possible implementation, the fifth message is of type first, or the fifth message includes information of type first, or the fifth message includes information of a first subtype of type first. Step 1304 specifically includes: the AMF determines that the fifth message is information related to AI business based on the type of the fifth message, the information of type first, or the information of the first subtype. The AMF can choose the APF.

[0355] In another possible implementation, the fifth message includes third indication information, which indicates that the fifth message is related to AI business. Step 1304 specifically includes: the AMF selects the APF based on the third indication information.

[0356] Step 1304 above can be understood as the process by which the AMF determines whether the fifth message should be forwarded to the APF. That is, the AMF determines whether the fifth message, or all or part of the information in the fifth message, should be sent to the APF. If the communication system includes one APF, then that APF can be understood as the APF selected by the AMF. If the communication system includes multiple APFs, the AMF can further select one APF from among the multiple APFs.

[0357] 1305. The AMF sends a sixth message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the sixth message from the AMF.

[0358] The sixth message indicates the APF. For example, the sixth message includes at least one of the following: the address of the APF, the identifier of the APF, or the name of the APF. The address of the APF can be the logical address of the APF or the physical address of the device where the APF resides.

[0359] 1306. The access network device sends the fifth message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the fifth message from the access network device.

[0360] Step 1306 and the aforementioned Figure 7Step 706 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 7 The details of step 706 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0361] Optional, Figure 13A The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1306a to 1306b. Steps 1306a to 1306b may be performed before step 1307.

[0362] 1306a. APF obtains the subscription information of the terminal device from the public storage.

[0363] 1306b. The APF authenticates and authorizes the terminal device based on the contract information to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to request AI services.

[0364] Steps 1306a to 1306b are the same as those described above. Figure 7 Steps 706a to 706b in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of steps 706a to 706b in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0365] Optional, Figure 13A The illustrated embodiment also includes steps 1306c to 1306d. Steps 1306c to 1306d may be performed before step 1307.

[0366] 1306c. The APF sends a fifth message or a portion of a fifth message to the MPF. Correspondingly, the MPF receives a fifth message or a portion of a fifth message from the APF.

[0367] 1306d, MPF sends a fifth message in the second format or a portion of the fifth message in the second format to APF. Correspondingly, APF receives the fifth message or a portion of the fifth message in the second format from MPF.

[0368] Steps 1306c to 1306d are the same as those described above. Figure 7 Steps 706c to 706d in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of steps 706c to 706d in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0369] 1307. APF selects a second intelligent agent or a second common component based on the second instruction information.

[0370] 1308. The APF sends a fifth message to the second agent or the second common component. Correspondingly, the second agent or the second common component receives the fifth message from the APF.

[0371] Steps 1307 to 1308 are the same as those mentioned above. Figure 10 Steps 1004 to 1005 in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 10 The following is a description of steps 1004 to 1005 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0372] Optional, Figure 13A The illustrated embodiment also includes step 1309. Step 1309 may be performed after step 1308.

[0373] 1309. The second intelligent agent or the second common component sends a second acknowledgment message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the second acknowledgment message from the second intelligent agent or the second common component.

[0374] The second confirmation message is used to indicate that the second intelligent agent or the second common component has successfully received the fifth message.

[0375] The above Figure 13A The illustrated embodiment demonstrates the process by which the AMF selects an APF based on a fifth message and indicates the APF to the access network device via a sixth message. The access network device then forwards the fifth message to the APF based on the sixth message. This allows the APF to identify the second agent or second common component processing the fifth message and send the fifth message to that agent or component. This enables communication between the terminal device and the second agent or second common component.

[0376] Figure 14 The embodiments shown are the same as those described above. Figure 13A The illustrated embodiment is similar, except that the AMF selects the APF based on the fifth message and directly forwards the first message to the APF, without requiring the access network device to forward the fifth message to the APF. The following section discusses this further. Figure 14 The embodiments shown are described below. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the communication method described in this application. Please refer to... Figure 14 The methods include:

[0377] 1401. The terminal device sends a fifth message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the fifth message from the terminal device.

[0378] Step 1401 and the aforementioned Figure 13A Step 1301 in the illustrated embodiment is similar; please refer to the foregoing for details. Figure 13A The details of step 1301 in the illustrated embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0379] Steps 1400a to 1400e are the same as those described above. Figure 13ASteps 1300a to 1300e in the illustrated embodiment are similar; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 13A The relevant descriptions of steps 1300a to 1300e in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0380] 1402. Select AMF for access network equipment.

[0381] 1403. The access network device sends the fifth message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the fifth message from the access network device.

[0382] 1404. AMF selects APF based on the fifth message.

[0383] Steps 1402 to 1404 are the same as those described above. Figure 13A Steps 1302 to 1304 in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to the documentation for details. Figure 13A The relevant descriptions of steps 1302 to 1304 in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0384] 1405. The AMF sends the fifth message to the APF. Correspondingly, the APF receives the fifth message from the AMF.

[0385] Specifically, after the AMF selects the APF based on the fifth message, the AMF directly sends the fifth message to the APF.

[0386] Steps 1405a to 1408 are the same as those described above. Figure 13A Steps 1306a to 1309 in the illustrated embodiment are similar; for details, please refer to the foregoing. Figure 13A The relevant descriptions of steps 1306a to 1309 in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0387] The following is a schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 15 The communication device is used to perform the above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The process executed by the APF in the illustrated embodiment; or, the communication device is used to execute the above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The process of NeGPT execution in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, a communication device may be used to execute the above. Figure 9 and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment describes the process executed by the access network device. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0388] The communication device 1500 includes a transceiver module 1501. Optionally, the communication device 1500 may also include a processing module 1502.

[0389] The processing module 1502 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1501 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1501 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0390] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1502 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1500 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0391] Optionally, the transceiver module 1501 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0392] It should be noted that the communication device 1500 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1500 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1500 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0393] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1500 can be used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The actions performed by the APF in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the circuitry or chip in the APF responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1500 can be the APF or a component configured within the APF. The processing module 1502 is used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the APF side. The transceiver module 1501 is used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows transmit / receive related operations on the APF side. For example, the communication device 1500 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0394] The transceiver module 1501 is used to receive a first message from a terminal device via an access network device, or an access network device and an AMF; send a second message to a second entity, the second message being used to trigger the second entity to determine the entity that processes the first message, the second message carrying information from the first message; and receive a third message from the second entity, the third message instructing the third entity to process the first message.

[0395] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0396] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1500 can be used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The actions performed by the NetGPT in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the circuitry or chip responsible for communication functions in the NetGPT. The communication device 1500 can be the NetGPT or a component configured within the NetGPT. The processing module 1502 is used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the NetGPT side. The transceiver module 1501 is used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows transmit / receive related operations on the NetGPT side. For example, the communication device 1500 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0397] The transceiver module 1501 is used to receive a second message from a first entity, which triggers the second entity to determine the entity that will process the first message. The second message carries information from the first message, which comes from a terminal device. The third entity sends a third message to the first entity, which carries the address of the third entity and is used by the third entity to process the first message.

[0398] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0399] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1500 can be used to perform... Figure 9 and Figure 14 The actions performed by the access network device in the illustrated embodiment. For example, circuitry or chips within the access network device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1500 can be the access network device or a component configured within the access network device. The processing module 1502 is used to execute... Figure 9 and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the access network device side. The transceiver module 1501 is used to perform... Figure 9 and Figure 14The embodiments shown depict the transmit / receive operations on the access network device side.

[0400] For example, the communication device 1500 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0401] The transceiver module 1501 is used for the access network device to receive a first message from the terminal device, the first message being related to AI services; to send the first message to the AMF; to receive a fourth message from the AMF, the fourth message indicating a first entity; and to send the first message to the first entity.

[0402] For example, the communication device 1500 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0403] The transceiver module 1501 is used to receive a fifth message from the terminal device, which is related to AI services and includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the type of entity processing the fifth message; send the fifth message to the AMF; receive a sixth message from the AMF, which is used to indicate the first entity; and send the fifth message to the first entity.

[0404] The following is another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 16 The communication device is used to perform the above. Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows the process executed by the APF. Alternatively, a communication device may be used to execute the above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A The process performed by the access network device in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, a communication device may be used to perform the above. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows the process of AMF execution. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0405] The communication device 1600 includes a transceiver module 1601 and a processing module 1602.

[0406] The processing module 1602 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 1601 can implement the corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 1601 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0407] Optionally, the communication device 1600 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing module 1602 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 1600 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0408] Optionally, the transceiver module 1601 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiments.

[0409] It should be noted that the communication device 1600 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the communication device 1600 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 1600 includes both transmitting and receiving actions.

[0410] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1600 can be used to perform... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The actions performed by the APF in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the circuitry or chip in the APF responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1600 can be the APF or a component configured within the APF. The processing module 1602 is used to perform... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the APF side. The transceiver module 1601 is used to perform... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows transmit / receive related operations on the APF side. For example, the communication device 1600 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0411] The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive a fifth message from a terminal device via an access network device, or an access network device and an AMF. The fifth message includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the type of entity processing the fifth message.

[0412] Processing module 1602 is used to select the sixth entity according to the second instruction information;

[0413] The transceiver module 1601 is also used to send the fifth message to the sixth entity.

[0414] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0415] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1600 can be used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A The actions performed by the access network device in the illustrated embodiment. For example, circuitry or chips within the access network device responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1600 can be the access network device or a component configured within the access network device. The processing module 1602 is used to execute... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the access network device side. The transceiver module 1601 is used to perform... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A The embodiments shown depict the transmit / receive operations on the access network device side.

[0416] For example, the communication device 1600 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0417] The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive the first message from the terminal device, which is related to AI business.

[0418] Processing module 1602 is used to select the first entity based on the first message;

[0419] The transceiver module 1601 is also used to send the first message to the first entity.

[0420] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0421] For example, the communication device 1600 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0422] The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive a fifth message from the terminal device. The fifth message is related to AI business and includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the type of entity that processes the fifth message.

[0423] Processing module 1602 is used to select the first entity based on the fifth message;

[0424] The transceiver module 1601 is also used to send a fifth message to the first entity.

[0425] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0426] In another possible implementation, the communication device 1600 can be used to perform... Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The actions performed by the AMF in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the circuitry or chip in the AMF responsible for communication functions. The communication device 1600 can be the AMF or a component configured within the AMF. The processing module 1602 is used to perform... Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows processing-related operations on the AMF side. The transceiver module 1601 is used to perform... Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows the transmit / receive related operations on the AMF side.

[0427] For example, the communication device 1600 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0428] The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive the first message from the terminal device through the access network device. The first message is related to AI services.

[0429] Processing module 1602 is used to select the first entity based on the first message;

[0430] The transceiver module 1601 is also used to send a fourth message to the access network device or to send a first message to the first entity, wherein the fourth message instructs the first entity and the first entity is used to receive the first message.

[0431] For example, the communication device 1600 is used to execute the following scheme:

[0432] The transceiver module 1601 is used to receive a fifth message from a terminal device through the access network device. The fifth message is related to AI services and includes second indication information, which is used to indicate the type of entity that processes the fifth message.

[0433] Processing module 1602 is used to select the first entity based on the fifth message;

[0434] The transceiver module 1601 is also used to send a sixth message to the access network device or a fifth message to the first entity, wherein the sixth message is used to instruct the first entity and the first entity is used to receive the fifth message.

[0435] For other implementation methods, please refer to the preceding text. Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0436] This application also provides a communication device 1700. Please refer to... Figure 17 The communication device 1700 includes processing circuitry. This processing circuitry may be one or more processors 1710, or all or part of the circuitry within one or more processors 1710 used for processing or control. The processor 1710 is coupled to a memory 1720 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1710 executes the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1720, causing the methods described in the above method embodiments to be performed. The communication device 1700 is used to implement the operations performed by the APF, access network device, AMF, NetGPT, or MPF in the above method embodiments.

[0437] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may include one or more processors 1710.

[0438] Optional, such as Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory 1720.

[0439] Optionally, the communication device 1700 may include one or more memory 1720s.

[0440] Optionally, the memory 1720 can be integrated with the processor 1710, or it can be set separately.

[0441] Optional, such as Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 1700 may further include transceiver circuitry. This transceiver circuitry may be a transceiver 1730, an input / output circuit, or an input / output interface. The transceiver circuitry is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1710 is used to control the transceiver 1730 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0442] For example, when the communication device 1700 is the aforementioned APF, access network device, AMF, NetGPT, or MPF, the aforementioned processing circuit can be one or more processors 1710, or all or part of the circuitry in one or more processors 1710 used for processing or control, and the aforementioned transceiver circuit can be a transceiver 1730.

[0443] For example, when the communication device 1700 is a chip used for the aforementioned APF, access network equipment, AMF, NetGPT, or MPF, such as a system on a chip (SOC) or baseband chip, the aforementioned processing circuit can be one or more processors 1710, or all or part of the circuitry in one or more processors 1710 used for processing or control, and the aforementioned transceiver circuit can be an input / output circuit.

[0444] This application also provides a communication system, which includes APF and NetGPT. APF is used to perform actions such as... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The APF in the illustrated embodiments performs all or part of the steps. NetGPT is used to perform, for example... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The NetGPT in the illustrated embodiment performs all or part of the steps. Optionally, the communication system further includes an access network device for performing, for example... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The access network device in the illustrated embodiment performs all or part of the steps. Optionally, the communication system also includes an AMF, which is used to perform actions such as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The AMF in the illustrated embodiment performs all or part of the steps. Optionally, the communication system also includes an MPF, which is used to perform steps such as... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 The MPF in the illustrated embodiments performs all or part of the steps.

[0445] This application also provides another communication system, which includes an Access Point Function (APF) and an access network device. The APF is used to perform functions such as... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The APF in the illustrated embodiment performs all or part of the steps. The access network device is used to perform, for example... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The access network device in the illustrated embodiment performs all or part of the steps. Optionally, the communication system also includes an AMF, which is used to perform actions such as... Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14The AMF in the illustrated embodiment performs all or part of the steps. Optionally, the communication system also includes an MPF, which is used to perform steps such as... Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The MPF in the illustrated embodiments performs all or part of the steps.

[0446] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, configured to call computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above-described... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0447] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The receiving operation in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the output of the chip device described above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The sending operation in the illustrated embodiment.

[0448] Optionally, the processor may be coupled to the memory via an interface, or the processor may be integrated with the memory.

[0449] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0450] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14The illustrated embodiment is an integrated circuit for program execution of the method. The memory mentioned above may be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0451] This application also provides a computer program product including computer instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the above-described actions. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0452] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described actions. Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 14 The method of the embodiment shown.

[0453] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units through some interfaces, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0454] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0455] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0456] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0457] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first entity, or the method is applied to a device in the first entity, the method comprising: The first message from the terminal device is received through the access network device, or the access network device and the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). A second message is sent to a second entity, the second message being used to trigger the second entity to determine the entity that will process the first message, the second message carrying information from the first message; A third message is received from the second entity, the third message instructing the third entity to process the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first message carries an application network creation request, and the third entity is an orchestration agent; or, The first message carries user equipment (UE) capability information, and the third entity is a toolbox; or, The first message carries business execution status information, and the third entity is public storage; or, The first message carries access information, and the third entity is a connecting smart agent.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second message also includes at least one of the following: capability information of one or more available intelligent agents, address information of the one or more available intelligent agents, capability information of one or more available common components, or address information of the one or more available common components.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first message is related to artificial intelligence (AI) business.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before sending the second message to the second entity, the method further includes: Obtain the subscription information of the terminal device from the fourth entity; The terminal device is authenticated and authorized based on the signed information to determine whether the terminal device is allowed to request the AI ​​service.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first message is in a first format; before sending the second message to the second entity, the method further includes: Send the first message or part of the information in the first message to the fifth entity; Receive a first message in a second format from the fifth entity, or a portion of the information in the first message in a second format, wherein the second message carries the information in the first message in the second format, or the second message carries a portion of the information in the first message in the second format.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first message is sent to the third entity.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second entity, or the method is applied to a device in the second entity, the method comprising: A second message is received from a first entity, the second message being used to trigger the second entity to determine the entity that processes the first message, the second message carrying information from the first message, the first message originating from a terminal device; A third message is sent to the first entity, the third message carrying the address of the third entity, the third entity being used to process the first message.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first message carries an application network creation request, and the third entity is an orchestration agent; or, The first message carries user equipment (UE) capability information, and the third entity is a toolbox; or, The first message carries business execution status information, and the third entity is public storage; or, The first message carries access information, and the third entity is a connecting smart agent.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second message also includes: capability information of one or more available intelligent agents, address information of the one or more available intelligent agents, capability information of one or more available common components, or address information of the one or more available common components.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second message carries information from the first message in the second format, or the second message carries part of the information from the first message in the second format.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an access network device, or the method is applied to a device within the access network device; the method includes: Receive a first message from the terminal device, the first message being related to artificial intelligence (AI) services; The first entity is determined based on the first message; Send the first message to the first entity.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first message is carried on the intelligent agent signaling radio bearer SRB-A; the step of selecting the first entity according to the first message includes: selecting the first entity according to the SRB-A; or, The first message includes first indication information, which indicates that the first message is related to the AI ​​service; the step of selecting the first entity according to the first message includes: selecting the first entity according to the first indication information; or, The first message is of type 1, and the step of selecting the first entity based on the first message includes: selecting the first entity based on the type of the first message.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), or the method is applied to a device within the AMF, the method comprising: The access network device receives a first message from the terminal device, and the first message is related to artificial intelligence (AI) services. The first entity is determined based on the first message; Send a fourth message to the access network device, wherein the fourth message instructs the first entity to receive the first message; or, send the first message to the first entity.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first message is of type 1, or the first message includes information of type 1; selecting the first entity based on the first message includes: determining the first entity based on the type of the first message or the information of type 1; or, The first message includes first indication information, which indicates that the first message is related to the AI ​​service; the step of selecting the first entity according to the first message includes: selecting the first entity according to the first indication information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first type or the information of the first type is used to determine that the first message is related to the AI ​​business.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an access network device, or the method is applied to a chip in the access network device, the method comprising: Receive a first message from the terminal device, the first message being related to artificial intelligence (AI) services; Send the first message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); Receive a fourth message from the AMF, the fourth message indicating the first entity; Send the first message to the first entity.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a processor configured to execute a computer program or computer instructions in a memory to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to perform the method as claimed in claims 12 or 13, or to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, or to perform the method as claimed in claim 17.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The device stores a computer program that, when executed by the device, causes the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or causes the device to perform the method as described in claim 12 or 13, or causes the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 16, or causes the device to perform the method as described in claim 17.

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