Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, relating to the field of communications, can reduce the difficulty of maintaining wireless parameters for a cell broadcast center and obtain updated wireless parameters in real time. In this method, a first network element registers and stores first information about a first device (access network device or mobility management network element) in the mobile network within the broadcast range of the cell broadcast center, based on a first message. This enables the cell broadcast center to send a second message to the first network element, providing the first information to the cell broadcast center, and thus allowing the cell broadcast center to complete broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area based on the first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to communication methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In some cell broadcast services, such as public warnings for earthquakes and tsunamis, the cell broadcast center will query the cell, access network equipment, tracking area identity (TAI), and mobility management network element (such as access and mobility management function (AMF)) corresponding to the warning geographical area indicated in the warning broadcast request issued by the cell broadcast entity (CBE) to send warnings to users in the designated area.

[0003] However, the current cell broadcast center requires manual configuration of wireless parameters for querying cells, access network devices, TAIs, etc. For example, the cell broadcast center can broadcast the latitude and longitude of all cells within its range, the correspondence between cells and access network devices, the correspondence between cells and TAIs, the correspondence between access network devices and mobility management elements, the correspondence between cells and mobility management elements, and the correspondence between cells and administrative regions. This configuration involves a large amount of data, is difficult to maintain, and when the number of access network devices changes (e.g., added or deactivated), or when the status of access network devices changes, the cell broadcast center cannot update the configured wireless parameters in real time, affecting the implementation of broadcast services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the difficulty of maintaining wireless parameters in a community broadcasting center and obtain updated wireless parameters in real time.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network element, or by a component of the first network element, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first network element, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the first network element. The method includes: receiving a first message from a first device, the first message being used to register first information, the first information being used to determine devices and cells in a mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area, the first device being a first access network device or a first mobility management network element accessed by the first access network device; and receiving a second message from a cell broadcast center, the second message being used to obtain first information corresponding to at least one first device.

[0007] In this method, the first network element registers and stores first information about the first device (access network device or mobility management network element) in the mobile network within the broadcast range of the cell broadcast center, based on the first message. This allows the cell broadcast center to send a second message to the first network element, providing the first information, and enabling the cell broadcast center to complete broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area based on the first information. Therefore, by setting up the first network element to register and store the first information of the access network device or mobility management network element, the cell broadcast center can locate the cell, the corresponding access network device, and the location of the mobility management network element accessed by the corresponding access network device. This reduces the workload of the cell broadcast center in maintaining data. Even if the status of an access network device changes, or the first information changes, the cell broadcast center can subscribe to the first information from the first network element in real time, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of broadcast services.

[0008] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: receiving a third message from a cell broadcast center, the third message being used by the cell broadcast center to subscribe to first information from the first network element. If the first information changes, the first network element sends updated first information to the cell broadcast center. Thus, the first network element can also, based on its subscription to the cell broadcast center, send updated first information to the cell broadcast center when the first information changes, such as when the number of access network devices changes (e.g., addition or disconnection), or when the status of the access network devices changes, ensuring that the cell broadcast center can obtain real-time updated first information.

[0009] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: sending at least one first piece of information corresponding to a first device to a cell broadcast center. Thus, a first network element can send the first piece of information to the cell broadcast center upon request, for the cell broadcast center to locate the cell, the corresponding access network device, and the mobility management network element accessed by the corresponding access network device, and complete broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area.

[0010] In one possible design, the equipment involved in broadcast services in the first geographical area may include mobility management network elements and / or access network equipment. That is, the first information can be used by the cell broadcast center to determine the mobility management network elements and / or access network equipment participating in the broadcast service, or in other words, the equipment type is mobility management network elements and / or access network equipment.

[0011] In one possible design, the first device is a first access network device, and the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the first access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the tracking area identifier (TAI) associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

[0012] In one possible design, the first device is a first mobility management network element, and the first information may include one or more of the following: the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, or the TAI associated with the first mobility management network element, wherein the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element includes the first access network device.

[0013] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a cell broadcast center, or by components of the cell broadcast center, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the cell broadcast center, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the cell broadcast center. The method includes: sending a second message to a first network element, the second message being used to obtain first information corresponding to at least one first device, the first information being used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area, the first device being a first access network device or a first mobility management network element accessed by the first access network device; and receiving the first information corresponding to at least one first device from the first network element.

[0014] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: sending a third message to the first network element, the third message being used by the cell broadcast center to subscribe to first information from the first network element; and receiving updated first information from the first network element.

[0015] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: sending a fourth message to a second mobility management network element, the fourth message being used to request a broadcast message, the second mobility management network element being a device participating in broadcast services in a first geographical area, determined based on first information corresponding to at least one first device.

[0016] In one possible design, the fourth message may include information for indicating the access network device associated with the broadcast message and / or information for indicating the cell associated with the broadcast message, wherein the information for indicating the access network device associated with the broadcast message and / or information for indicating the cell associated with the broadcast message are determined based on first information corresponding to at least one first device.

[0017] In one possible design, the equipment involved in broadcast services in the first geographical area may include mobility management network elements and / or access network equipment.

[0018] In one possible design, the first device is a first access network device, and the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the first access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the tracking area identifier (TAI) associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

[0019] In one possible design, the first device is a first mobility management network element, and the first information may include one or more of the following: the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element is located, the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, or the TAI associated with the first mobility management network element, wherein the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element includes the first access network device.

[0020] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first device, or by a component of the first device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the first device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the first device. The first device is a first access network device or a first mobility management network element accessed by the first access network device. The method includes: generating first information, which is used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area; and sending a first message to the first network element, which is used to register the first information.

[0021] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: sending a fifth message to the first network element, the fifth message being used to update the first information. Thus, the first network element can update the first information of the first device in real time.

[0022] In one possible design, the first device is a first access network device. The communication method may further include periodically or periodically sending a sixth message to the first network element. The sixth message is used to indicate that the first access network device is working normally. This allows the first network element to ascertain whether the first access network device is working normally, enabling it to determine whether to continue maintaining the first information of the first access network device. If the first network element does not receive the sixth message from the first access network device for an extended period, it can assume that the first access network device is faulty or offline and cease maintaining its first information.

[0023] In one possible design, the first device is a first access network device, and the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the first access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

[0024] In one possible design, the first device is a first mobility management network element (MLE). Generating the first information may include: receiving a seventh message from a first access network device, the seventh message including cell information of the first access network device; and generating the first information based on the cell information of the first access network device. That is, the first mobility management network element obtains cell information from each access network device (including the first access network device) accessing it, thereby statistically summarizing and aggregating the information between the first mobility management network element and each access network device to obtain the first information, and registering the first information with the first network element.

[0025] In one possible design, the seventh message is used to request connection establishment, or to request access network configuration updates. For example, the seventh message may be an S1 connection establishment request message, an NG connection establishment request message, or a radio access network configuration update request message.

[0026] In one possible design, the cell information of the first access network device may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the first access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

[0027] In one possible design, the first device is a first mobility management network element, and the first information may include one or more of the following: the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, or the TAI associated with the first mobility management network element, wherein the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element includes the first access network device.

[0028] The descriptions of the technical effects of the methods described in the second and third aspects can be found in the relevant descriptions of the technical effects of the methods described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a cell broadcast center, or by components of the cell broadcast center, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the cell broadcast center, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the cell broadcast center. The method includes: sending first indication information to a mobility management network element, the first indication information being used to instruct access network equipment accessing the mobility management network element to report first information, the first information being used to determine equipment and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area; and receiving the first information from the mobility management network element.

[0030] In this method, the cell broadcast center can send a first indication information to the mobility management network element, so that the mobility management network element can send the first indication information to the access network device connected to it to obtain the first information of the access network device. There is no need for the cell broadcast center to configure the first information locally and maintain a large amount of data. The cell broadcast center can complete the broadcast service in the corresponding geographical area according to the first information.

[0031] In one possible design, sending the first indication information to the mobility management network element may include periodically or periodically sending the first indication information to the mobility management network element. This allows the cell broadcast center to periodically update the first information reported by the access network equipment, preventing the cell broadcast center from being unable to update the first information when the access network equipment's first information changes (such as adding a cell, deleting a cell, or taking the access network equipment offline), thereby improving the reliability of broadcast services.

[0032] In one possible design scheme, the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the access network device.

[0033] In one possible design, the first indication information can be carried in a message requesting a broadcast warning message, and the first information can be carried in a message notifying the warning result. In this embodiment, for a warning message carrying the first indication information, the access network device does not trigger a warning broadcast; only the first information is reported.

[0034] Fifthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a mobility management network element (MLE), a component of the MLE, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the MLE, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the MLE. The method includes: receiving first indication information from a cell broadcast center, the first indication information being used to instruct an access network device accessing the MLE to report first information, the first information being used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area; sending the first indication information to the access network device; receiving the first information from the access network device; and sending the first information to the cell broadcast center.

[0035] In one possible design, receiving the first instruction information from the community broadcasting center may include: periodically or periodically receiving the first instruction information from the community broadcasting center.

[0036] In one possible design scheme, the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the access network device.

[0037] In one possible design, the first indication information can be carried in a message requesting a broadcast warning message, and the first information can be carried in a message notifying the warning result.

[0038] Sixthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by an access network device, or by a component of the access network device, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the access network device, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the access network device. The method includes: receiving first indication information from a mobility management network element, the first indication information being used to instruct an access network device accessing the mobility management network element to report first information, the first information being used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services participating in a first geographical area; and sending the first information to the mobility management network element.

[0039] In one possible design, receiving the first instruction information from the community broadcasting center may include: periodically or periodically receiving the first instruction information from the community broadcasting center.

[0040] In one possible design scheme, the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the access network device.

[0041] In one possible design, the first indication information can be carried in a message requesting a broadcast warning message, and the first information can be carried in a message notifying the warning result.

[0042] The descriptions of the technical effects of the methods described in the fifth and sixth aspects can be found in the descriptions of the technical effects of the methods described in the fourth aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a cell broadcast center, or by components of the cell broadcast center, such as a processor, chip, or chip system of the cell broadcast center, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the cell broadcast center. The method includes: sending a first file transfer protocol message to a wireless network management system (WLAN), the first file transfer protocol message being used to request cell information of access network devices managed by the WLAN, the cell information of the access network devices being used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area; and receiving a second file transfer protocol message from the WLAN, the second file transfer protocol message including radio information of the access network devices.

[0044] In this method, the cell broadcast center can use text transmission protocol type messages to obtain cell information of access network devices from the wireless network management department, as well as area information of mobility management network elements from the mobility management network elements. This allows the center to determine the devices and cells that broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area, without requiring the cell broadcast center to configure the first information locally and maintain a large amount of data.

[0045] In one possible design, the cell information of the access network device may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the access network device.

[0046] In one possible design, the first file transfer protocol message and the second file transfer protocol message can be a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) message or a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) message.

[0047] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: sending a third file transfer protocol message to a mobility management network element (MLE), the third file transfer protocol message being used to request area information from the MLE, the area information of the MLE being used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area; and receiving a fourth file transfer protocol message from the MLE, the fourth file transfer protocol message including the area information of the MLE. Thus, the cell broadcast center can also obtain the area information of the MLE based on a file transfer protocol (FTP) message or a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) message to perform broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area.

[0048] In one possible design, the third and fourth file transfer protocol messages can be FTP messages or SFTP messages.

[0049] In one possible design, the first file transfer protocol message and the second file transfer protocol message can be Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages.

[0050] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: sending a fifth file transfer protocol message to the wireless network management system, the fifth file transfer protocol message being used to request subscription to cell information of the access network devices; and receiving a sixth file transfer protocol message from the wireless network management system, the sixth file transfer protocol message including updated cell information of the access network devices. Thus, the cell broadcast center can use Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages to subscribe to the cell information of the access network devices, thereby obtaining updated cell information and improving the accuracy and reliability of broadcast services.

[0051] In one possible design, the fifth and sixth file transfer protocol messages can be HTTP messages.

[0052] In one possible design, the communication method may further include: querying or subscribing to the area information of the mobility management network element (MMI) via an Sbc interface or an N50 interface. The area information of the MMI is used to determine the equipment and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services participating in the first geographical area. Therefore, the cell broadcast center can also query or subscribe to the area information of the MMI via the Sbc interface or the N50 interface based on different network architectures.

[0053] In one possible design, the area information of the mobility management network element may include at least one of the following: the access network device associated with the mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the mobility management network element, or the cell associated with the mobility management network element.

[0054] Eighthly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be a first network element as described in the first aspect, or a device comprising the first network element, or a device included in the first network element, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0055] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module implements the processing functions of the first network element. The transceiver module receives a first message from a first device, the first message being used to register first information, which is used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area. The first device is a first access network device or a first mobility management network element accessed by the first access network device. The transceiver module also receives a second message from a cell broadcast center, the second message being used to obtain first information corresponding to at least one first device. A more detailed description of this communication device can be found in the description of the relevant method in the first aspect.

[0056] Ninthly, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication apparatus may be a cell broadcast center as described in the second aspect, or an apparatus containing the cell broadcast center, or an apparatus contained within the cell broadcast center, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the second aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0057] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module implements the processing functions of a cell broadcast center. The transceiver module sends a second message to a first network element, the second message being used to obtain first information corresponding to at least one first device. The first information is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area, where the first device is a first access network device or a first mobility management network element to which the first access network device accesses. The transceiver module is also used to receive the first information corresponding to at least one first device from the first network element. A more detailed description of this communication device can be found in the description of the relevant methods in the second aspect.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication apparatus may be the first device described in the third aspect, or an apparatus comprising the first device, or an apparatus included in the first device, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the third aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0059] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module generates first information to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area. The transceiver module sends a first message to a first network element to register the first information. A more detailed description of the communication device can be found in the description of the relevant method in the third aspect.

[0060] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication device may be a cell broadcast center as described in the fourth aspect, or a device comprising the cell broadcast center, or a device included in the cell broadcast center, such as a chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the fourth aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0061] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module implements the processing functions of a cell broadcast center. The transceiver module sends first indication information to a mobility management network element. This first indication information instructs access network equipment accessing the mobility management network element to report first information, which identifies equipment and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area. The transceiver module also receives first information from the mobility management network element. A more detailed description of this communication device can be found in the description of the relevant methods in the fourth aspect.

[0062] In a twelfth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication apparatus may be a mobility management network element as described in the fifth aspect, or an apparatus containing the aforementioned mobility management network element, or an apparatus included in the aforementioned mobility management network element, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the fifth aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0063] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module implements the processing functions of the mobility management network element. The transceiver module receives first instruction information from a cell broadcast center. This first instruction information instructs access network equipment accessing the mobility management network element to report first information, which identifies equipment and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area. The transceiver module also sends the first instruction information to the access network equipment. The transceiver module also receives first information from the access network equipment. The transceiver module also sends first information to the cell broadcast center. A more detailed description of this communication device can be found in the description of the relevant methods in aspect five.

[0064] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication apparatus may be an access network device as described in the sixth aspect, or an apparatus comprising the aforementioned access network device, or an apparatus included in the aforementioned access network device, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the sixth aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0065] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module implements the processing functions of the access network equipment. The transceiver module receives first indication information from a mobility management network element. This first indication information instructs the access network equipment accessing the mobility management network element to report first information, which identifies equipment and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area. The transceiver module also transmits the first information to the mobility management network element. A more detailed description of this communication device can be found in the description of the relevant method in aspect six.

[0066] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the various methods described above. This communication apparatus may be a cell broadcast center as described in the seventh aspect, or an apparatus comprising the cell broadcast center, or an apparatus contained within the cell broadcast center, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the methods described in the seventh aspect, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0067] In some possible designs, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module implements the processing functions of a cell broadcast center. The transceiver module sends a first file transfer protocol message to the radio network management system (NRMS), requesting cell information of access network devices managed by the NRMS. This cell information is used to identify devices and cells in the mobile network involved in broadcast services in a first geographical area. The transceiver module also receives a second file transfer protocol message from the NRMS, which includes radio information from the access network devices. A more detailed description of the communication device can be found in the description of the relevant method in aspect seven.

[0068] In one possible design, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a transmitting module. The transmitting module implements the transmitting function of the communication device described in any one of aspects eight to fourteen, and the receiving module implements the receiving function of the communication device described in any one of aspects eight to fourteen.

[0069] In one possible design, the communication device described in any one of aspects eight through fourteen may further include a storage module storing programs or instructions. When the processing module executes the program or instructions, the communication device described in any one of aspects eight through fourteen can perform the method described in any one of aspects one through seven.

[0070] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system). The communication device includes at least one processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the preceding aspects.

[0071] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data. A processor is coupled to the memory and is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to seventh aspects.

[0072] In one possible design, the communication device described in aspect fifteen may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver can be used for communication between the communication device described in aspect fifteen and other communication devices.

[0073] In one possible design, the processor can be integrated with the memory.

[0074] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or contain chips and other discrete components.

[0075] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, the processor being configured to implement the method as described in any of the possible implementations of the first to seventh aspects via logic circuits or execution code instructions.

[0076] It is understood that when the communication device provided in either the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect is a chip, the aforementioned transmitting action / function can be understood as an output, and the aforementioned receiving action / function can be understood as an input.

[0077] In a seventeenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0078] Eighteenth aspect: A computer program product including instructions, comprising computer program code, which, when executed on a communication device, enables the communication device to perform the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0079] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first network element for implementing the method described in the first aspect, a cell broadcast center for implementing the method described in the second aspect, and a first device for implementing the method described in the third aspect.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first device is a mobility management network element, and the communication system may specifically include: a first network element for implementing the method described in the first aspect above, a cell broadcast center for implementing the method described in the second aspect above, and a mobility management network element for implementing the method described in the third aspect above.

[0081] In a twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a cell broadcast center for implementing the method described in the fourth aspect, a mobility management network element for implementing the method described in the fifth aspect, and an access network device for implementing the method described in the sixth aspect.

[0082] In a twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a cell broadcast center for implementing the method described in the seventh aspect above, and a wireless network management system for interacting with the cell broadcast center.

[0083] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication chip or chip system is provided, wherein instructions are stored that, when the chip or chip system is operated on a communication device, cause the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects above to be implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0084] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an early warning message delivery process under a 4G communication system.

[0085] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an early warning message delivery process under a 5G communication system.

[0086] Figures 3-5 These are schematic diagrams of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 6 A method applicable to embodiments of this application is provided. Figures 3-5 The diagram shows the architecture of a 4G network for a communication system.

[0088] Figure 7 A method applicable to embodiments of this application is provided. Figures 3-5 The diagram shows the architecture of a 5G network for a communication system.

[0089] Figures 8-15 These are schematic flowcharts illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 16 and Figure 17 These are schematic diagrams of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0091] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0092] First, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, "first device" and "second device" are only used to distinguish different devices and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first," "second," etc., are not necessarily different.

[0093] Second, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0094] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0095] Fourth, in this application, "sending information" can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logic module within a device sending information to another logic module. For example, "the first network element sending information" can be understood as the first device sending information to another device (such as a community broadcasting center), or it can be understood as logic module 1 in the first network element sending information to logic module 2 in the first network element.

[0096] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "the first network element receiving information" can be understood as the first network element receiving information from another device (such as a community broadcasting center), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the first network element receiving information from logical module 2 in the first network element.

[0097] Fifth, the phrase "sending information to... (e.g., the first network element)" in this application, or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the destination of the information being the first network element. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the first network element. Similarly, "receiving information from... (e.g., the first network element)," "receiving information from... (e.g., the first network element)," or "receiving information sent by (e.g., the first network element)," or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings, can be understood as the source of the information being the first network element. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the first network element. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0098] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features relating to a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that individual systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these approaches may also be used.

[0099] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 5th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as New Radio (NR) system, and future communication systems.

[0100] Cell broadcast service (CBS) uses the cell broadcast channel (CBCH) to broadcast messages to terminal devices within the network coverage area, allowing these devices to receive the information. CBS is typically implemented by the Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE), cell broadcast centers (such as the cell broadcast center (CBC) in 4G systems or the cell broadcast center function (CBCF) in 5G systems), mobility management elements (such as the mobility management entity (MME) in 4G systems or the AMF in 5G systems), and access network equipment.

[0101] For example, CBS provides Public Warning System (PWS) services, a public alarm system used to alert users to emergencies such as natural disasters or man-made accidents that may cause loss of life and property. In the event of natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes, or man-made accidents such as chemical gas leaks, explosion threats, or nuclear threats, PWS can serve as an important supplement to existing broadcast communication systems. PWS services are provided to users by telecommunications operators (the content of which may be provided by a warning notification provider). When certain emergencies occur, the operator or the warning notification provider generates an alarm notification for the operator, who can then use its network to send the alarm notification to the user.

[0102] When the cell broadcast center receives a warning issuance / update cancellation request from the CBE, it needs to query the corresponding mobility management network element, access network equipment, TAI, and cell information based on the geographical area for issuing or canceling the warning as indicated by the CBE, and the information of the mobile network identifiable devices, cells, and areas configured locally. Then, it will carry out the warning issuance or cancellation process and broadcast the warning message or cancel the broadcast warning message to users in the specified geographical area through the queried devices and cells.

[0103] Currently, before issuing an early warning message, the Cell Broadcast Center (CBC or CBCF) needs to be manually configured locally with information such as the latitude and longitude of all cells within its broadcast range, the correspondence between cells and access network devices, the correspondence between cells and TAIs, the correspondence between access network devices and mobility management elements, the correspondence between cells and mobility management elements, and the correspondence between cells and administrative regions, which are identifiable by the mobile network.

[0104] The following descriptions illustrate the early warning message delivery process under 4G and 5G communication systems, respectively.

[0105] like Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a warning message delivery process under a 4G communication system, including:

[0106] S101, CBE sends an Emergency Broadcast Request to CBC. Correspondingly, CBC receives the Emergency Broadcast Request from CBE.

[0107] When CBE learns that it needs to broadcast warning messages to users within certain geographical or administrative regions, it loads the geographical areas requiring warnings onto a map. These areas can be indicated using a number of latitude and longitude coordinates, or by using the center latitude and longitude coordinates plus a radius; there is no limitation on this. For example, if the geographical area requiring warnings forms a polygon, the latitude and longitude of each vertex of the polygon can be used to indicate the area. Similarly, if the geographical area requiring warnings is circular, the latitude and longitude of the center of the circle and its radius can be used to indicate the area.

[0108] Therefore, the warning broadcast message includes information about the geographical area of ​​the warning.

[0109] S102, CBC sends a Write-Replace Warning Request to MME. Correspondingly, MME receives the Write-Replace Warning Request from CBC.

[0110] The CBC is manually configured with radio information such as the latitude and longitude of all cells within its broadcast range, the correspondence between cells and MMEs, the correspondence between cells and TAIs, the correspondence between evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and MMEs, the correspondence between cells and MMEs, and the correspondence between cells and administrative regions.

[0111] After receiving a warning broadcast request, the CBC can query the cells, their corresponding TAIs, eNBs, and MMEs within the warning geographical area based on the warning geographical area information and manually configured radio information in the warning broadcast request. For example, the CBC determines the cells located within the warning geographical area based on the warning geographical area information and the latitude and longitude of all configured cells. Then, based on the correspondence between cells and MMEs, cells and TAIs, eNBs and MMEs, it determines the TAI, eNB, and MME corresponding to the cells within the warning geographical area.

[0112] Therefore, the CBC sends a write-replace alarm request to the MME corresponding to the identified geographic area of ​​the warning. The write-replace alarm request carries the warning message to be broadcast, the cell list corresponding to the geographic area of ​​the warning, the tracking area (TA) list, and the eNB list.

[0113] S103. The MME sends a Write-Replace Warning Response to the CBC. Correspondingly, the CBC receives the Write-Replace Warning Response from the MME.

[0114] The write-replace alarm response is used to indicate that the MME has begun distributing warning messages to the eNB.

[0115] S104. The CBC sends an Emergency Broadcast Response to the CBE. Correspondingly, the CBE receives the Emergency Broadcast Response from the CBC.

[0116] The warning broadcast response is used to indicate that the warning message has been started, and the warning broadcast response carries a response code 200.

[0117] S105, the MME sends a write-replacement alert request to the eNB. Correspondingly, the eNB receives the write-replacement alert request from the MME.

[0118] Based on the warning information received in the write-replacement alarm request, such as the list of eNBs corresponding to the geographical area of ​​the warning, the MME sends a write-replacement alarm request to the corresponding eNB. The write-replacement alarm request includes the warning message to be broadcast, the list of cells or tracking areas (TAs) corresponding to the geographical area of ​​the warning.

[0119] S106, the eNB sends a system information block (SIB) message to the user equipment (UE). Correspondingly, the UE receives the SIB message from the eNB.

[0120] The SIB message contains a warning message.

[0121] The eNB can send warning messages to the UEs in the cells requiring warnings via SIB messages, based on the cell list and the warning messages to be broadcast in the write-replacement alarm request sent by the MME. For example, the SIB message is SIB12, which carries a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) warning notification. Another example is SIB10 and SIB11, which carry an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) warning message.

[0122] S107, the eNB sends a write-replacement alarm response to the MME. Correspondingly, the MME receives the write-replacement alarm response from the eNB.

[0123] If the eNB alert is successful, then write-replace the BroadcastCompleted Area List carried in the alert response; if the eNB alert fails, then write-replace the BroadcastCompleted Area List not carried in the alert response.

[0124] S108. The MME sends a Write Replace Warning Notification to the CBC. Correspondingly, the CBC receives the Write Replace Warning Notification from the MME.

[0125] The write-replace warning notification includes a write-replace warning indication.

[0126] S109. CBC sends a warning result reporting request to CBE. Correspondingly, CBE receives the warning result reporting request from CBC.

[0127] CBC can determine information such as the latitude and longitude of cells that failed to receive warnings, and the latitude and longitude of cells under the eNB or TAI that failed to receive warnings, based on write-replace alarm notifications. The warning result reporting request can include the number of cells that received warnings, the number of cells that successfully received warnings, and a list of the latitude and longitude of cells that failed to receive warnings.

[0128] S110 and CBE send a warning result reporting response to CBC. Correspondingly, CBC receives the warning result reporting response from CBE.

[0129] like Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a warning message delivery process under a 5G communication system, including:

[0130] S201, CBE sends an Emergency Broadcast Request to CBCF. Correspondingly, CBCF receives the Emergency Broadcast Request from CBE.

[0131] S202, the CBCF sends a message transfer request (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Request) to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the message transfer request from the CBCF.

[0132] The message transfer request (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Request) carries a write-replace warning request.

[0133] S203, AMF sends a message transfer response (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Response) to CBCF. Correspondingly, CBCF receives the message transfer response from AMF.

[0134] The message transmission response (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Response) carries PWS response data (PWSResponseData), which represents the processing result of the warning in AMF.

[0135] S204. The CBCF sends an Emergency Broadcast Response to the CBE. Correspondingly, the CBE receives the Emergency Broadcast Response from the CBCF.

[0136] The warning broadcast response carries a response code 200.

[0137] S205, the AMF sends a write-replacement alarm request to the gNB. Correspondingly, the gNB receives the write-replacement alarm request from the AMF.

[0138] S206, the gNB sends an SIB message to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the SIB message from the gNB.

[0139] SIB messages carry warning / alarm messages. For example, CMAS alarm messages use SIB8, while ETWS alarm messages use SIB6 and SIB7 messages.

[0140] S207, gNB sends a write-replacement alarm response to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives the write-replacement alarm response from gNB.

[0141] S208, AMF sends a message notification request to CBCF. Correspondingly, CBCF receives the message notification request from AMF.

[0142] The message notification request is called Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageNotify Request. The message notification request includes a Write-Replace Warning Response. If the gNB warning fails, it also includes bcEmptyAreaList.

[0143] S209, CBCF sends a warning result reporting request to CBE. Correspondingly, CBE receives the warning result reporting request from CBCF.

[0144] S210 and CBE send warning result reporting responses to CBCF. Correspondingly, CBCF receives warning result reporting responses from CBE.

[0145] Figure 2 The implementation of the warning message delivery process shown is related to... Figure 1 The warning message delivery process shown is similar and will not be described in detail here.

[0146] The above Figure 1 and Figure 2The flowcharts for broadcast warning messages in 4G and 5G communication systems are shown respectively. The process for canceling broadcast warning messages is similar to the above, and will not be elaborated upon. It should be understood that, in addition to broadcast warning messages, the cell broadcast center can also determine the corresponding mobility management network element, access network equipment, cell, etc., based on the indicated geographical area or a similar implementation process described above, according to the pre-configured local radio information, and send other types of broadcast messages to the corresponding cells within the geographical area. There are no limitations on this.

[0147] Therefore, in order to deliver broadcast messages, the community broadcast center needs to manually configure a large amount of wireless information data, which is difficult to maintain. Furthermore, when the number of access network devices changes, such as being added or taken offline, or when the status of access network devices changes, the community broadcast center cannot update the configuration information in real time. This results in problems with the accuracy of manual configuration, frequent updates, untimely updates, and the impact on the accurate and timely delivery of broadcast services.

[0148] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus that can reduce the difficulty of maintaining wireless parameters in a cell broadcast center and obtain updated wireless parameters in real time.

[0149] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As an example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the communication system includes: a first network element, a cell broadcast center, and a first device. The two can interact directly or indirectly with each other, without limitation.

[0150] In this embodiment, the first network element is used to provide functions such as registration, updating, subscription, and querying of first information, and stores the first information of devices or network elements such as access network devices and mobility management network elements. This first information is used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in the first geographical area, such as PWS.

[0151] The Cell Broadcast Center (CBE) can connect to multiple Cell Entities (CBEs) or multiple Mobility Management Network Elements (MLEs) and Access Network Devices (ANNs). Its functions include: assigning sequence numbers; modifying or deleting CBS messages held by ANNs; initiating broadcasts by sending fixed-length CBS messages to ANNs for each language provided by the cell, padding the page to 82 octets if necessary; determining the set of cells to which CBS messages should be broadcast and indicating the geographical scope of each CBS message in the sequence number; determining the start time for CBS message broadcasts; determining the stop time for CBS message broadcasts and subsequently instructing each ANN to stop broadcasting CBS messages; and determining the time period for which CBS messages should be repeatedly broadcast.

[0152] The first device can be an access network device (such as the first access network device) or a mobility management network element (such as the first mobility management network element), and there is no limitation on this.

[0153] Access network equipment, also known as radio access network (RAN) equipment or RAN nodes, includes, but is not limited to: base stations, eNodeBs / eNBs, access points (APs), transmission reception points (TRPs or transmission points (TPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in Wi-Fi systems. Access network equipment can be macro base stations, micro base stations or indoor stations, relay nodes or donor nodes, and radio controllers in open radio access networks (ORAN) or centralized radio access networks (CRAN) scenarios. Access network equipment can also be one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a 5G base station, or it can be a network node constituting a gNB, TRP, TP, or transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), a radio unit (RU), or a roadside unit (RSU) with base station functionality. Optionally, access network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in V2X technology can be an RSU. All or part of the functions of the access network equipment in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The access network equipment in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the access network equipment.

[0154] In this network, CU and DU can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RU can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). It is understood that access network equipment can be CU nodes, DU nodes, or equipment including both CU and DU nodes. Furthermore, CUs can be classified as network equipment within the access network RAN ​​or as network equipment within the CN; no restrictions are placed here.

[0155] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0156] Mobility management network elements (MMEs) are used to implement access management and mobility management for terminal devices. For example, they are responsible for maintaining the state of terminal devices, managing their reachability, forwarding non-access-stratum (NAS) messages for mobility management (MM), and forwarding N2 messages for session management (SM). In this embodiment, for 4G communication systems, the MME can be used; for 5G communication systems, the AMF can be used.

[0157] In this communication system, a first device can register first information with a first network element, thereby the first network element stores the first information of the first device. The cell broadcast center can request or subscribe to the first information of each of at least one first device from the first network element for the purpose of implementing broadcast services. For specific implementation details, please refer to the following method embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0158] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As an example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the communication system includes a cell broadcast center, mobility management network elements, and access network equipment. These elements can interact directly or indirectly, without limitation. Detailed descriptions of the cell broadcast center, mobility management network elements, and access network equipment can be found in the relevant descriptions within the aforementioned communication system, and will not be repeated here.

[0159] In this communication system, the cell broadcast center can trigger the mobility management network element (MMI) to send a first identifier to each access network device connected to it. The first identifier is used to instruct the access network devices connected to the MMI to report first information. Thus, the cell broadcast center can receive the first information from the access network devices from the MMI for broadcasting services. For specific implementation details, please refer to the following method embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0160] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. As an example, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the communication system includes: a wireless network management system, a mobility management network element, and a cell broadcast center. The two elements can interact directly or indirectly, without any limitation.

[0161] The wireless network management system is used to manage at least one access network device and configure cell information for each associated access network device. This cell information includes the latitude and longitude of the cell associated with the access network device, the identifier of the cell associated with the access network device, and the TAI (Target Area Identity) of the cell associated with the access network device. For example, the wireless network management system can be a server or upper-layer management device used to configure and manage access network devices; for instance, it can be a network management system (NMS).

[0162] For detailed descriptions of mobility management network elements and cell broadcast centers, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above communication system; they will not be repeated here.

[0163] In this communication system, the cell broadcast center uses data transmission protocol type messages to request corresponding information from the wireless network management and mobility management network elements respectively, forming the first information for use in broadcasting services.

[0164] This application also provides an embodiment applicable to the above. Figures 3-5 The diagram shows the architecture of a 4G network for a communication system. Figure 6As shown, the cell broadcast center is CBC, the mobility management network element is MME, and the access network device is eNB. The CBC is connected to the MME through the SBc interface, the MME is connected to the eNB through the S1-MME interface, and the eNB is connected to the UE in 4G through LTE-Uu.

[0165] In addition, embodiments of this application also provide a method applicable to the above. Figures 3-5 The diagram illustrates the architecture of a 5G network for a communication system. Figure 7 As shown in (a), in the network architecture represented by the PWS reference point of a 5G system (S) without using the public warning service-interworking function (PWS-IWF), the cell broadcast center is CBCF, the mobility management network element is AMF, and the access network equipment is the base station in the RAN, such as gNB. The CBCF is connected to the AMF through the N50 interface, the AMF is connected to the RAN through the N2 interface, and the RAN is connected to the UE through the Uu interface.

[0166] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), in the network architecture represented by the 5GS PWS reference point using PWS-IWF, the cell broadcast center is CBC, and PWS-IWF is connected between CBC and AMF. In this architecture, CBC is connected to PWS-IWF through the SBc interface, and PWS-IWF is connected to AMF through the N50 interface.

[0167] Regarding the above Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the architecture shown, the CBC or CBCF connects to the CBE to conduct broadcast services.

[0168] The form of the aforementioned device or network element is not limited in the embodiments of this application. The device used to implement the function of the device or network element can be the device or network element; it can also be a device that supports the device or network element in implementing the function, such as a chip or chip system. The device can be installed in the device or network element or used in conjunction with the device or network element.

[0169] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application exemplarily provide the names of nodes, modules, devices or network elements in different scenarios, architectures or systems, as well as the names of the communication interfaces between any two nodes, modules, devices or network elements, and do not exclude the possibility of name changes in future communication systems or scenarios or architectures.

[0170] The following will combine Figures 8-15 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0171] This application provides a communication method in an embodiment of the application. Figure 3 The communication between the first network element, the cell broadcast center, and the first device is illustrated using the example shown. Of course, the entity executing the action of the first network element in this method can also be a device / module within the first network element, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the first network element; there is no limitation on this. Similarly, the entity executing the action of the cell broadcast center in this method can also be a device / module within the cell broadcast center, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the cell broadcast center; there is no limitation on this. Likewise, the entity executing the action of the first device in this method can also be a device / module within the first device, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the first device; there is no limitation on this.

[0172] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0173] S801, the first device sends a first message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first message from the first device.

[0174] The first device generates or determines first information and sends a first message to the first network element. The first message is used to register the first information; that is, the first message is used by the first device to request the registration of the first information with the first network element. In this embodiment, the first message can be a message with its own registration function, such as a registration request, or it can be a message with added registration instructions based on other defined functions to register the first information. For example, the first message can be a connection establishment request, which is used to establish a connection between the first device and the first network element. This connection establishment request includes registration instructions and the first information to instruct the first device to request the registration of the first information; there is no limitation on this.

[0175] For example, during the connection establishment process with the first network element, the first device may send a first message to register first information with the first network element. It should be understood that the first message includes the identifier of the first device and the first information. Optionally, the first message may also include information used by the first network element to authenticate the first device; this is not limited.

[0176] The first device can be a first mobility management network element or a first access network device connected to the first mobility management network element. There can be one or more first devices. One access network device can connect to multiple mobility management network elements, and one mobility management network element can connect to multiple access network devices. Thus, the first network element can register and store first information for all the first devices it connects to. In this embodiment, the first device is either a first mobility management network element or a first access network device, which is used as an example for explanation.

[0177] The first information is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network that participate in broadcast services related to the first geographical area. In other words, the devices and cells in the mobile network that participate in broadcast services related to the first geographical area are determined based on the first information. In this embodiment, the cell broadcast center obtains the first geographical area and the first information to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network that participate in broadcast services related to the first geographical area.

[0178] The first geographical area is the geographical area where broadcast services are required. The equipment in the mobile network related to broadcast services in the first geographical area can refer to network equipment in the mobile network that broadcasts services to terminal devices within the first geographical area. The equipment or equipment type in the mobile network related to broadcast services in the first geographical area can include mobility management network elements and / or access network equipment, and may include one or more. The cell in the mobile network related to broadcast services in the first geographical area can refer to a cell located within the first geographical area, or a cell covering the first geographical area, and may include one or more. The access network equipment corresponding to the cell in the mobile network related to broadcast services in the first geographical area, and the mobility management network element accessed by the access network equipment, are also considered equipment in the mobile network related to broadcast services in the first geographical area.

[0179] It can be assumed that the first information is related to the location of the network equipment and cell participating in the broadcast service in the first geographic area. The first information can also be called public land mobile network (PLMN) information, location information, etc., without limitation.

[0180] The following explanation addresses two scenarios: the first device is the first access network device, and the first mobility management network element.

[0181] Scenario 1: If the first device is a first access network device, then the first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the first access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device, wherein the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device includes the first mobility management network element.

[0182] For example, the cell identifier is a physical cell identifier, and the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device, can be indicated by the identifier of the associated mobility management network element.

[0183] It should be understood that the coverage radius and frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device are mainly for the implementation of broadcast services in satellite communication scenarios.

[0184] Since the network coverage area of ​​an access network device can be divided into one or more cells, the first access network device may correspond to one or more cells. In the case of multiple cells, the parameters mentioned above included in the first information can be indicated in the form of a list. For example, using the cell identifier as an index, each cell identifier corresponds to one or more of the cell's latitude and longitude, coverage radius, frequency range, TAI, and mobility management element, without limitation. Furthermore, it can be understood that, with each of the above parameters indicated in the form of a list, the cell identifier corresponding to the first access network device can be a list indicating the correspondence between the identifier of the first access network device and the cell identifier, and the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device can be a list indicating the correspondence between the cell identifier and the cell's latitude and longitude. Other parameters are handled similarly and will not be elaborated further.

[0185] Therefore, the first information can be used to indicate or include information about the cells covered by the first access network device, information about the mobility management network elements accessed by the first access network device, etc., and can be used to locate the first access network device and the location of each cell under the first access network device. The first information can be called the location information of the first access network device.

[0186] In scenario 1, one possible design scheme involves the first access network device periodically or periodically sending a sixth message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element can periodically or periodically receive the sixth message from the first access network device. This sixth message indicates that the first access network device is functioning normally; it can be understood as a heartbeat request from the first access network device, used by the first network element to ascertain whether the first access network device is working properly, so that the first network element can determine whether to continue maintaining the first information of the first access network device. Therefore, if the first network element does not receive the sixth message from the first access network device for an extended period, the first network element can assume that the first access network device is faulty or offline and cease maintaining its first information.

[0187] Optionally, the configuration for periodic or timed transmission of the sixth message can be locally configured or predefined by the first access network device, or it can be configured by the first network element to the first access network device; there is no limitation in this regard. For example, the configuration for periodic transmission may include the start time of the first periodic transmission, the length of the transmission period, etc., and the configuration for timed transmission may include the start time of the timer, the duration of the timer, etc.; there is no limitation in this regard.

[0188] Scenario 2: If the first device is a first mobility management network element, then the first information may include one or more of the following: the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, or the TAI associated with the first mobility management network element, wherein the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element includes the first access network device.

[0189] At this point, the first information can be considered to include cell information (also known as location information) of all access network devices accessed by the first mobility management network element, such as the access network devices associated with the first mobility management network element, the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, and the location information of the first mobility management network element, such as the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, or the TAI associated with the first mobility management network element. In other words, the first information can be used to locate the location of the mobility management network element, the access network devices connected to the mobility management network element, and the locations of the cells under the access network devices. The first information includes the location information of the mobility management network element and the location information of the access network devices.

[0190] Since a mobility management network element can connect to multiple access network devices, similar to the first device being the first access network device, the parameters included in the first information can be indicated in the form of a list, without limitation.

[0191] In scenario 2, the generation of first information by the first mobility management network element may include: the first access network device sending a seventh message to the first mobility management network element, and correspondingly, the first mobility management network element receiving the seventh message from the first access network device. The seventh message includes cell information of the first access network device. The first mobility management network element generates the first information based on the cell information of the first access network device.

[0192] At this time, the cell information of the first access network device is equivalent to the first information when the first device is the first access network device. That is, the cell information of the first access network device may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

[0193] The first mobility management network element typically obtains cell information from each access network device (including the first access network device) that accesses it, thereby statistically summarizing the information between the first mobility management network element and each access network device, obtaining the first information, and registering the first information with the first network element.

[0194] For example, the seventh message can be used to request connection establishment, such as an S1 connection establishment request message or an NG connection establishment request message; or, the seventh message can be used to request access network configuration updates, such as a RAN configuration update request message. In the case where the seventh message is a RAN configuration update request message, the seventh message can also be used for subsequent updates of the cell information of the first access network device.

[0195] In one possible design scheme, for both scenarios described above, if the first information changes—such as changes in the number of cells corresponding to the first access network device, or changes in latitude and longitude, or the addition or removal of access network devices—the first device can send a fifth message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element can receive the fifth message from the first access network device. This fifth message is used to update the first information. Thus, the first network element can update the first information of the first device in real time.

[0196] It is understood that the fifth message may include the updated first information, or the fifth message may include the information in the first information that needs to be updated, without limitation. For example, the fifth message may itself be a message with information update capability, such as an update request, or a message without specific information update capability, which instructs the first network element to update the first information by carrying an update instruction, without limitation.

[0197] Optionally, after the first network element receives the first message and registers the first information of the first device according to the first message, the first network element can also send a first response to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device can receive the first response from the first network element. The first response is a response message to the first message, used to indicate or notify whether registration was successful (registration completed) or failed (registration incomplete). For example, if the first network element fails to authenticate the first device, or if the memory size of the first network element is insufficient for the registration and storage of the first information, then the first response can be used to indicate or notify the device to register; this is not limited. It should be understood that, under normal circumstances, the first network element can successfully register the first information of the first device connected to it.

[0198] Therefore, the first network element can store information corresponding to all the first devices connected to it.

[0199] S802, the community broadcasting center sends a second message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the second message from the community broadcasting center.

[0200] The second message is used to obtain first information corresponding to at least one first device. In other words, the second message is used by the cell broadcast center to obtain or query the first information corresponding to at least one first device from the first network element. For example, the second message can be an acquisition request, a query request, etc., and there is no limitation thereto.

[0201] The cell broadcast center can send a second message to the first network element to obtain all the first information stored at the first network element. At least one first device can be considered to include all first devices in the mobile network within the broadcast range of the cell broadcast center, or in other words, the first network element registers and stores the first information corresponding to all first devices in the mobile network within the broadcast range of the cell broadcast center, without limitation.

[0202] S803, the first network element sends at least one first piece of information corresponding to each of the first devices to the cell broadcast center. Correspondingly, the cell broadcast center receives the first pieces of information corresponding to at least one of the first devices from the first network element.

[0203] After receiving the second message, the first network element sends the first information of all the first devices stored in it to the community broadcasting center.

[0204] Optionally, the first information corresponding to at least one first device may be carried in the response message corresponding to the second message or sent in other messages, such as notification messages, without limitation.

[0205] Therefore, the cell broadcasting center can determine, based on the first information obtained, which cells in the mobile network are covered in a certain geographical area (such as the first geographical area) where broadcasting services are to be conducted, which access network device corresponds to each cell, which mobility management network element the access network device of the cell is connected to, and so on, and then broadcast services to the terminal devices in the corresponding cells through the determined mobility management network element and access network device.

[0206] In one possible design, the cell broadcast center sends a fourth message to the second mobility management network element, and the second mobility management network element receives the fourth message from the cell broadcast center. The fourth message requests a broadcast message, and the second mobility management network element is a device participating in the broadcast service in the first geographical area, determined based on first information corresponding to at least one first device. For example, if the broadcast service is a broadcast warning service, the fourth message could be a write-replacement alarm request as described in S102 or S202. The cell broadcast center can then execute S102 or S202 based on the first information, sending a write-replacement alarm request to the determined mobility management network element. This write-replacement alarm request carries a list of cell identifiers and a list of access network devices corresponding to the warning geographical area.

[0207] The fourth message includes information indicating the access network device related to the broadcast message and / or information indicating the cell related to the broadcast message. This information is determined based on first information corresponding to at least one first device. The information indicating the access network device related to the broadcast message may be an identifier or a list of identifiers of the access network devices participating in the broadcast service, and the information indicating the cell related to the broadcast message may be an identifier or a list of identifiers of cells located within a first geographical area.

[0208] Furthermore, when the first information changes, such as when the number of access network devices changes (e.g., added or deactivated), or when the status of the access network devices changes, in order to ensure that the cell broadcast center can obtain real-time updated first information, the cell broadcast center can also subscribe to the first information from the first network element. In one possible implementation, the cell broadcast center can send a third message to the first network element, and correspondingly, the first network element can receive the third message from the cell broadcast center. The third message is used by the cell broadcast center to subscribe to the first information from the first network element. Thus, when the first information changes, the first network element can send updated first information to the cell broadcast center, and correspondingly, the cell broadcast center can receive the updated first information from the first network element.

[0209] For example, the third message can be a subscription request, and the updated first information can be sent in the subscription response of the subscription request, without limitation.

[0210] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the order in which the cell broadcast center sends the second and third messages, and there is no limitation on this.

[0211] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated communication method, the first network element can register and store first information about the first device (access network device or mobility management network element) in the mobile network within the broadcast range of the cell broadcast center, based on the first message. This allows the cell broadcast center to send a second message to the first network element, providing the first information, and enabling the cell broadcast center to complete broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area based on the first information. Therefore, by setting the first network element to register and store the first information of the access network device or mobility management network element, the cell broadcast center can locate the cell, the corresponding access network device, and the location of the mobility management network element accessed by the corresponding access network device. This reduces the workload of the cell broadcast center in maintaining data. Even if the status of an access network device changes, or the first information changes, the cell broadcast center can subscribe to the first information from the first network element in real time, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of broadcast services.

[0212] The following section discusses the 5G network architecture. Figure 8 The communication method shown is illustrated with examples.

[0213] For example, taking AMF1 as the first device, gNB1 as the first access network device accessing AMF1, and CBCF as the cell broadcast center, see [reference needed]. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example communication method. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0214] S901 and gNB1 send an NG Setup Request to AMF1. Correspondingly, AMF1 receives the NG Setup Request from gNB1.

[0215] The NG establishment request is used by gNB1 to request the establishment of a connection with AMF1. The NG establishment request includes the cell information of gNB1, which is indicated by newly added information cells in the NG establishment request. The cell information of gNB1 may include a list of cell identifiers corresponding to gNB1, a list of cell latitude and longitude, a TAI associated with the cell, etc. In satellite scenarios, it may also include a list of cell coverage radii, a list of cell frequency ranges, etc. The cell information of gNB1 can be used to locate gNB1 and each cell within the coverage area of ​​gNB1.

[0216] In other words, gNB1 can send its cell information to AMF1 during the connection establishment process.

[0217] Since an AMF can connect to multiple gNBs, each gNB connected to the AMF needs to inform AMF1 of its corresponding cell information during the connection establishment process so that AMF1 can register with the first network element.

[0218] It should be understood that the NG establishment request corresponds to the seventh message in S801 above, and the cell information of gNB1 corresponds to the cell information of the first access network device in S801 above. This will not be elaborated further.

[0219] Optionally, after completing the connection between gNB1, AMF1 can also send an NG Setup Response to gNB1.

[0220] S902 and AMF1 send location information registration requests to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the location information registration request from AMF1.

[0221] The location information registration request corresponds to the first message in S801 above. This request is used to request the registration of first information, which is determined based on the cell information of the gNB accessing AMF1. This cell information includes the cell information of gNB1. In other words, when AMF1 receives the cell information of the accessing gNB, it can determine the first information based on this information. The first information includes the cell information of gNB1. In addition, the first information may also include information such as the gNB associated with AMF1 (including gNB1) and the TAI associated with AMF1. For details, please refer to the description of the first information in case 2 of S801 above; further elaboration is not provided here.

[0222] It should be understood that the first network element can also be connected to multiple AMFs, and the first network element can store the first information registered by multiple AMFs, such as the first information of AMF1, the first information of AMF2, etc. The AMFs registered by the first network element and storing the first information can be considered as all AMFs within the broadcast range of the CBCF.

[0223] S903 and CBCF send query requests to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the query requests from the CBCF.

[0224] The query request corresponds to the second message in S802 above. The query request is used to request the query of first information. The CBCF can obtain all the first information stored in the first network element through the query request.

[0225] S904. The first network element sends a query response to the CBCF. Correspondingly, the CBCF receives the query response from the first network element.

[0226] The query response includes first information. The first network element can send the first information of all stored AMF registrations to the CBCF based on the query request, so that the CBCF can determine the AMF, gNB, and cell based on the first information to complete broadcast services within the specified geographical area.

[0227] In addition to S901 to S904 mentioned above, when the cell information of gNB1 changes, the communication method may further include:

[0228] S905 and gNB1 send a RAN Configuration Update Request to AMF1. Correspondingly, AMF1 receives the RAN Configuration Update Request from gNB1.

[0229] The RAN configuration update request is used to update the RAN configuration. The RAN configuration update request includes updated first information; for example, if gNB1 adds a cell, the updated first information may include the identifier, latitude and longitude of the new cell. The RAN configuration update request corresponds to the seventh message in S801 mentioned above.

[0230] Optionally, AMF1 can also send a RAN Configuration UpdateResponse to gNB1 to indicate whether the update was successful or failed.

[0231] S906 and AMF1 send a location information registration update request to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the location information registration update request from AMF1.

[0232] The location information registration update request corresponds to the fifth message in S801 above and is used to update the first information. The location information registration update request includes the updated first information.

[0233] It should be understood that when a new gNB connects to AMF1, or a gNB goes offline and is no longer connected to AMF1, or other situations occur that cause changes in the first information, AMF1 can also send a location information registration update request to the first network element so that the first network element can update the first information in real time.

[0234] S907 and CBCF send subscription requests to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the subscription requests from the CBCF.

[0235] The subscription request is used to request subscription to the first information so that CBCF can obtain updated first information in real time. This subscription request corresponds to the third message mentioned above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0236] S908: The first network element sends a subscription response to the CBCF. Correspondingly, the CBCF receives the subscription response from the first network element.

[0237] When the initial information changes, the first network element can send a subscription response to the CBCF based on its subscription, carrying the updated initial information. This ensures that the initial information is promptly updated and synchronized with the CBCF, improving the accuracy and success rate of cell broadcast coverage.

[0238] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the execution order of the above steps. For example, S907 can be executed before S903 or after S903. Similarly, the execution order of S905 and S907 is not limited.

[0239] exist Figure 9 In the communication method shown, the AMF can register first information with the first network element, including cell information of the gNBs connected to it. This first information can be used to locate the gNBs connected to the AMF and the cells corresponding to the gNBs, thereby enabling the CBCF to query and obtain the first information from the first network element to complete broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area, as described above. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The procedure for broadcasting or canceling a broadcast alert is shown.

[0240] For example, taking the first device as the first access network device, which is gNB1, and the cell broadcast center as CBCF, see [reference needed]. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example communication method. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0241] S1001 and gNB1 send location information registration requests to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the location information registration request from gNB1.

[0242] The location information registration request is used to request the registration of the first information. The location information registration request includes the first information. At this time, the first information corresponds to the first information in case 1 of S801 above. The location information registration request corresponds to the first message in S801 above. This will not be elaborated further.

[0243] It should be understood that a first network element can connect to multiple gNBs, and the first network element can store the initial information registered by multiple gNBs, such as the initial information of gNB1, the initial information of gNB2, etc. The gNBs registered with the first network element and whose initial information is stored can be considered as all gNBs within the broadcast range of the CBCF.

[0244] S1002, the CBCF sends a query request to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the query request from the CBCF.

[0245] S1003, the first network element sends a query request to the CBCF. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the query request from the CBCF.

[0246] For the specific implementation of S1002 and S1003, please refer to the relevant descriptions of S903 and S904 above. The difference is that the first information fed back by the first network element comes from the gNB, and the content of the first information is different, which will not be elaborated here.

[0247] Similarly, when the cell information of gNB1 changes, the communication method may further include:

[0248] S1004 and gNB1 send a location information registration update request to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the location information registration update request from gNB1.

[0249] The location information registration update request corresponds to the fifth message in S801 above and is used to update the first information. The location information registration update request includes the updated first information.

[0250] S1005, CBCF sends a subscription request to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the subscription request from the CBCF.

[0251] S1006, the first network element sends a subscription response to the CBCF. Correspondingly, the CBCF receives the subscription response from the first network element.

[0252] For the specific implementations of S1005 and S1006, please refer to the relevant descriptions in S907 and S908 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] In addition, in order for the first network element to know whether the gNB is online or faulty, so that the first network element can determine whether to continue maintaining the first information of the gNB, the communication method may also include:

[0254] S1007 and gNB1 send heartbeat requests to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the heartbeat requests from gNB1.

[0255] Corresponding to the sixth message in S801 above, the heartbeat request is used to indicate that gNB1 is in normal working condition. gNB1 can periodically or periodically send heartbeat requests to the first network element so that the first network element can determine that gNB1 is working normally and can continue to store and maintain the first information of gNB1.

[0256] exist Figure 10In the communication method shown, the gNB can directly register the first information to the first network element without registering through the AMF, which can reduce the interaction process.

[0257] It should be understood that Figure 8 The communication method shown can also be applied to the 4G network architecture. The implementation process is similar, except that the action performed by CBCF is replaced by CBC, the action performed by AMF is performed by MME, and the action performed by gNB is performed by eNB. The interface message names in the 5G architecture are replaced with the interface message names in the 4G architecture, which will not be elaborated on here.

[0258] exist Figures 8-10 In the communication method shown, by setting the first network element to register and store the first information, the cell broadcast center obtains the first information from the first network element in real time to carry out broadcast services in the corresponding geographical area.

[0259] The first information registered to the first network element can be used not only for the cell broadcast center to obtain first information from the first network element for broadcast services, but also for the AF (Automatic AF) of 5G-Multicast / Broadcast Service (MBS) to obtain first information from the first network element to determine the devices and cells performing MBS services within the corresponding geographical area. It can also be used for the sensing function (SF) in the service function chain (SFC) to obtain first information from the first network element to determine the devices (such as access network devices) and cells performing sensing services within the corresponding sensing geographical area. Furthermore, it can be used for the AMF / MME in satellite networks to obtain first information from the first network element to determine the devices and cells performing services within the corresponding geographical area. These scenarios, where the first information is needed to determine the devices and / or cells performing corresponding services within a specific geographical area, are not limited in scope. It should be understood that the interaction between AF, SF, or AMF / MME and the first network element is similar to that of the cell broadcast center. The difference is that after obtaining the first information from the first network element, the use of the first information is different. For example, after obtaining the first information, the SF uses the first information to determine the equipment and / or cells participating in the sensing services of the sensing area.

[0260] In addition, this application also provides a communication method for... Figure 4The communication between the cell broadcast center, mobility management network element, and access network equipment is illustrated using the example shown. Of course, the entity executing the actions of the mobility management network element in this method can also be a device / module within the mobility management network element, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the mobility management network element; there is no limitation on this. Similarly, the entity executing the actions of the cell broadcast center in this method can also be a device / module within the cell broadcast center, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the cell broadcast center; there is no limitation on this. Likewise, the entity executing the actions of the access network equipment in this method can also be a device / module within the access network equipment, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the access network equipment; there is no limitation on this.

[0261] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0262] S1101, the cell broadcast center sends a first instruction message to the mobility management network element. Correspondingly, the mobility management network element receives the first instruction message from the cell broadcast center.

[0263] The first instruction information is used to instruct the access network equipment that accesses the mobility management network element to report the first information, and the first information is used to identify the equipment and cells in the mobile network that are involved in broadcast services in the first geographical area.

[0264] The first indication information is used to instruct the access network device to report first information. For example, the first indication information can be a newly defined identifier or a defined identifier with a special value, such as a message identifier with a special value; this is not limited. The access network device reporting the first information can be an access network device connected to a mobility management network element connected to a cell broadcast center. A cell broadcast center can be connected to multiple mobility management network elements, and a mobility management network element can be connected to multiple access network devices. In this embodiment, the cell broadcast center can send the first indication information to each mobility management network element connected to it, and the mobility management network element receiving the first indication information sends the first information to each access network device connected to or accessing it, thereby allowing the cell broadcast center to obtain the first information of all access network devices within its broadcast range.

[0265] The first information may include one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the access network device. For a detailed description of the first information, please refer to the description of the first information in Case 1 of S801 above; further details will not be provided here.

[0266] In one possible design, the cell broadcast center can periodically or periodically send first indication information to the mobility management network element (MLE). Correspondingly, the MLE can periodically or periodically receive the first indication information from the cell broadcast center. Furthermore, the MLE can periodically or periodically send the first indication information to the access network equipment, thereby enabling the access network equipment to periodically or periodically report first information based on the first indication information. Thus, the cell broadcast center can periodically update the first information reported by the access network equipment, preventing the cell broadcast center from being unable to update the first information when the access network equipment's first information changes (e.g., adding a cell, deleting a cell, or taking an access network equipment offline), thereby improving the reliability of the broadcast service.

[0267] S1102. The mobility management network element sends a first indication message to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first indication message sent by the mobility management network element.

[0268] After receiving the first indication information, the mobility management network element can send the first indication information to each access network device connected to it, so as to trigger each access network device to report the corresponding first information.

[0269] S1103. The access network device sends the first information to the mobility management network element. Correspondingly, the mobility management network element receives the first information from the access network device.

[0270] Upon receiving the first instruction information, the access network device can send the first information to the mobility management network element based on the first instruction information.

[0271] S1104. The mobility management network element sends the first information to the cell broadcast center. Correspondingly, the cell broadcast center receives the first information from the mobility management network element.

[0272] The mobility management network element can collect the first information of all access network devices connected to it and send it to the cell broadcast center together, or it can send it separately. For example, if it can receive the first information of one access network device, it can send the first information of one access network device to the cell broadcast center. There is no limitation on this.

[0273] Therefore, after receiving the first information, the community broadcasting center can determine, based on the first information, which cells in the mobile network are covered in a certain geographical area (such as the first geographical area) where the broadcasting service is to be conducted, which access network device corresponds to each cell, which mobility management network element the access network device of the cell is connected to, and so on. Then, it can broadcast services to the terminal devices in the corresponding cells through the determined mobility management network element and access network device.

[0274] exist Figure 11 In the communication method shown, the cell broadcast center can send a first instruction information to the mobility management network element, so that the mobility management network element can send the first instruction information to the access network device connected to it to obtain the first information of the access network device. This eliminates the need for the cell broadcast center to configure the first information locally and maintain a large amount of data. It also enables the cell broadcast center to complete the broadcast service in the corresponding geographical area based on the first information.

[0275] In one possible design, S1101 to S1104 can be implemented as follows: Figure 1 or Figure 2 The illustrated early warning process involves sending the first indication information in a message requesting the broadcast of an early warning message, such as in a write-replacement alarm request. The first information is also sent in a message notifying of the early warning result, such as in a write-replacement alarm response. For early warning messages carrying the first indication information, the access network device does not trigger an early warning broadcast; only the first information is reported. For a detailed implementation, please refer to the following... Figure 12 Example implementation.

[0276] The following section discusses 5G network architecture and application scenarios. Figure 11 The communication method shown is illustrated with examples.

[0277] Taking the CBCF (Cell Broadcasting Center), AMF (Mobility Management Element), and gNB (Access Network Device) as an example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example communication method. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0278] S1201, the CBCF sends a message transfer request (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Request) to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the message transfer request from the CBCF.

[0279] The message transfer request (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Request) carries a write-replace warning request. The write-replace warning request includes the first indication information, but does not carry information such as the TAI list or cell list.

[0280] For example, the CBCF can periodically or periodically send write-replace alarm requests carrying first indication information so that the gNB can periodically or periodically report the first information so that the CBCF can update the first information.

[0281] In some implementations, the message transmission request includes a first indication message and a write-replacement alert request, which is not limited.

[0282] S1202, AMF sends a message transfer response (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Response) to CBCF. Correspondingly, CBCF receives the message transfer response from AMF.

[0283] The message transmission response (Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageTransfer Response) carries PWS response data (PWSResponseData), which represents the processing result of the warning in AMF.

[0284] S1203, AMF sends a write-replacement alarm request to gNB. Correspondingly, gNB receives the write-replacement alarm request from AMF.

[0285] The write-replacement alarm request includes first indication information. After receiving the write-replacement alarm request, the AMF sends a write-replacement alarm request carrying the first indication information to each gNB connected to it.

[0286] When the message transmission request includes the first indication information and the write-replacement alarm request, the write-replacement alarm request in S1203 is different from the write-replacement alarm request in the message transmission request. The write-replacement alarm request in S1203 can be understood as being obtained by adding the first indication information to the write-replacement alarm request in the message transmission request.

[0287] S1204, gNB sends a write-replacement alarm response to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives the write-replacement alarm response from gNB.

[0288] After receiving a write-replace alarm request carrying the first indication information, the gNB can determine the broadcast warning message based on the first indication information and report the first information to the AMF, sending the first information to the AMF in the write-replace alarm response.

[0289] S1205, AMF sends a write-replacement alarm response to CBCF. Correspondingly, CBCF receives the write-replacement alarm response from AMF.

[0290] The write-replace alarm response includes first information, which is carried in the message notification request Namf_Communication_NonUEMessageNotify Request.

[0291] Therefore, the CBCF can obtain the first information from the write-replace alarm response, and the CBCF can also configure the mapping relationship between AMF and TAI based on the first information. Thus, the CBCF can determine the AMF, gNB, and cells that perform broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area based on the first information and the mapping relationship between AMF and TAI.

[0292] It should be understood that warning messages carrying primary indication information are not considered to have the capability to trigger access network devices to send broadcast messages.

[0293] Figure 8 and Figure 11 The communication method shown can also be applied to the 4G network architecture. Its implementation process is similar to that in the 5G network architecture. The action executed by CBCF is replaced by CBC, the action executed by AMF is executed by MME, and the action executed by gNB is executed by eNB. The interface message names in the 5G network architecture are replaced with the interface message names in the 4G network architecture, which will not be elaborated further.

[0294] This application also provides an implementation method for a cell broadcast center to obtain first information, such as... Figure 13 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 The communication between the wireless network management system, the mobility management network element, and the cell broadcast center is illustrated using the example shown. Of course, the entity executing the actions of the mobility management network element in this method can also be a device / module within the mobility management network element, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the mobility management network element; there is no limitation on this. Similarly, the entity executing the actions of the cell broadcast center in this method can also be a device / module within the cell broadcast center, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the cell broadcast center; there is no limitation on this. Likewise, the entity executing the actions of the wireless network management system in this method can also be a device / module within the wireless network management system, such as a chip, processor, or processing unit within the wireless network management system; there is no limitation on this.

[0295] like Figure 13 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0296] S1301, The community broadcast center sends a first file transfer protocol message to the wireless network management system. Correspondingly, the wireless network management system receives the first file transfer protocol message from the community broadcast center.

[0297] The first file transfer protocol message is used to request cell information of access network devices managed by the wireless network management system. The cell information of the access network devices is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network that participate in broadcast services in the first geographical area.

[0298] The cell information of the access network device may include at least one of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the access network device. The cell information of the access network device is equivalent to the first information in Case 1 of S801 above when the first device is the first access network device, and will not be elaborated further.

[0299] In other words, the community broadcast center can request cell information of the access network devices it manages from the wireless network management system via file transfer protocol type messages. The wireless network management system can manage multiple access network devices, and each access network device is configured with corresponding cell information.

[0300] For example, the cell broadcast center can trigger the request periodically, or according to a warning message, to obtain cell information of access network devices from the wireless network management system, and to obtain area information of the mobility management network element from the mobility management network element. There are no limitations on this.

[0301] S1302, the wireless network management system sends a second file transfer protocol message to the cell broadcast center. Correspondingly, the cell broadcast center receives the second file transfer protocol message from the wireless network management system.

[0302] The second file transfer protocol message includes the radio information of the access network device, and the type of the second file transfer protocol message is the same as that of the first file transfer protocol message. Optionally, the second file transfer protocol message may or may not be a response message to the first file transfer protocol message; this is not limited.

[0303] In one possible implementation 1, the first file transfer protocol message and the second file transfer protocol message (type) can be a file transfer protocol (FTP) message or a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) message.

[0304] In this implementation, the cell broadcast center can also obtain the area information of the mobility management network element (MMI) from the MMI via FTP or SFTP messages. In one possible design, the cell broadcast center can send a third file transfer protocol (LTP) message to the MMI, and the MMI receives the LTP message from the cell broadcast center. The LTP message requests the MMI's area information, which is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in the first geographic area. Then, the MMI sends a fourth file transfer protocol (LTP) message to the cell broadcast center, and the cell broadcast center receives the fourth LTP message from the MMI. The fourth LTP message includes the MMI's area information.

[0305] It should be understood that the third and fourth file transfer protocol messages are FTP or SFTP messages. Optionally, the fourth file transfer protocol message may or may not be a response to the third file transfer protocol message; this is not a limitation.

[0306] The area information of a mobility management network element may include at least one of the following: the access network device associated with the mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the mobility management network element, or the cell associated with the mobility management network element.

[0307] In some implementations, if the area information of a mobility management network element includes the TAI associated with the mobility management network element, then the cell broadcast center can determine the access network equipment associated with the mobility management network element, the cell associated with the mobility management network element, and other information based on the cell information of the access network equipment and the TAI associated with the mobility management network element, without imposing any limitations on this.

[0308] It is understandable that the cell information of the access network equipment and the area information of the mobility management network element can constitute the above in some implementations. Figure 8 The first information in the communication method shown.

[0309] In one possible implementation 2, the first and second file transfer protocol messages can be Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages. That is, in this implementation 2, the cell broadcast center can subscribe to cell information of access network devices from the wireless network management system via HTTP messages.

[0310] In one possible design, the cell broadcast center can send a fifth file transfer protocol (FLP) message to the wireless network management system (WLAN), and the WLAN receives the FLP message from the cell broadcast center. The FLP message is used to request subscription to the cell information of the access network devices. Therefore, when the cell information of the access network devices changes, the WLAN can send a sixth file transfer protocol (FLP) message to the cell broadcast center, and the cell broadcast center receives the sixth FLP message from the WLAN. The sixth FLP message includes the updated cell information of the access network devices. It should be understood that both the fifth and sixth FLP messages are HTTP messages.

[0311] Furthermore, for implementation 2, the cell broadcast center can also query or subscribe to the area information of the mobility management network element (MMI) from the MMI via the Sbc interface (for 4G network architecture) or the N50 interface (for 5G network architecture). The MMI's area information is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services participating in the first geographical area. For example, the cell broadcast center can query or subscribe to the MMI's area information from the MMI by sending an HTTP message via the N50 interface.

[0312] Therefore, the cell broadcast center can use text transmission protocol type messages to obtain cell information of access network devices from the wireless network management department, as well as area information of mobility management network elements from the mobility management network elements. This allows the center to determine the devices and cells that broadcast services within the corresponding geographical area, without requiring the cell broadcast center to configure the first information locally and maintain a large amount of data.

[0313] The following section discusses the 5G network architecture. Figure 13 The communication method shown is illustrated with examples.

[0314] Taking the CBCF (Community Broadcasting Center), AMF (Mobility Management Element), gNB (Access Network Device), and FTP (Text Transfer Protocol) as an example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example communication method. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0315] S1401, the CBCF sends FTP message #1 to the wireless network management system. Correspondingly, the wireless network management system receives FTP message #1 from the CBCF.

[0316] Among them, FTP message #1 corresponds to the first file transfer protocol message in S1301 above, and is used to request the cell information of gNB. The cell information of gNB corresponds to the cell of the access network device mentioned above, as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0317] S1402, The wireless network management system sends FTP message #2 to the CBCF. Correspondingly, the CBCF receives FTP message #2 from the wireless network management system.

[0318] Among them, FTP message #2 corresponds to the second file transfer protocol message in S1302 above. FTP message #2 includes the cell information of gNB. FTP message #2 can be a response message to FTP message #1.

[0319] S1403, CBCF sends FTP message #3 to AMF. Correspondingly, AMF receives FTP message #3 from CBCF.

[0320] Among them, FTP message #3 is used to request the TAI associated with AMF. FTP message #3 corresponds to the third file transfer protocol message mentioned above. The TAI associated with AMF corresponds to the area information of the mobility management network element mentioned above. This will not be elaborated further.

[0321] S1404, AMF sends FTP message #4 to CBCF. Correspondingly, CBCF receives FTP message #4 from AMF.

[0322] Among them, FTP message #4 includes the TAI associated with AMF. FTP message #4 corresponds to the fourth file transfer protocol message mentioned above, which will not be elaborated further.

[0323] Therefore, the CBCF can determine the cells associated with the AMF and the gNBs associated with the AMF based on the cell information of the TAI and gNBs associated with the AMF. Furthermore, the CBCF can determine the equipment (gNB, AMF) and cells participating in the broadcast service based on the TAI, cells, gNBs, and gNB cell information, according to the geographical area to be broadcast.

[0324] The CBCF can be triggered periodically, periodically, or based on warning messages to obtain cell information of the gNB from the wireless network management system and area information of the AMF from the AMF. There are no restrictions on this.

[0325] exist Figure 14In the communication method shown, the cell broadcast center can obtain the cell information of the gNB from the wireless network management system via FTP or STP messages, and obtain the area information of the AMF from the AMF.

[0326] For example, taking HTTP as an example, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example communication method. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0327] S1501, the CBCF sends HTTP message #1 to the wireless network management system. Correspondingly, the wireless network management system receives HTTP message #1 from the CBCF.

[0328] Among them, HTTP#1 corresponds to the first file transfer protocol message in S1301 above, and is used to request the cell information of gNB, which will not be described in detail.

[0329] S1502, The wireless network management system sends HTTP message #2 to the CBCF. Correspondingly, the CBCF receives HTTP message #2 from the wireless network management system.

[0330] Among them, HTTP message #2 corresponds to the second file transfer protocol message in S1302 above. HTTP message #2 includes the cell information of gNB. HTTP message #2 can be a response message to HTTP message #1.

[0331] S1503, the CBCF sends HTTP message #3 to the wireless network management system. Correspondingly, the wireless network management system receives HTTP message #3 from the CBCF.

[0332] Among them, HTTP message #3 and the aforementioned fifth file transfer protocol message are used to subscribe to gNB cell information, which will not be elaborated further.

[0333] S1504, The wireless network management system sends HTTP message #4 to the CBCF. Correspondingly, the CBCF receives HTTP message #4 from the wireless network management system.

[0334] Among them, HTTP message #4 corresponds to the fifth file transfer protocol message mentioned above, and HTTP message #4 includes updated gNB cell information. That is to say, when the gNB cell information changes, the radio network element can send the updated gNB cell information to the CBCF according to the CBCF HTTP subscription message.

[0335] S1505, CBCF and AMF can query or subscribe to the TAI associated with AMF through the N50 interface.

[0336] In other words, CBCF can also interact with HTTP through the N50 interface, similar to S1501 to S1504 above, to obtain the TAI associated with AMF, or the updated TAI associated with AMF.

[0337] exist Figure 15 In the communication method shown, the cell broadcast center can query and subscribe to the gNB's cell information from the wireless network management system via HTTP messages, and query and subscribe to the AMF's area information from the AMF.

[0338] It should be understood that Figure 13 The communication method shown can also be applied to the 4G network architecture. Its implementation process is similar to that in the 5G network architecture. The action performed by CBCF is replaced by CBC, and the action performed by AMF is performed by MME. The interface message name in the 5G network architecture (such as the N50 interface) is replaced with the interface message name in the 4G network architecture (such as the Sbc interface). This will not be elaborated further.

[0339] It is understood that, in the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the first network element can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used with the first network element; the methods and / or steps implemented by the cell broadcast center can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used with the cell broadcast center; the methods and / or steps implemented by the first device can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used with the first device; the methods and / or steps implemented by the mobility management network element can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used with the mobility management network element; the methods and / or steps implemented by the access network device can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used with the access network device; and the methods and / or steps implemented by the wireless network management system can also be implemented by components (e.g., processors, chips, chip systems, circuits, logic modules, or software) that can be used with the wireless network management system.

[0340] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided in this application. Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication device for implementing various methods in the above method embodiments. This communication device can be a first network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a first network element, or a component usable in a first network element, such as a chip or chip system. Alternatively, this communication device can be a cell broadcast center in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a cell broadcast center, or a component usable in a cell broadcast center, such as a chip or chip system. Alternatively, this communication device can be a first device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a first device, or a component usable in a first device, such as a chip or chip system. Alternatively, this communication device can be a mobility management network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a mobility management network element, or a component usable in a mobility management network element, such as a chip or chip system. Alternatively, this communication device can be an access network device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing an access network device, or a component usable in an access network device, such as a chip or chip system. Alternatively, the communication device may be a wireless network management system as described in the above method embodiments, or a device containing a wireless network management system, or a component that can be used in a wireless network management system, such as a chip or chip system.

[0341] It is understood that, in order to achieve the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0342] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0343] Taking a communication device as an example, which is the first network element, cell broadcast center, first device, mobility management network element, access network device, or wireless network management device in the above method embodiments. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 16As shown, the communication device 1600 includes a processing module 1601 and a transceiver module 1602. The processing module 1601 is used to execute the processing functions of the first network element, cell broadcast center, first device, mobility management network element, access network device, or wireless network management system in the above method embodiments. The transceiver module 1602 is used to execute the transceiver functions of the first network element, cell broadcast center, first device, mobility management network element, access network device, or wireless network management system in the above method embodiments. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0344] In one possible design, in this embodiment of the application, the transceiver module 1602 may include a receiving module and a sending module. Figure 16 (Not shown in the image). The transmitting module and receiving module are used to implement the transmitting and receiving functions of the communication device 1600, respectively.

[0345] In one possible design, the communication device 1600 may further include a storage module. Figure 16 (Not shown in the image), this storage module stores programs or instructions. When the processing module 1601 executes the program or instructions, it enables the communication device 1600 to perform... Figures 8-15 The method described above includes the functions of the first network element, the cell broadcast center, the first device, the mobility management network element, the access network device, or the wireless network management system.

[0346] In some embodiments, the processing module 1601 involved in the communication device 1600 may be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and may be a processor or processing unit; the transceiver module 1602 may be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components, and may be a transceiver or transceiver unit.

[0347] For example, Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be the first network element, cell broadcast center, first device, mobility management network element, access network device, or wireless network management system described in the above method embodiments. It can also be a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be disposed in the first network element, cell broadcast center, first device, mobility management network element, access network device, or wireless network management system. Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 1700 may include a processor 1701, a bus 1702, a communication interface 1703, and a memory 1704. The processor 1701, the memory 1704, and the communication interface 1703 communicate with each other via the bus 1702. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of processors and memories in the communication device 1700.

[0348] The 1702 bus can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 17 The bus 1702 may be represented by a single line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The bus 1702 may include a path for transmitting information between various components of the communication device 1700 (e.g., memory 1704, processor 1701, communication interface 1703).

[0349] Processor 1701 may include any one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor (MP), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0350] The memory 1704 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM). The processor 1701 may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD).

[0351] The communication interface 1703 uses transceiver modules such as, but not limited to, network interface cards and transceivers to enable communication between the communication device 1700 and other devices or communication networks.

[0352] The memory 1704 stores executable program code, which the processor 1701 executes to implement the functions of the network device or the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments. That is, the memory 1704 stores instructions for executing the aforementioned communication methods.

[0353] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product containing instructions, including computer program code, which, when run on a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0354] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0355] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the aforementioned cell broadcast center, first device, and first network element.

[0356] In another aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the aforementioned cell broadcast center, mobility management network element, and access network equipment.

[0357] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the aforementioned cell broadcast center, mobility management network element, and wireless network management system.

[0358] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., digital video disks, DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSDs), etc.

[0359] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0360] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0361] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0362] 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. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0363] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0364] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0365] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, which applies to a first network element or a chip within the first network element, includes: Receive a first message from a first device, the first message being used to register first information, the first information being used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services in a first geographical area, the first device being a first access network device or a first mobility management network element accessed by the first access network device; A second message is received from the community broadcasting center, the second message being used to obtain the first information corresponding to at least one of the first devices respectively.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third message from the cell broadcast center, the third message being used by the cell broadcast center to subscribe to the first information from the first network element; If the first information changes, the updated first information is sent to the cell broadcast center.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first information corresponding to each of the at least one of the first devices is sent to the community broadcasting center.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: (The method is applied to a chip in a community broadcasting center or the community broadcasting center.) Send a second message to the first network element. The second message is used to obtain first information corresponding to at least one first device. The first information is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network that participate in broadcast services in the first geographical area. The first device is a first access network device or a first mobility management network element accessed by the first access network device. Receive the first information corresponding to each of the at least one of the first devices from the first network element.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message to the first network element, wherein the third message is used by the cell broadcast center to subscribe to the first information from the first network element; Receive the updated first information from the first network element.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is sent to the second mobility management network element, the fourth message being used to request a broadcast message, the second mobility management network element being a device participating in the broadcast service of the first geographical area, determined based on the first information corresponding to the at least one first device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fourth message includes information for indicating access network devices related to the broadcast message and / or information for indicating cell information related to the broadcast message. The information for indicating access network devices related to the broadcast message and / or information for indicating cell information related to the broadcast message are determined based on the first information corresponding to each of the at least one first device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The equipment involved in broadcasting services in the first geographic area includes mobility management network elements and / or access network equipment.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first device is the first access network device, and the first information includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the tracking area identifier (TAI) associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first device is the first mobility management network element, and the first information includes one or more of the following: the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, or the TAI associated with the first mobility management network element, wherein the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element includes the first access network device.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: applying a chip to a first device or the first device being a first access network device or a first mobility management network element accessed by the first access network device; and the method comprising: Generate first information, which is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network that are involved in broadcast services in the first geographical area; Send a first message to the first network element, the first message being used to register the first information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fifth message is sent to the first network element, the fifth message being used to update the first information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first device is the first access network device, and the method further includes: A sixth message is periodically or periodically sent to the first network element, the sixth message being used to indicate that the first access network device is working normally.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The first device is the first access network device, and the first information includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the first access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first device is the first mobility management network element; The generation of the first information includes: Receive a seventh message from the first access network device, the seventh message including cell information of the first access network device; The first information is generated based on the cell information of the first access network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The seventh message is used to request the establishment of a connection, or the seventh message is used to request an access network configuration update.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The cell information of the first access network device includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the first access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the first access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the first access network device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11, 15-17, characterized in that, The first device is the first mobility management network element, and the first information includes one or more of the following: the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element, or the TAI associated with the first mobility management network element, wherein the access network device associated with the first mobility management network element includes the first access network device.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a community broadcasting center or equipment within the community broadcasting center, includes: Send a first instruction message to the mobility management network element. The first instruction message is used to instruct the access network device accessing the mobility management network element to report first information. The first information is used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network that are involved in broadcast services in the first geographical area. Receive the first information from the mobility management network element.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Sending the first instruction information to the mobility management network element includes: The first instruction information is sent periodically or at regular intervals to the mobility management network element.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a mobility management network element or a chip within the mobility management network element, includes: Receive first instruction information from the cell broadcast center, the first instruction information being used to instruct the access network device accessing the mobility management network element to report first information, the first information being used to determine the devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services participating in the first geographical area; Send the first indication information to the access network device; Receive the first information from the access network device; The first information is sent to the community broadcasting center.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The receipt of the first instruction information from the community broadcasting center includes: The first instruction information is received periodically or at regular intervals from the community broadcast center.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, which applies to an access network device or a chip within the access network device, includes: Receive first indication information from a mobility management network element, the first indication information being used to instruct access network devices accessing the mobility management network element to report first information, the first information being used to determine devices and cells in the mobile network related to broadcast services participating in a first geographical area; The first information is sent to the mobility management network element.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19-23, characterized in that, The first information includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the administrative region where the cell corresponding to the access network device is located, the latitude and longitude of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the coverage radius of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the frequency range of the cell corresponding to the access network device, the TAI associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, the mobility management network element associated with the cell corresponding to the access network device, or the mobility management network element associated with the access network device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19-24, characterized in that, The first indication information is sent in a message for requesting a broadcast warning message, and the first information is sent in a message for notifying the warning result.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; The processor is configured to run computer programs or instructions to enable the method as described in any one of claims 1-25 to be implemented.

28. A chip, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when the chip is running on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-25 to be implemented.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-25 to be performed.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes: a computer program or instructions that, when run, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-25 to be performed.

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