A communication method and related device

Abstract

A communication method includes: receiving a first request from a first network element, the first request indicating data registration, the first request carrying information about data that the first network element can provide, the first network element being a producer of the data; receiving a second request from a second network element, the second request including data requirements; and sending first information to the second network element, the first information being used to acquire the data, the data corresponding to the information of the data satisfying the data requirements. Based on the above technical solution, a data registration process for data producers is defined, simplifying the data registration process, improving the efficiency of data registration and data collection, and ensuring data integrity and reliability by not requiring the data consumer to request data subscription or analysis.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The rapid development of artificial intelligence and big data analytics has provided the foundational technologies for network intelligence. To achieve intelligent mobile networks, network devices can utilize artificial intelligence and big data analytics to output analysis results in a standardized format.

[0003] Currently, the network devices performing the above analysis process can be core network devices, such as network data analytics function (NWDAF) network elements. The basis for the NWDAF network element to perform the analysis can include data obtained by the data producer.

[0004] In existing technologies, data consumers can send data subscription requests to the data collection coordination function (DCCF) network element. The DCCF will then obtain the data already stored by the NWDAF. The data already stored by the NWDAF is data that the NWDAF actively collects from the data producer.

[0005] However, the data that NWDAF actively collects from data producers often suffers from incomplete coverage, low real-time performance, and a lack of useful information, resulting in low data collection efficiency and incomplete data. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and related equipment, defines a data registration process for data producers, enables data consumers to obtain more complete data, and improves the efficiency of data registration.

[0007] This application provides a communication method in its first aspect. This method is executed by a network element for data management (in this embodiment, it may also be referred to as a fourth network element, such as a data management function (DMF) network element), or by a portion of a component within the network element for data management (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the DMF network element's functions. In this first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a network element for data management. In this method, the data management network element receives a first request from a first network element, which instructs data registration. The first request carries information about data that the first network element can provide, and the first network element is the producer of the data. It also receives a second request from a second network element, which includes a data requirement. Finally, it sends first information to the second network element, which is used to obtain the data, and the information corresponding to the data satisfies the data requirement.

[0008] Compared to existing technologies, where other network elements (e.g., NWDAF and analytics data repository function, ADRF) first obtain data from the data producer, and then NWDAF and ADRF initiate data registration with the DCCF, the registration process is cumbersome. Furthermore, in existing technologies, NWDAF and ADRF data registration with the DCCF is triggered when a data consumer requests to subscribe to data or analytics, leading to low data collection efficiency and incomplete historical data. In this application embodiment, on the one hand, a data registration process for the data producer is defined, simplifying the data registration process and improving its efficiency. Moreover, the data registration process for the data producer does not need to be triggered when a data consumer requests to subscribe to data or analytics, ensuring data integrity and reliability. On the other hand, since the data producer actively registers the data information to the fourth network element through the first request, when the data consumer obtains data, it can send a second request containing the data requirements to the fourth network element. The fourth network element can directly determine the information (first information) containing the data that meets the data requirements and feed the first information back to the data consumer. The data registration is actively triggered by the data producer. Therefore, compared with the existing technology where NWDAF actively collects data from the data producer, the data producer's own active registration can provide the fourth network element with complete data information, thereby enabling the data consumer to obtain more complete data.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second request is used for data discovery, specifically to request the discovery of data that meets the data requirements. Data discovery can be understood as data querying and retrieval. The second request may include data requirements. After receiving the data requirements, the fourth network element can retrieve the data that meets the requirements from the data information carried in the data registration request from the data producer. For example, the fourth network element can determine that the data corresponding to the information carried in the first request meets the data request, and then send the first information indicating the acquisition of the data corresponding to the information carried in the first request to the second network element. Based on the above scheme, data consumers can obtain data that meets their data requirements.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the information in the data includes at least one of the following:

[0011] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type to which the data is applicable.

[0012] In existing technologies, the registered data does not include information such as the specific network element instance from which the data originates, data attributes, and dataset quality. This causes the DCCF (Data Center Filtering Function) to be unable to filter data that meets the requirements of data consumers (such as integrity requirements). In this embodiment, more parameters such as data attributes, quality, and analysis type are added to the data information, which helps the fourth network element better obtain data that meets the requirements of data consumers.

[0013] In existing technologies, the data provided by the data source is at the event level, meaning that data from one or more collected events are treated as a single dataset. Each sample may contain data from multiple categories, rather than being constructed based on data categories. Furthermore, since different collected events may contain data of the same category, duplication may occur between different datasets. Because data sent to data consumers is at the dataset level (at least one complete dataset is sent each time), sending datasets multiple times may result in data consumers receiving duplicate data, leading to wasted resources. In contrast, this application's embodiment constructs datasets based on data categories, setting sample categories in the data information to indicate the category of samples within the dataset. This provides finer granularity compared to event-level granularity. The advantage of this is that after receiving a data consumer's request, data matching the consumer's needs can be more accurately matched, and duplicate data will not be received by the data consumer.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0015] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the information of the data includes the storage location of the data, and the first information includes the storage location.

[0017] The information in the data includes the data storage location, which allows the fourth network element to send the data storage location to the second network element (the network element with data discovery needs) when sending information. In turn, the second network element can obtain the data from the network element where the data storage location is located.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the data requirement includes at least one of the following: the category of the data, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the collection granularity of the samples contained in the data, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identification of the first network element, and the type of data analysis to which the data is applicable.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining, based on the data requirement and the information of the data, that the first network element can provide data that satisfies the data requirement; or, based on the data requirement and the information of the data, determining that the data corresponding to the information of the data carried in the first request satisfies the data requirement.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a third request to the network element storing the data, the third request being for requesting to obtain the data; receiving the data sent by the network element storing the data; and sending first information to the second network element, including: sending the data to the second network element.

[0021] When the second network element does not have the authority or ability to retrieve the data from the network element storing the data, the fourth network element can proactively retrieve the data from the network element storing the data and then send the data to the second network element.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a fourth request from the first network element, the fourth request instructing that information of the data carried by the first request be updated.

[0023] For data producers, the data they provide is often dynamically changing. Based on the above solution, this application can support the synchronous updating of the information of the data registered in the fourth network element when the data that the data producer can provide changes and is updated, thereby ensuring the real-time nature and accuracy of the information of the data registered in the fourth network element.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a fifth request to the first network element, the fifth request being supplementary data for requesting the acquisition of the data; and receiving the supplementary data for the data sent by the first network element.

[0025] When the data indicated in the first request is not up to standard (e.g., does not meet the integrity requirements), the fourth network element can proactively request the supplementary data from the first network element. Then, the fourth network element can adjust or collect the data that meets the standard in a timely manner, thereby providing data that meets the needs of the data consumer.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: storing information about the supplementary data. For example, the information about the supplementary data can be stored in association with the information about the data carried in the first request. The type of the information about the supplementary data can be the same as or different from the type of the information about the data in the first request.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes sending a sixth request to a third network element, the sixth request including the supplementary data, the sixth request instructing the storage of the supplementary data. The third network element may be an Analytics Data Repository Function (ADRF), primarily responsible for storing and retrieving collected data or analyses.

[0028] The fourth network element itself does not need to store supplementary data. Instead, the fourth network element can send the supplementary data to other network elements (e.g., the third network element) for storage. The fourth network element handles the discovery and storage of supplementary data in a unified manner, which ensures the unification and centralization of data management and helps improve the overall efficiency of data management.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first network element is an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a user plane function (UPF).

[0030] A second aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a first network element (e.g., a data producer), or by a component of the first network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. In the first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a first network element. In this method, the first network element sends a first request to a fourth network element, the first request carrying information about data that the first network element can provide, and the first network element being the data producer; and receives second information sent by the fourth network element, the second information being a response to the first request.

[0031] In this embodiment of the application, based on the above technical solution, the data producer actively registers the information of the data to the fourth network element through the first request. The data producer's own active registration can provide the fourth network element with complete data information, thereby enabling the data consumer to obtain more complete data.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the information of the data includes at least one of the following: the category of the data, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the collection granularity of the samples contained in the data, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identification of the first network element, and the type of data analysis to which the data is applicable.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the statistical information includes at least one of the following: the number of included samples, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0034] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a seventh request to a third network element, the seventh request being used to indicate the storage location of the data; and receiving the storage location of the data sent by the third network element.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a third request sent by a fourth network element, the third request being used to request the acquisition of the data; and sending the data to the fourth network element.

[0036] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a fourth request to the fourth network element, the fourth request instructing that the information of the data carried by the first request be updated.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a fifth request sent by the fourth network element, the fifth request being supplementary data for requesting the acquisition of the data; and sending the supplementary data of the data to the fourth network element.

[0038] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving an eighth request sent by a second network element, the eighth request being for requesting to obtain the data; and sending the data to the second network element.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF), or the fourth network element is a Data Management Function (DMF).

[0040] The beneficial effects in the second aspect can be referred to in the relevant description in the first aspect, and the repeated parts will not be repeated here.

[0041] A third aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a second network element (e.g., a data consumer), or by a component of the second network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network element. In the first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a second network element. In this method, the second network element sends a second request to a fourth network element, the second request instructing data discovery, the second request including a data requirement; and receives first information sent by the fourth network element, the first information being used to acquire data that satisfies the data requirement.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, the second network element, acting as a data consumer, can obtain data that meets its own data requirements from the fourth network element through a data discovery request. After obtaining the data that meets its own data requirements, the data consumer can better apply the data (e.g., data analysis, data prediction).

[0043] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the data requirement includes at least one of the following:

[0044] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type to which the data is applicable.

[0045] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0046] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0047] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first information includes the storage location of the data; the method further includes:

[0048] Send an eighth request to the network element where the storage location is located; the eighth request is used to request the data.

[0049] Receive the data sent by the network element where the storage location is located.

[0050] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first information includes the data.

[0051] This application provides a fourth aspect of a communication device, which is a network element for data management (e.g., a DMF network element), or a component within a network element for data management (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a DMF network element. In this fourth aspect and its possible implementations, the communication device is described as an example of a network element for data management. This device includes a transceiver module;

[0052] The transceiver module is configured to receive a first request from a first network element, the first request being used to instruct data registration, the first request carrying information about the data that the first network element can provide, and the first network element being the producer of the data; receive a second request from a second network element, the second request including data requirements; and send first information to the second network element, the first information being used to obtain the data, the information of which corresponds to the data that meets the data requirements.

[0053] In the fourth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0054] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the information in the data includes at least one of the following:

[0055] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type to which the data is applicable.

[0056] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0057] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0058] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the information of the data includes the storage location of the data, and the first information includes the storage location.

[0059] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0060] Send a third request to the network element storing the data, the third request being used to request the acquisition of the data; receive the data sent by the network element storing the data;

[0061] This transceiver module is specifically used to send the data to the second network element.

[0062] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0063] A fourth request is received from the first network element, which instructs that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated.

[0064] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0065] A fifth request is sent to the first network element, the fifth request being supplementary data for requesting the data; the supplementary data for the data sent by the first network element is received.

[0066] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0067] A sixth request is sent to a third network element, the sixth request including the supplementary data, the sixth request instructing that the supplementary data be stored.

[0068] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0069] This application provides a communication device in a fifth aspect. The device is a first network element (e.g., a data producer), or a component within the first network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network element. In this fifth aspect and its possible implementations, the communication device is described as a first network element. The device includes a transceiver module configured to: send a first request to a fourth network element, the first request carrying information about data that the first network element can provide, the first network element being a data producer; and receive second information sent by the fourth network element, the second information being a response to the first request.

[0070] In the fifth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0071] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the information in the data includes at least one of the following:

[0072] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type to which the data is applicable.

[0073] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0074] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0075] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0076] Send a seventh request to the third network element, which is used to instruct the storage of the data;

[0077] The storage location of the data sent by the third network element.

[0078] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0079] A fourth request is sent to the fourth network element, which instructs that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated.

[0080] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0081] Receive the fifth request sent by the fourth network element, the fifth request being used to request supplementary data for the data;

[0082] Send supplementary data for this data to the fourth network element.

[0083] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the transceiver module is also used for:

[0084] Receive the eighth request sent by the second network element, which is used to request the acquisition of the data;

[0085] Send the data to the second network element.

[0086] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF), or the fourth network element is a Data Management Function (DMF).

[0087] A sixth aspect of this application provides a communication device that is a second network element (e.g., a data consumer), or a component within a second network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second network element. In this sixth aspect and its possible implementations, the communication device is described as a second network element. The device includes a transceiver module configured to: send a second request to a fourth network element, the second request instructing data discovery, the second request including a data requirement; and receive first information sent by the fourth network element, the first information being used to acquire data that satisfies the data requirement.

[0088] In the sixth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the third aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0089] In one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the data requirement includes at least one of the following:

[0090] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type to which the data is applicable.

[0091] In one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0092] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0093] In one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the first information includes the storage location of the data; the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0094] Send an eighth request to the network element where the storage location is located, the eighth request being used to request the acquisition of the data; receive the data sent by the network element where the storage location is located.

[0095] In one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the first information includes the data.

[0096] The seventh aspect of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a network element for data management (e.g., a DMF network element) (which may also be referred to as a fourth network element in this embodiment), or by a portion of a component (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system) within the network element for data management, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the DMF network element's functions. In the first aspect and its possible implementations, the method is described as being executed by a network element for data management. In this method, the network element for data management receives a first request from a first network element, which instructs data registration. The first request carries information about data that the first network element can provide, and the first network element is the producer of the data; information about storing the data is also provided.

[0097] In one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, reference can be made to the description of the first aspect and its possible implementations.

[0098] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0099] A ninth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0100] A tenth aspect of this application provides a communication system comprising at least two of the first network element, second network element, and fourth network element involved in the first aspect. Optionally, the communication system further comprises a third network element.

[0101] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects above.

[0102] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) including storage of one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer program product is executed by a processor, the processor executes any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0103] The thirteenth aspect of this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device to implement any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0104] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. Attached Figure Description

[0105] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0106] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0107] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0108] Figures 4 to 11 A schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application;

[0109] Figures 12 to 14 A schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0110] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the chip provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0111] First, some terms used in the embodiments of this application will be explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0112] (1) Terminal device: can be a wireless terminal device that can receive network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0113] Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), drone, etc. Terminal equipment can also be wearable devices and next-generation communication systems, such as terminal equipment in 5G communication systems or terminal equipment in future public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0114] (2) Network equipment: This can be equipment within a wireless network. For example, network equipment can be a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: generation Node B (gNodeB), transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), basestation controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B (HNB)), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc. In addition, in a network structure, network equipment can include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment including CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0115] In some implementations, the network equipment may also include satellites, aircraft, drones, and ground station equipment connected to satellites, aircraft, and drones.

[0116] Specifically, network devices can send configuration information to terminal devices (e.g., carried in scheduling messages and / or indication messages). The terminal devices then configure their networks based on this information, aligning the network configurations of the network devices and terminal devices. Alternatively, network configurations can be pre-set in both the network devices and the terminal devices to achieve alignment. In essence, "alignment" means that when there are interactive messages between the network devices and terminal devices, their understanding of the carrier frequency for sending and receiving interactive messages, the determination of the interactive message type, the meaning of the fields carried in the interactive messages, or other configurations of the interactive messages is consistent.

[0117] Furthermore, in other possible cases, the network device can be any other device that provides wireless communication functionality to the terminal device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0118] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be the network device itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing that function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the example of a network device being used to implement the function of the network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0119] (3) Configuration and Pre-configuration: In this application, both configuration and pre-configuration are used. Configuration refers to the network device sending configuration information or parameter values ​​of some parameters to the terminal device through messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine the communication parameters or resources during transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device and the terminal device have negotiated in advance, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that the network device or the terminal device uses as specified by the standard protocol, or it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​that are pre-stored in the network device or the terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0120] Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can be changed or updated.

[0121] (4) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. And, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects.

[0122] This application can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, New Radio (NR) systems, or other communication systems, wherein the communication system includes network devices and terminal devices, with the network devices acting as configuration information sending entities and the terminal devices acting as configuration information receiving entities. Specifically, in this communication system, an entity sends configuration information to another entity and sends data to or receives data sent by another entity; another entity receives the configuration information and, based on the configuration information, sends data to or receives data sent by the configuration information sending entity.

[0123] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The following embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0124] To facilitate understanding of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the system architecture of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. It is understood that the system architecture described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0125] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the entity sending configuration information can be a network device, and the entity receiving configuration information can be UE1-UE6. In this case, the network device and UE1-UE6 form a communication system. In this communication system, UE1-UE6 can send uplink data to the network device, and the network device needs to receive the uplink data sent by UE1-UE6. At the same time, the network device can send configuration information to UE1-UE6.

[0126] Please see Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2As shown, the communication system includes a terminal device 100 and a network device 200, which may include an access network device 201 and a core network device 202. The terminal device 100 and the access network device 201 can communicate via a wireless link. The access network device 201 and the core network device 202 can also communicate with each other. In other words, the terminal device 100 can communicate with the access network device 201 and / or the core network device 202.

[0127] The following is about Figure 3 The equipment or network elements shown will be introduced.

[0128] Data management function network elements can perform data registration functions based on requests from data producers (such as access and mobility management functions (AMF), user plane functions (UPF), etc.) or proactively collect data from data producers; based on requests from data consumers (such as NWDAF, DCCF, etc.), they can perform data discovery, data subscription, and other functions, and share data storage information or data with data consumers. A data management function network element may be a standalone network element, or a function or module. Optionally, this function or module can be deployed within an NWDAF network element or a DCCF network element. A data management function network element can be a data management function (DMF).

[0129] Data storage function network elements are primarily responsible for storing and retrieving collected data or performing analysis. Data producers can store data in data storage function network elements, and data consumers or data management function network elements can retrieve data from them. Data storage function network elements can also be analytics data repository functions (ADRF).

[0130] The rapid development of artificial intelligence and big data analytics has brought about significant advancements in communication systems (e.g., Figure 1 or Figure 2 or Figure 3The network intelligence in the communication system shown provides the foundational technology. To achieve mobile network intelligence, NWDAF network elements and MDAS-related systems are defined. NWDAF or MDAS provides intelligent analysis services, outputting analysis results in a standardized format through artificial intelligence and big data analysis. The output analysis results generally include two forms: statistical analysis of historical data and prediction of future data. Network elements processing services adjust the network based on the NWDAF output to optimize network operation. For example, if a service network element discovers, through the statistical analysis results output by NWDAF, that the packet loss rate of the service message transmission being performed by the terminal exceeds a threshold, affecting the service experience, it will take corresponding measures, such as increasing the proportion of retransmitted packets, to try to improve the service experience. In reality, there are several possible reasons for increased packet loss rate: for example, the first reason might be poor wireless coverage and low wireless link quality at the terminal's location, leading to increased packet loss; another reason might be high traffic volume in the current area, causing temporary congestion of wireless equipment, resulting in some service messages not having link resources for transmission and thus packet loss. For the first reason, increasing the proportion of retransmitted packets can improve the service experience. However, for the second reason, increasing the proportion of retransmitted packets will only exacerbate congestion on wireless devices, causing more packets to be dropped and further deteriorating the service experience. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and obtain the wireless status of the terminal before taking the correct measures. For example, when the network is congested, the application bandwidth can be reduced by lowering the resolution, while packet loss caused by weak wireless signals or interference can be improved by increasing retransmission.

[0131] Currently, the basis for NWDAF network element analysis can include network information of terminal devices obtained from network elements such as operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM), network function (NF), or application function (AF).

[0132] As an implementation example, let's take the NWDAF network element performing network status analysis on a terminal device as an example. During communication between the terminal device and the access network equipment (e.g., a base station), the access network equipment collects the reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the terminals in the cell, and then calculates the average value of these terminal devices in the cell and reports it to the OAM. Correspondingly, the NWDAF network element can obtain the RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, etc. of the cell where the terminal device is currently located from the OAM system. Then, the NWDAF network element infers the radio status of the terminal device based on the RSRP, RSRQ, and SNIR obtained from the OAM system. For example, if the RSRP is low, the NWDAF considers the radio signal in the cell where the terminal is currently located to be weak; as another example, if the RSRQ and SNIR are low, but the RSRP is normal, it is considered that there is strong radio interference.

[0133] In existing technologies, data consumers can send data subscription requests to the data collection coordination function (DCCF) network element. The DCCF will then obtain the data already stored by the NWDAF. The data already stored by the NWDAF is data that the NWDAF actively collects from the data producer.

[0134] However, the data that NWDAF actively collects from data producers often suffers from incomplete coverage, low real-time performance, and a lack of useful information, resulting in low data collection efficiency and incomplete data.

[0135] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a communication method and related equipment that can enable data producers to complete the data registration process.

[0136] The following will provide a detailed explanation in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0137] It should be noted that in the following Figures 4 to 9 In any of the accompanying drawings, the communication method is illustrated using a terminal device and a network device (including user plane devices, ADRF network elements, DMF network elements, etc.) as the executing entities for the interaction, but this application does not limit the executing entities for the interaction. Figure 4 For example, Figure 4In the corresponding embodiments, the execution subject in S401 and S402 is the fourth network element. The fourth network element can be a DMF network element. The DMF network element can also be replaced by a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the DMF network element to implement the method. It can also be replaced by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the DMF network element functions.

[0138] Please see Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the communication method provided in this application, which includes the following steps.

[0139] S401, the fourth network element receives a first request from the first network element. The first request carries information about the data that the first network element can provide. The first network element is the data producer.

[0140] In this context, "the first network element as the data producer" can be understood as: the data is generated by the first network element; that is, the data is produced by the first network element. The "generation" action can be detection, for example, the data is obtained through hardware deployed by the first network element itself or through software detection. The object of detection can be the first network element itself or other network elements. Alternatively, "the first network element as the data producer" can also be understood as: the data is used to describe the state of the first network element itself. Optionally, the data producer can also be a network element that obtains data from other network elements. The fourth network element can receive a first request from the first network element. The first network element can be a data producer, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF). The first network element can actively collect data and store it locally, and then send a first request to the fourth network element (e.g., a DMF network element or other types of network elements with DMF functionality modules deployed). For example, the first request can be sent to the fourth network element through the Ndmf_DataManagement_Register service.

[0141] The first request may include information about the data that the first network element can provide. For example, the data information can be described by a data profile, which can correspond to the data and is used to describe the attribute information of the data.

[0142] Optionally, the data is a dataset that includes multiple samples, and the information in the data includes the categories of the multiple samples.

[0143] For example, the Data Type field can be used to indicate the category of the sample. Data Type can be used to indicate the data types that the first network element (i.e., the data producer) supports, such as UE location data and Package Delay data.

[0144] In existing technologies, the granularity of data provided by the data source is event-level. That is, the data source provides data in the form of datasets, each dataset containing data from one or more collected events. Each dataset can contain data of multiple categories, and since different collected events may contain data of the same category, data duplication may occur between different datasets. Because the data sent to the data consumer is at the dataset level—meaning at least one complete dataset is sent each time—when multiple datasets are sent to the data consumer, the consumer may receive duplicate data (e.g., receiving two datasets with duplicate data), resulting in wasted resources. In this embodiment, however, the data set can be constructed based on data categories, and the category of the sample can be set in the data information to indicate the category of the sample in the dataset. This granularity is finer than event-level granularity. The advantage of this is that after receiving the consumer's request, data that meets the consumer's needs can be matched more accurately, and duplicate data will not be received by the data consumer.

[0145] Optionally, the data is a dataset comprising multiple samples, and the information in the data includes statistical information about the samples contained in the dataset. Statistical information can be understood as some mathematical and statistical characteristics of the samples in the dataset.

[0146] Optionally, the statistical information may include at least one of the following: the number of included samples, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0147] Optionally, the number of samples contained in the dataset can be expressed using the number of data samples field.

[0148] Optionally, the sampling ratio of the samples included in the dataset can be expressed using the sampling ratio field.

[0149] Optionally, the range of data values ​​for the samples included in the dataset can be expressed using the "range of data values" field.

[0150] Optionally, the maximum value, minimum value, mean, and variance of the samples included in the dataset can be expressed by the Maximum, Minimum, Average, and Variance of DataValues ​​fields, respectively.

[0151] Optionally, the presence of outliers in the dataset or the proportion of outliers in the dataset can be expressed by the Outliers Info field.

[0152] Optionally, whether the samples included in the dataset are periodic data can be expressed using the Periodic Indicator field.

[0153] Optionally, whether the samples contained in the dataset conform to a uniform distribution can be expressed by the UniformlyDistributed Indicator field.

[0154] Optionally, the measurement time interval information of the samples included in the dataset, or the measurement period of a periodic dataset, can be represented by the Event Interval field. Optionally, the data is a collection of multiple samples, and the data information includes: the sample collection granularity. Collection granularity can be understood as: at what intervals the samples are collected, such as time intervals or location intervals. For example, if the sample is location information, the data information includes: the collection granularity of the location information, such as tracking area code (TAC) granularity, cell granularity, or precise location information (e.g., precise location coordinates or latitude and longitude granularity).

[0155] Optionally, the data information includes other types of data associated with the data that the first network element can provide. That is, in addition to this data, the first network element can also provide other types of data related to the data. For example, the Data Correlation Info field can indicate other types of data associated with the data, used to associate data from different data sources, such as timestamps and UE IDs. For instance, a data consumer wants to discover the location data of a group of terminal devices over a past period, and needs the UE IDs of that group of terminal devices as well as the timestamps corresponding to the location data. Therefore, the fourth network element can filter out data that meets the following requirements: the data type is UE location, and the associated other types of data include UE IDs and timestamps.

[0156] Optionally, data information includes data quality. Data quality can be characterized by completeness, accuracy, and consistency. For example, the Data Quality field can be used to indicate the data quality.

[0157] Optionally, the data information includes: the identifier of the first network element, which is the indication information of the data producer, based on which traceability can be achieved. For example, the indication information of the data producer can be AMF ID or UPF ID, etc.

[0158] Optionally, the data information includes: the type of data analysis the data is applicable to. For example, to correspond with NWDAF service interface parameters, the data analysis type can be indicated by the Related Analytics IDs field. This information can be used to indicate which data analyses the data can be used in; for example, data with the data type "terminal location" may be applied to analyses such as Location Accuracy, UE Mobility, or Dispersion Analytics.

[0159] Location accuracy analysis can be understood as providing statistical or predictive results on the accuracy of terminal location information, whether it is indoors, and whether it is within the line-of-sight transmission range.

[0160] Among them, UE Mobility analysis can be understood as providing statistical or predictive results on information such as terminal location distribution, the geographical identifier of the terminal, and the direction of terminal movement.

[0161] Dispersion Analytics can be understood as providing statistical or predictive results on information such as hotspot locations and the ranking of terminal data usage.

[0162] Optionally, the data information includes: the data storage location, which can be described by the indication information of the specific network element storing the data. For example, when the network element storing the data is the first network element, the identifier of the first network element can be represented by the Data Provider field; when the network element storing the data is the third network element, the identifier of the third network element can be represented by the Data Provider field.

[0163] For example, when the network element storing data is an ADRF, the data storage location may include information such as storage transaction identifier and dataset tag.

[0164] The storage transaction identifier, generated by ADRF, identifies a storage request and can be used to retrieve or update stored information subsequently.

[0165] The dataset tag identifies a specific dataset; the same dataset can be identified by multiple dataset tags, and the stored datasets can be retrieved subsequently through the dataset tags;

[0166] The Data Storage Info field indicates more specific information about the data storage. For example, if the data is stored locally on the first network element, it may provide a Dataset ID. If the data is stored on other network elements (e.g., ADRF), it may contain information such as Storage Transaction Identifier, DataSetTag, and Storage Approach.

[0167] In existing technologies, the registered data does not include information such as the specific network element instance from which the data originates, data attributes, and dataset quality, causing the DCCF (Data Center Filtering Function) to be unable to filter data that meets the requirements of data consumers (such as integrity requirements). In this application embodiment, more parameters such as data attributes, quality, and analysis type are added to the data information, which can help the fourth network element better obtain data that meets the requirements of data consumers.

[0168] Optionally, the fourth network element can directly store data information. For example, if the data information can be carried in a data profile, then the fourth network element can store the data profile.

[0169] Optionally, after receiving the data information, the fourth network element can construct a mapping relationship based on the data information. The mapping relationship can include various types of information corresponding to each data in multiple data sets. For example, the data can be a dataset containing multiple samples. Then, the attribute information of the data corresponding to a dataset, such as sample category, applicable data analysis type, and storage location, can be associated to obtain the mapping relationship. The fourth network element can store the mapping relationship. After receiving the second request, the fourth network element can determine which data satisfies the data requirements carried in the second request based on the information corresponding to each data in the mapping relationship.

[0170] For example, the mapping relationship can be in tabular form. (See reference...) Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is an illustration of the mapping relationship stored for the fourth network element, where each row can contain information corresponding to the same data, for example... Figure 5 The first line contains data of the terminal location, whose data type is specified. The information about this data can include the data type (e.g., it can be...). Figure 5 The terminal device shown in the figure), data producer (e.g., can be the terminal device ... Figure 5 The data producer 1 shown in the figure (e.g., AMF identifier) ​​and data attributes (e.g., can be...) Figure 5 The data attribute 1 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, location granularity, dataset number, or dataset size, and data association type (e.g., it can be...). Figure 5 The data association type 1 shown can be, but is not limited to, timestamp, terminal identifier, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), Data Network Name (DNN), Application Identifier, or Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, and data quality (e.g., can be...). Figure 5 The data quality 1 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, completeness, accuracy, or consistency, and the data provider (e.g., can be...) Figure 5 The data provider 1 shown in the figure may be, but is not limited to, an AMF identifier or an ADRF identifier, and the data storage location (e.g., may be...) Figure 5 The storage location 1 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, a dataset label or a storage transaction identifier, and related data analysis types (e.g., can be...). Figure 5 The data analysis type 1 shown herein may be, but is not limited to, location accuracy analysis, UE mobility analysis, dispersion analysis, or mobility performance analysis. Figure 5 The second line contains delayed packet data, and the information about this data can include the data type (e.g., it can be...). Figure 5 The packet delay shown in the diagram), and the data producer (e.g., can be...) Figure 5 The data producer 2 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, a UPF identifier and data attributes (e.g., can be...). Figure 5 The data attribute 2 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, a data time window, sampling rate, or data value range, and a data association type (e.g., it can be...). Figure 5The data association type 2 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, timestamp, terminal identifier, terminal device location, S-NSSAI, DNN, application identifier, or RAT type, and data quality (e.g., can be...). Figure 5 The data quality 2 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, completeness, accuracy, or consistency, and the data provider (e.g., can be...) Figure 5 The data provider 2 shown in the figure may be, but is not limited to, a UPF identifier or an ADRF identifier, and the data storage location (e.g., may be...) Figure 5 The data storage location 2 shown in the figure can be, but is not limited to, a dataset identifier, and related data analysis types (e.g., can be...). Figure 5 The data analysis type 2 shown in the table can be, but is not limited to, service experience analysis. When using this table, the fourth network element can determine a row that meets the data requirements from the table based on the data requirements sent by the data consumer, and send the information of that row to the data consumer. For example, if the data requirements received by the fourth network element from the data consumer include: data type is packet delay and data analysis type is service experience analysis, then the fourth network element can... Figure 5 Information about the data in the second row (e.g., the data storage location) is sent to the data consumer.

[0171] Compared to existing technologies, where other network elements (e.g., NWDAF and ADRF) first obtain data from the data producer and then initiate data registration with the DCCF, the registration process is cumbersome. Furthermore, in existing technologies, NWDAF and ADRF data registration with the DCCF is triggered when a data consumer requests to subscribe to data or perform analysis, leading to low data collection efficiency and incomplete historical data. This application defines a data registration process for the data producer, simplifying the process, improving efficiency, and ensuring data integrity and reliability by eliminating the need for the data producer's registration process to be triggered when a data consumer requests to subscribe to data or perform analysis. On the other hand, since the data producer actively registers the data information to the fourth network element through the first request, when the data consumer obtains data, it can send a second request containing the data requirements to the fourth network element. The fourth network element can directly determine the information (first information) containing the data that meets the data requirements and feed the first information back to the data consumer. The data registration is actively triggered by the data producer. Therefore, compared with the existing technology where NWDAF actively collects data from the data producer, the data producer's own active registration can provide the fourth network element with complete data information, thereby enabling the data consumer to obtain more complete data.

[0172] S402, the fourth network element receives the second request from the second network element, the second request including data requirements.

[0173] The second network element can be a data consumer. For example, the second network element can send a second request to the fourth network element through data management discovery (Ndmf_DataManagement_Discovery). The second request can include data requirements, which describe the data consumer's requirements for the data it needs to obtain. Data requirements can be described using one or more dimensions of information.

[0174] For example, data requirements may include one or more of the following: data type, data producer, data attributes, data association type, data quality, data provider, data storage location, and data analysis type. The fourth network element can determine which data meets the data requirements based on the data requirements and the information received (carried in the request for data registration). For details on how to determine which data meets the requirements, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 The corresponding text descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0175] Optionally, the second request may instruct the fourth network element to perform data discovery. For example, the second request may instruct the fourth network element to perform data discovery to determine the data that meets the data requirements.

[0176] S403, the fourth network element sends the first information to the second network element. The first information is used to obtain data, and the data information corresponds to the data that meets the data requirements.

[0177] The fourth network element can determine the data that meets the data requirements based on the second request, and then send the information of the data that meets the data requirements (such as the storage location or the data itself) to the second network element.

[0178] The fourth network element can receive a request from the data producer to register data. Furthermore, the fourth network element itself can store information on multiple data items. After receiving the second request, the fourth network element can determine the data that meets the data requirements based on the information on the multiple data items stored.

[0179] The first piece of information can indicate the storage location of the data or the data itself. For example, the first piece of information can indicate the storage location of the data, and then the second network element can obtain the data from the network element where the storage location is located through a data request (e.g., a data subscription request). For example, the first piece of information can be the data itself, and the second network element can receive data sent by the fourth network element.

[0180] Optionally, the first information can be a data discovery response (Ndmf_DataManagement_DiscoveryResponse). The fourth network element can send a data discovery response to the second network element, wherein the data discovery response includes the storage location of the data. For example, the storage location of the data can be a data provider ID(s) (e.g., the ADRFID where the data is stored), or it can be a dataset tag (DataSetTag(s)), or it can be a storage transaction ID(s). The data provider can store multiple data, and different data can correspond to different dataset tags. The dataset tag corresponding to the data in the first request can indicate the data, and different data can correspond to different storage transaction IDs. The storage transaction ID corresponding to the data in the first request can indicate the data.

[0181] Optionally, the first information may also include other types of information about the data, such as statistical information, identifiers of the data producer, association types, etc.

[0182] exist Figure 4 In the technical solution shown, the fourth network element can also perform other steps, which will be discussed below. Figure 6 The example shown illustrates this. Figure 6 As shown, compared to Figure 4 The communication method shown Figure 6 The communication method shown includes the following:

[0183] Following step S401, the fourth network element sends a registration response in step S401a, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the registration response in step S401a. This registration response may contain the identifier of the first request from the first network element in step S401, which can be used for subsequent updates and deregistration.

[0184] For example, DMF can send a registration response Ndmf_DataManagement_RegisterResponse to the data producer. The response message contains a Transaction Reference ID, which can identify the first request and is used for subsequent updates and deregistration.

[0185] S404. Receive a fourth request from the first network element, the fourth request instructing that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated.

[0186] Optionally, the first network element may send a fourth request to the fourth network element. The fourth request indicates that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated. For example, it may include the identifier of the first request carried in the registration response (which may indicate that the object to be modified by the fourth network element is the information of the data carried in the first request) and modification information (used to indicate the method or content of the modification of the information of the data carried in the first request by the fourth network element).

[0187] Optionally, the fourth request can be an Ndmf_DataManagement_Update service request, the identifier of the first request can be a Transaction Reference ID, and the modification information can be an Updated Data Profile, which indicates the modifications made to the information of the data carried in the first request.

[0188] Optionally, the fourth network element can update the information of the saved data based on the fourth request.

[0189] The first information is used to indicate data acquisition. This first information can be the data's storage location or the data itself. When the first information specifically includes the data's storage location, and the network element where the data's storage location is located is the first network element, the second network element can also perform other steps. The following will combine... Figure 7 The example shown illustrates this. Figure 7 As shown, compared to Figure 4 The communication method shown Figure 7 The communication method shown includes steps S4031-S4032, which can be performed after step S403.

[0190] S4031. The second network element sends an eighth request to the first network element. The eighth request is used to request data.

[0191] For example, after receiving the first information (e.g., including the storage location of the data), the second network element can send an eighth request to the first network element (the network element where the data is stored).

[0192] Optionally, the eighth request can be a request for data subscription.

[0193] Optionally, the network element where the data is stored can be the first network element or another network element (e.g., the third network element). Figure 7The network element where the data is stored is the first network element. The eighth request may include the data storage location, such as the Dataset ID. In addition, the eighth request may also include data filtering information, such as event ID or filter information. The event ID can indicate a data collection event by the data producer, and the filter information can indicate a filtering condition for the data collected by the data producer, thus specifying a portion of the data.

[0194] S4032, The first network element sends data to the second network element.

[0195] The network element where the data is stored can be the first network element or other network elements (e.g., the third network element). Figure 8 The network element where the data is stored is a third network element. For example... Figure 8 As shown, compared to Figure 4 The communication method shown Figure 8 The communication method shown includes steps S401b-S403b. Steps S401b-S401c can be executed before step S402, and steps S403a-S403b can be executed after step S403.

[0196] S401b: The first network element sends a seventh request to the third network element. The seventh request is used to indicate the storage of data.

[0197] Optionally, the third network element can be an ADRF.

[0198] S401c, the storage location of data received by the first network element from the third network element.

[0199] S403a, the second network element sends an eighth request to the third network element. The eighth request is used to request data.

[0200] Optionally, the eighth request can be a request for data subscription.

[0201] Optionally, the eighth request may include the storage location of the data, such as storage identification information like DataSetTag and StorageTransaction Identifier.

[0202] S403b: The third network element sends data to the second network element.

[0203] The first information is used to indicate data acquisition. This first information can be the data's storage location or the data itself. When the first information includes specific data, and the network element where the data's storage location is located is the first network element, other interactive steps can be performed between the fourth network element and the first network element. The following will combine... Figure 9The example shown illustrates this. Figure 9 As shown, compared to Figure 4 The communication method shown Figure 9 The communication method shown includes steps S402a-S402b, which can be performed after step S402 and before step S403.

[0204] Step S402a: The fourth network element sends a third request to the first network element. The third request is used to request data acquisition.

[0205] Optionally, the third request can be a request for data subscription; for example, the network element storing the data can be either the first network element or the third network element. Figure 9 The network element that stores the data is the first network element. Figure 10 The network element that stores data is the third network element.

[0206] Step S402b: The fourth network element receives the data sent by the first network element.

[0207] When the second network element does not have the authority or ability to obtain data from the network element storing the data, the fourth network element can actively obtain the data from the network element storing the data and then send the data to the second network element.

[0208] The first information is used to indicate data acquisition. This first information can be the data's storage location or the data itself. When the first information specifically includes data, and the network element where the data's storage location is located is a third network element, other interactive steps can be performed between the fourth network element and the third network element. The following will combine... Figure 10 The example shown illustrates this. Figure 10 As shown, compared to Figure 4 The communication method shown Figure 10 The communication method shown includes steps S402c-S402d, which can be performed after step S402 and before step S403.

[0209] S402c, the fourth network element sends a third request to the third network element, the third request being used to request data retrieval.

[0210] Optionally, the third request can be a request for data subscription.

[0211] S402d, the fourth network element receives data sent by the third network element.

[0212] When the second network element does not have the authority or ability to obtain data from the network element storing the data, the fourth network element can actively obtain the data from the network element storing the data and then send the data to the second network element.

[0213] exist Figure 4In the technical solution shown, other steps can be performed between the fourth network element and the first network element. These will be discussed below. Figure 11 The example shown illustrates this, compared to Figure 4 , Figure 11 In this context, when the data indicated in the first request does not meet the requirements (e.g., it does not meet integrity requirements), the fourth network element can proactively request the necessary supplementary data from the first network element. For example... Figure 11 As shown, compared to Figure 4 The communication method shown Figure 11 The communication method shown includes S5011-S5013, wherein S5011-S5013 can be executed after step S401.

[0214] S5011, the fourth network element sends a fifth request to the first network element. The fifth request is used to request supplementary data for the data.

[0215] Optionally, the fifth request can be a request for data subscription.

[0216] For example, the first network element is an SMF, and the fourth network element subscribes to the SMF for QoS detection information of a certain network slice. The service Nsmf_EventExposure_Subscribe can be used to subscribe to data from the SMF.

[0217] S5012, The fourth network element receives supplementary data from the data sent by the first network element.

[0218] When the data indicated in the first request does not meet the requirements (e.g., it does not meet the integrity requirements), the fourth network element can proactively request the supplementary data from the first network element. Then, the fourth network element can adjust or collect the data that meets the requirements in a timely manner, thereby providing the data consumer with the data that meets the data consumer's needs.

[0219] The fourth network element can analyze the collected supplementary data to obtain supplementary data information and store this information locally. For example, the fourth network element can associate and save the supplementary data information with the information carried in the first request. The type of supplementary data information can be the same as or different from the type of data information in the first request.

[0220] S5013, the fourth network element sends a sixth request to the third network element. The sixth request includes supplementary data and instructs that the supplementary data be stored.

[0221] The fourth network element itself does not need to store supplementary data. Instead, the fourth network element can send the supplementary data to other network elements (e.g., the third network element) for storage. The fourth network element handles the discovery and storage of supplementary data in a unified manner, which ensures the unification and centralization of data management and helps improve the overall efficiency of data management.

[0222] Please see Figure 12 This application provides a communication device 1200, which can realize the functions of the first network element, the second network element, or the fourth network element in the above method embodiments, and thus also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application embodiment, the communication device 1200 can be the fourth network element, or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the fourth network element, such as a chip.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 includes a transceiver module 1201; the transceiver module 1201 is used to receive a first request from a first network element, the first request being used to instruct data registration, the first request carrying information about the data that the first network element can provide, the first network element being a data producer; receive a second request from a second network element, the second request including data requirements; and send first information to the second network element, the first information being used to obtain data, the data information corresponding to the data meeting the data requirements.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the information in the data includes at least one of the following:

[0225] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality, the identifier of the first network element, and the type of data analysis applicable to the data.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0227] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the information of the data includes the storage location of the data, and the first information includes the storage location.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0230] Send a third request to the network element storing the data; the third request is used to request data retrieval; receive data sent by the network element storing the data.

[0231] The transceiver module 1201 is specifically used to send data to the second network element.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0233] A fourth request is received from the first network element, which instructs that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0235] A fifth request is sent to the first network element, which is used to request supplementary data for the data; the supplementary data sent by the first network element is received.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0237] A sixth request is sent to the third network element. The sixth request includes supplementary data and instructs that the supplementary data be stored.

[0238] In one possible implementation, the first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0239] In one possible implementation, the device further includes a processing module 1202 for processing the data received by the transceiver module 1201. For example, based on the information in the data and the second request, it is determined that the action of the first information can be performed by the processing module 1202.

[0240] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 1200 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 includes a transceiver module 1201; the transceiver module 1201 is used to send a first request to a fourth network element, the first request carrying information about data that the first network element can provide, the first network element being the data producer; and to receive second information sent by the fourth network element, the second information being a response to the first request.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the information in the data includes at least one of the following:

[0243] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality, the identifier of the first network element, and the type of data analysis applicable to the data.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0245] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0247] Send a seventh request to the third network element; the seventh request is used to instruct the storage of data.

[0248] The storage location for data received from a third network element.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0250] A fourth request is sent to the fourth network element, which instructs that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0252] Receive the fifth request sent by the fourth network element. The fifth request is used to request supplementary data for the data.

[0253] Supplementary data sent to the fourth network element.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1201 is further used for:

[0255] Receive the eighth request sent by the second network element. The eighth request is used to request data retrieval.

[0256] Send data to the second network element.

[0257] In one possible implementation, the first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF), or the fourth network element is a Data Management Function (DMF).

[0258] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 includes a transceiver module 1201; the transceiver module 1201 is used in the device to: send a second request to a fourth network element, the second request instructing data discovery, the second request including data requirements; and receive first information sent by the fourth network element, the first information being used to acquire data, the data satisfying the data requirements.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the data requirements include at least one of the following:

[0260] The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the granularity of the sample collection, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality, the identifier of the first network element, and the type of data analysis applicable to the data.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the statistical information includes at least one of the following:

[0262] The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the first information includes the data storage location; the transceiver module 1201 is further configured to:

[0264] Send an eighth request to the network element where the storage location is located. The eighth request is used to request data retrieval. Receive data sent by the network element where the storage location is located.

[0265] In one possible implementation, the first information includes data.

[0266] Please see Figure 13 This is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 1300 provided in this application. The communication device 1300 includes at least an input / output interface 1302. The communication device 1300 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0267] Optionally, the communication device also includes logic circuitry 1301.

[0268] in, Figure 12 The transceiver module 1002 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 13 The input / output interface 1302 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0269] Optionally, the input / output interface 130213 is used to receive a first request from a first network element, the first request being used to instruct data registration, the first request carrying information about the data that the first network element can provide, the first network element being the data producer; to receive a second request from a second network element, the second request including data requirements; and to send first information to the second network element, the first information being used to obtain data, the data information corresponding to the data satisfying data requirement 1313. The input / output interface 13021313 can also execute other steps performed by the network element for data management in any of the foregoing embodiments and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0270] Optionally, the input / output interface 1302 is used to send a first request to the fourth network element, the first request carrying information about the data that the first network element can provide, the first network element being the data producer; and to receive second information sent by the fourth network element, the second information being a response to the first request. The input / output interface 1302 can also execute other steps performed by the first network element in any of the foregoing embodiments and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0271] Optionally, the input / output interface 1302 is used to send a second request to the fourth network element, the second request instructing data discovery, and the second request includes data requirements; and to receive first information sent by the fourth network element, the first information being used to acquire data, and the data meeting the data requirements. The input / output interface 1302 may also execute other steps performed by the second network element in any of the foregoing embodiments and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0272] In one possible implementation, Figure 12 The processing module 1202 shown can be Figure 13 The logic circuit 1301 in the middle.

[0273] Optionally, the logic circuit 1301 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0274] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0275] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0276] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system on-chips (SoCs), central processors (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0277] Please see Figure 14 The communication device 1400 mentioned in the above embodiments provided for the purposes of this application can specifically be a communication device serving as a terminal device as described in the above embodiments. Figure 14 The example shown illustrates how a terminal device can be implemented through a terminal device (or a component within a terminal device).

[0278] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 1400, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 1401 and a communication port 1402.

[0279] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 1403 and a bus 1404. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 1401 is used to control the operation of the communication device 1400.

[0280] Furthermore, the processor 1401 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly 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.

[0281] It should be noted that, Figure 14 The communication device 1400 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the terminal device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the terminal device. Figure 14 The specific implementation of the communication device shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0282] Please see Figure 15 The above-described embodiments of the communication device 1500, provided as an example of the present application, are structural schematic diagrams. Specifically, the communication device 1500 can be a network device as described in the above embodiments. Figure 15 The example shown illustrates a communication device implemented through a network device (or a component within that network device). This network device may include a first network element, a second network element, or a fourth network element, etc. The structure of this communication device can be referenced from [reference needed]. Figure 15 The structure shown.

[0283] The communication device 1500 includes at least one processor 1511 and at least one network interface 1514. Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory 1512, at least one transceiver 1515, and one or more antennas 1515. The processor 1511, memory 1512, transceiver 1515, and network interface 1514 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 1515 is connected to the transceiver 1515. The network interface 1514 enables the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 1514 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface; the network interface may also include a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices, such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0284] The processor 1511 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs, for example, to support the communication device in performing the actions described in the embodiments. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit. The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit is primarily used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process data from the software programs. Figure 15The processor 1511 can integrate the functions of a baseband processor and a central processing unit. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and the central processing unit can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that a terminal device can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and a terminal device can include multiple central processing units to enhance its processing capabilities. The various components of the terminal device can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The central processing unit can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, with the processor executing the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0285] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 1512 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 1511. Optionally, the memory 1512 can be integrated with the processor 1511, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 1512 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 1511. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 1511.

[0286] Figure 15 Only one memory and one processor are shown. In actual terminal devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; this application does not limit this.

[0287] Transceiver 1515 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 1515 can be connected to antenna 1515. Transceiver 1515 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 1515 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 1515 is used to receive the RF signals from the antennas, convert the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 1511 so that processor 1511 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. In addition, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 1515 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 1511, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 1515. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0288] The transceiver 1515 can also be called a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver device, etc. Optionally, the device in the transceiver module that performs the receiving function can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver module that performs the transmitting function can be regarded as a transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver module includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0289] It should be noted that, Figure 15 The communication device 1500 shown can be used to implement the steps implemented by the network device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the corresponding technical effects of the network device. Figure 15 The specific implementation of the communication device 1500 shown can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes a method as described in the possible implementation of the terminal device in the foregoing embodiments.

[0291] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes a method as described in the foregoing embodiments of possible implementations of network devices (e.g., a first network element, a second network element, a fourth network element, etc.).

[0292] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that stores one or more computers. When the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes the method described above for possible implementation of the terminal device.

[0293] This application also provides a computer program product that stores one or more computers. When the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes the possible implementation of the network device (e.g., first network element, second network element, fourth network element, etc.).

[0294] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the terminal device described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0295] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. This chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be a network device (e.g., a first network element, a second network element, a fourth network element, etc.) as described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0296] This application also provides a communication system, the network system architecture of which includes the terminal device and network device (e.g., first network element, second network element, fourth network element, etc.) in any of the above embodiments.

[0297] 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, or indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0298] 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.

[0299] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive a first request from a first network element, the first request being used to instruct data registration, the first request carrying information about the data that the first network element can provide, the first network element being the producer of the data; Receive a second request from a second network element, the second request including a data request; Send first information to the second network element, the first information being used to obtain the data, and the data corresponding to the information of the data satisfying the data requirements.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information in the data includes at least one of the following: The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the collection granularity of the samples contained in the data, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type applicable to the data.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The statistical information includes at least one of the following: The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The information of the data includes the storage location of the data, and the first information includes the storage location.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The data requirements include at least one of the following: The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the collection granularity of the samples contained in the data, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type applicable to the data.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the data requirements and the information in the data, it is determined that the first network element can provide data that meets the data requirements; or... Based on the data requirements and the information of the data, it is determined that the data corresponding to the information of the data carried in the first request meets the data requirements.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The second request is used for data discovery, and the second request is used to request the discovery of data that meets the data requirements.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: A third request is sent to the network element storing the data, the third request being used to request the acquisition of the data; Receive the data sent by the network element that stores the data; Sending the first information to the second network element includes: The data is sent to the second network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth request is received from the first network element, the fourth request indicating that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fifth request to the first network element, the fifth request being used to request supplementary data for the data; Supplementary data to the data sent by the first network element is received.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth request is sent to a third network element, the sixth request including the supplementary data, the sixth request instructing that the supplementary data be stored.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF).

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first network element sends a first request to the fourth network element. The first request carries information about the data that the first network element can provide. The first network element is the producer of the data. The system receives a second message sent by the fourth network element, the second message being a response to the first request.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The information in the data includes at least one of the following: The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the collection granularity of the samples contained in the data, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type applicable to the data.

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a seventh request to the third network element, the seventh request being used to instruct the storage of the data; The storage location of the data sent by the third network element.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth request is sent to the fourth network element, the fourth request instructing that the information of the data carried in the first request be updated.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a fifth request sent by the fourth network element, the fifth request being used to request supplementary data for the data; Supplementary data for the data is sent to the fourth network element.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive an eighth request sent by the second network element, the eighth request being used to request the acquisition of the data; The data is sent to the second network element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, The first network element is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a User Plane Function (UPF), or the fourth network element is a Data Management Function (DMF).

20. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second network element sends a second request to the fourth network element, the second request instructing data discovery to be performed, and the second request includes a data requirement; The system receives first information sent by the fourth network element, the first information being used to acquire data, and the data satisfying the data requirements.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The data requirements include at least one of the following: The data category, the statistical information of the samples contained in the data, the collection granularity of the samples contained in the data, other types of data that the first network element can provide and that are associated with the data, the data quality of the data, the identifier of the first network element, and the data analysis type applicable to the data.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The statistical information includes at least one of the following: The number of samples included, the sampling rate of the included samples, the range of data values ​​of the included samples, the maximum value of the included samples, the minimum value of the included samples, the mean of the included samples, the variance of the included samples, whether there are outliers in the included samples, the proportion of outliers in the included samples, whether the included samples are periodic data, the distribution characteristics of the included samples, the collection time of the included samples, or the measurement time interval of the included samples.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The first information includes the storage location of the data; the method further includes: Send an eighth request to the network element where the storage location is located, the eighth request being used to request the acquisition of the data; Receive the data sent by the network element where the storage location is located.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that, The first information includes the data.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a send / receive module; The transceiver module is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A transceiver module is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19, or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 24.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being coupled to a memory; said memory is used to store programs or instructions; The at least one processor is configured to execute the program or instructions to cause the apparatus to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or to cause the apparatus to implement the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19, or to cause the apparatus to implement the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The medium stores instructions; When the instructions are executed by a computer, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 is implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19 is implemented, or the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24 is implemented.

30. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface; The communication interface is coupled to the processor, which is used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24.

Images